PFAS exposure and its links to brain development and behavior
Official title: Defining the neurotoxic and neurodevelopmental health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11468457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how common chemicals called PFAS may affect brain development and learning in children, with the goal of understanding why exposure could be connected to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | January 13, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| Award (this year) | $529,497 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES036199-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and families affected by environmental PFAS exposure, especially those with concerns about neurodevelopmental outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit for individuals if the study’s findings do not translate into policy changes or interventions in the near term.
What this research studies
PFAS are widespread chemicals found in water and food, and nearly everyone has measurable levels in their blood. This project aims to uncover how PFAS interact with the brain during development, including the role of transporter proteins and how different PFAS structures may change these effects. Early studies in zebrafish suggest PFAS can affect learning, and the team will investigate cellular uptake and brain-related outcomes in relation to autism, ADHD, and other behavioral changes. By mapping mechanisms from exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomes, the research could guide risk reduction and public health strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform safer PFAS exposure limits and help protect children's brain development.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work and related models suggest PFAS can interact with brain development, but the exact mechanisms and translational relevance require further confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atilla-Gokcumen, Gunes Ekin — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Atilla-Gokcumen, Gunes Ekin
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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.