Investigating how PCBs affect the gut microbiome and brain development.
Official title: PCB-mediated dysbiosis of the gut microbiome: A missing link in PCB-mediated neurodevelopmental disorders?
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10744752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to certain chemicals called PCBs might change the bacteria in the gut of young mice, which could help us understand how these changes affect brain development and lead to problems in kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,202 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES031098-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to PCBs during development, particularly those with neurodevelopmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to PCBs or do not have neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and changes in the gut microbiome, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study aims to understand how these changes can alter the distribution of neuroactive substances to the brain and affect how PCBs are processed in the body. By examining juvenile mice with different gut microbiome conditions, researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that could lead to effective interventions for reducing the impact of PCBs on brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating neurodevelopmental disorders linked to environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that environmental toxins can impact gut microbiome health and brain development, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehmler, Hans-Joachim — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Lehmler, Hans-Joachim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut health and PTSD in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease
A study explores how the gut microbiome and chronic stress from military experiences may influence inflammatory bowel disease in veterans.
-
Understanding Gut Health in Veterans with Deployment-Related GI and Liver Conditions
This project explores how the gut microbiome and PTSD might be connected to inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive issues in Veterans.
-
Understanding how gut bacteria affect the brain in neurodevelopmental conditions
This research explores how specific gut bacteria might influence brain function and behavior in people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Using diet to prevent Clostridioides difficile infections
This study is looking at how eating more fiber and less fat might help people, especially those with cancer, avoid infections from C. diff by changing the bacteria in their gut and how their bodies respond to antibiotics.
-
Understanding how gut bacteria changes may influence lung cancer development.
This study is looking at how changes in gut bacteria might be linked to lung cancer, especially in people who have smoked, and it hopes to find new ways to help prevent and treat this type of cancer.
-
Exploring how gut microbes affect brain function in neurodevelopmental disorders
This study is looking at how a specific gut microbe, L. reuteri, might affect brain function and social behavior in mice with neurodevelopmental disorders, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions feel and interact better.
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.