Investigating the long-term effects of early arsenic exposure on mental health
Official title: Long-term risk for psychiatric disorders following early life exposure to environmental arsenic
Funded at Mount Desert Island Biological Lab · NIH-11059163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to small amounts of arsenic in things like well water and food when we're young might lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety later on, using zebrafish to help us understand how this happens in our brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mount Desert Island Biological Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salsbury Cove, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035818-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to arsenic during early life, particularly those with a history of psychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to arsenic or do not have a history of psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how early life exposure to low levels of arsenic, commonly found in well water and food, may increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety later in life. Using zebrafish as a model, the study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects, particularly focusing on how arsenic disrupts glucocorticoid receptor signaling and impacts neurodevelopment. By examining these pathways, the research seeks to uncover the long-term consequences of environmental toxins on mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental toxins can significantly impact mental health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mount Desert Island Biological Lab
Salsbury Cove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffman, James a — Mount Desert Island Biological Lab
- Study coordinator: Coffman, James a
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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.