Investigating how pesticide exposure and genetic factors contribute to autism risk in prairie voles.
Official title: Developmental pyrethroid exposure in the Shank3 mutant prairie vole as a 2-hit model for neurodevelopmental disorder risk
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10989162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes and exposure to pesticides during pregnancy might affect a child's risk of developing autism and other developmental issues, using a small animal model to find ways to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $421,047 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036352-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may be at risk for autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders due to genetic or environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition or environmental exposure related to autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between genetic mutations and environmental factors, specifically focusing on how exposure to pyrethroid pesticides during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Using a prairie vole model with Shank3 mutations, the study aims to better understand the biological mechanisms behind these disorders. By examining behavioral changes and biological markers in these animals, researchers hope to identify potential pathways for intervention and treatment. This approach addresses a critical gap in understanding the multifactorial nature of autism and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between environmental exposures and neurodevelopmental disorders, but this specific approach using the prairie vole model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkett, James — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Burkett, James
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.