Investigating how exposure to a chemical during pregnancy and breastfeeding affects brain development in mice.
Official title: NIH Plunk The Effects of Gestational and Lactational Exposure to Perfluorohexanoic Acid on Cerebellum Development in the Mouse
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10918098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a chemical called PFHxA, which is found in some everyday products, might affect the brain development of mice when their mothers are exposed to it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it aims to help us understand any risks this could pose for children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31ES035614-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be pregnant individuals or breastfeeding mothers who may have been exposed to PFHxA.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have not been exposed to PFHxA, may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the effects of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a chemical found in various consumer products, on the development of the cerebellum in mice. The study focuses on how exposure occurs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as PFHxA can cross the placenta and be present in breast milk. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to understand how this chemical impacts brain development and immune function in the cerebellum, which is crucial for motor and cognitive skills. The findings could provide insights into potential risks for children exposed to PFHxA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental toxins affect brain development in children, potentially informing public health policies and safety regulations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific effects of PFHxA on brain development are not well-studied, other research has shown that similar environmental toxins can significantly impact developmental outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plunk, Elizabeth Cate — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Plunk, Elizabeth Cate
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.