This federal Project Grant award of $400,847 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) under the Environmental Health (CFDA 93.113) program aims to examine the role of noradrenergic (NA) signaling and its chief regulator, the locus coeruleus (LC) NA neurons, in mediating lead (Pb)-induced stress behavior phenotypes. The project seeks to delineate the role of Pb-induced aberrant NA signaling in the propagation of altered stress responses, as well as uncover the structural and functional changes by which early developmental Pb exposure alters the sensitivity of LC/NA neurons to subsequent stressors and Pb accumulation. The research leverages the zebrafish model to observe neural changes in the brain and their behavioral correlates non-invasively. This 2-year exploratory grant, with a period of performance from May 2025 to May 2027, promises crucial insights into the overlooked role of Pb-induced insults to neuronal populations regulating the acute stress response, paving the way for more targeted therapeutic and mitigation strategies.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $400.8k | 5/12/25 |