Superfund Research Program

• 346 - Mechanism of Cadmium-induced Neurotoxicity, Potential Treatment Revealed -- Lu
  Release Date: 10/04/2023

  A particular class of extracellular vesicles protects against neurotoxicity caused by cadmium exposure, according to an NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded study. Extracellular vesicles are small packages of fats, nucleic acids, or proteins that allow cells to communicate with each other and support numerous cellular functions.

• 331 - Emerging PFAS Can Cause Changes in Gene Expression and Lipid Accumulation in Human Liver Cells -- Slitt
  Release Date: 07/06/2022

  New types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can induce significant increases in gene expression and lipid accumulation in human liver cells at lower concentrations compared to PFAS no longer in use, according to researchers funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP).

• 329 - Protein Provides Insight into Respiratory Toxicity of Cadmium -- Antony
  Release Date: 05/04/2022

  A protein called fibrinogen can be an indicator of cadmium exposure in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study led by Veena Antony, M.D., director of the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. COPD stems from thickening of airways in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and persistent coughing.

• 313 - New Model to Examine PFAS Sheds Light on Lipid Disruption Mechanisms -- Schlezinger, Webster
  Release Date: 01/13/2021

  Researchers from the Boston University (BU) Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center developed a novel study design that generated new insight on the effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on cholesterol regulation in the liver. Led by Jennifer Schlezinger, Ph.D., the team also investigated the molecular mechanisms of action, focusing on effects of PFOA on the human peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (hPPARα), a transcription factor that regulates lipid homeostasis.

• 312 - Improved Sequencing Method Leads to Advancements in Toxicology Research -- Zacharewski
  Release Date: 12/02/2020

  NIEHS-funded Superfund Research Program (SRP) scientists are employing a new RNA sequencing method to assess mechanisms of toxicity on a finer and more accessible scale. Researchers in SRP grantee Tim Zacharewski's Lab at the Michigan State University (MSU) SRP Center conducted the study.

• 306 - Three-Dimensional Cell Model Enhances DNA Damage Testing -- Engelward
  Release Date: 06/03/2020

  Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center scientists developed a new platform, known as the SpheroidChip analysis method, to rapidly test for DNA damage in three-dimensional (3D) cell models. Development was led by Bevin Engelward, Sc.D., at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• 302 - PAH and Hypoxia Exposure Result in Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fish -- Di Giulio
  Release Date: 02/05/2020

  Zebrafish exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water with inadequate oxygen, or hypoxia, can experience a broad range of effects on the mitochondria, according to an NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded study. Changes to the function and integrity of mitochondria, which are organelles that make energy for the cell, can disrupt metabolism and reduce organism fitness and performance.