Investigating the neurotoxicity of PFAS chemicals
Official title: Comparative neurotoxicity of PFAS
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11112379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in everyday products might affect brain health, especially in terms of learning and memory, by comparing older and newer versions of these chemicals using zebrafish and human cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $656,288 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035429-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have been exposed to PFAS through environmental sources or consumer products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to PFAS or who are under 21 years old may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affects brain health, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The study will compare the neurotoxic effects of traditional PFAS chemicals, like PFOA, with newer replacements such as PFBA and GenX, using zebrafish models and human-derived cells. By examining how these substances impact dopamine-producing neurons, the research aims to uncover potential long-term effects on brain function and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of neurotoxic risks associated with PFAS exposure, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research directly comparing the neurotoxicity of various PFAS, preliminary studies using animal models suggest that similar approaches have yielded valuable insights into chemical toxicity.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Jennifer L. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Jennifer L.
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.