Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Cincinnati's Sponsored Research Services Division received a $3.87 million Project Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) under the Environmental Health program (CFDA 93.113), awarded on June 10, 2026, with a completion date of June 9, 2030. This research award funds mechanistic and translational studies investigating the hepatotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including both legacy compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and replacement chemicals such as GenX and PFBS. The research aims to elucidate how PFAS exposure downregulates the BRUCE autophagy inhibitor in hepatocytes, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

The project will deliver fundamental research insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS-induced liver disease through in vivo animal model studies and in vitro hepatocyte research, examining the interplay between BRUCE degradation, autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial function. Preliminary findings indicate that pharmacological restoration of mitochondrial function prevents PFAS-induced disease progression, positioning the research to identify potential therapeutic interventions for chronic liver diseases affecting an estimated 80–100 million Americans and to inform environmental health policy regarding PFAS exposure risks.