PFAS effects on early human brain development
Investigating neurodevelopmental toxicity of perfluoroalkyl acids and their derivatives in human brain organoids models
Researchers will look at whether common PFAS chemicals change how early human brain cells grow and connect in ways that could affect developing babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235154 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses human stem cells grown into neural progenitor cells, spheroids, and cortical organoids that mimic early brain development. Researchers expose those lab-grown tissues to different doses of PFAS chemicals and track effects on cell growth, survival, and cell cycle progression. They will measure gene activity and chromatin accessibility (using methods like ATAC-seq) to identify molecular changes caused by exposure. The team aims to link those molecular changes to disruptions in how brain networks form that may underlie developmental conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients directly; it uses donated human stem cells and lab-grown brain organoids rather than recruiting people for clinical procedures.
Not a fit: People with established neurological injury or long-standing developmental disorders are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this lab-based research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how PFAS exposure harms developing brains and guide prevention, safer exposure limits, or future interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological and animal studies have linked PFAS to developmental problems, but using human brain organoids to reveal specific molecular mechanisms is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iakoucheva, Lilia M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Iakoucheva, Lilia M
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 below.