Investigating how environmental pollutants during pregnancy affect brain health later in life
Official title: Human stem cell derived forebrain model to study persistent neurotoxic effects of trans-placental developmental exposures to environmental pollutants
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11073077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to harmful substances during pregnancy might affect a baby's brain development and increase the chances of developing Alzheimer's or similar conditions later on, using human stem cells to see how these substances can impact brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,694 |
| NIH project number | 5K99ES036290-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to environmental pollutants in utero, particularly those whose mothers were pregnant during significant environmental contaminant exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to environmental pollutants during pregnancy or who do not have a family history of Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy can impact the development of the fetal brain and increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias later in life. By creating a model using human stem cells, researchers will simulate the placental barrier and test whether harmful substances can cross it and affect brain development. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques to observe any lasting changes in neuron function caused by these exposures. This work could provide insights into how early-life environmental factors contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that early-life environmental exposures can have lasting effects on brain health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tukker, Anke Marije — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Tukker, Anke Marije
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.