Understanding how lead exposure in childhood affects brain function and mental health
Official title: Neurobiology of lead exposure and risk of psychiatric disease
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11030837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to lead as a child can affect thinking skills and may be linked to mental health issues like schizophrenia, and it also wants to see if a special supplement can help improve these problems for kids who have been affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $531,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035827-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-20 who have been exposed to lead and are experiencing cognitive or behavioral challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to lead or do not exhibit cognitive or psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of childhood lead exposure on cognitive function and its association with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. By examining the neurobiological changes at various levels, including brain networks and circuits, the study aims to uncover how lead exposure disrupts brain development and leads to behavioral deficits. The researchers will also explore the potential of a specific nutraceutical to counteract these negative effects, providing insights that could lead to new treatment options for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for cognitive and psychiatric issues stemming from childhood lead exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding neurobiological impacts of environmental toxins can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guilarte, Tomas R — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Guilarte, Tomas R
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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.