Area of Research Emphasis (ARE) #4: Neurotoxicology
Overview: A substance is considered a neurotoxin if exposure to that substance can harm the nervous system. Some chemicals that are known to be neurotoxic include pesticides such as leptophos and kepone, industrial solvents such as toluene and styrene, and metals such as lead and manganese. Neurotoxicity remains an important focus in public health as scientists work to gather data in order to better understand how we are exposed and what determines our susceptibility to the harmful effects of neurotoxic chemicals. Researchers at the CEEH in particular are working to understand how neurotoxic substances effect development, the role they play in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, and how genetic variation helps determine how susceptible a given individual is to harm. They are also working to understand the exact mechanisms by which neurotoxic effects occur at the molecular level. Understanding these mechanisms may help researchers develop new ways of detecting the effects of exposure to neruotoxic chemicals and may potentially lead to new approaches to treatment.
CEEH Connections: There are 12 researchers affiliated with the CEEH that work in this area of research emphasis. Clement Furlong and Lucio Costa have done a great deal of research on the effects of genetic variation of the PON1 gene, a gene that helps determine how the body handles exposure to organophosphates, a class of neurotoxic pesticides. Their research shows that individuals with low levels of PON1 activity are more susceptible to harm from these chemicals. Furlong and Costa have also studied how environmental factors like diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption can influence PON1 activity. Anneclaire De Roos also studies variation in the PON1 gene, in particular the relationship between these variations and childhood brain tumors. Lucio Costa, Zhengui Xia and Harvey Checkoway are working to understand the gene-environment interactions that contribute to neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Finally, Thomas Moeller, Lucio Costa, Terrence Kavanaugh, and Elaine Faustman focus on developmental toxicology, exploring topics such as the effects of exposure to flame retardants on development.
ARE Director:
Dr. Lucio Costa, UW Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
lgcosta@u.washington.edu
206-543-2831