Cycle 13- July 2024 OEFC Core Utilization Subsidy Program (CUSP) Awards — Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences

Large OEFC Core Utilization Subsidy Program (CUSP) Award(s): Large CUSP applications will be provided to subsidize already funded EHS research (for example NIEHS) by subsidizing up to 25% total OMICS costs capped at a $10,000 maximum.

Principal Investigator:Matt Cave, M.D., Ph.D.
Collaborators:Melissa Smith, Ph.D.
Title: Investigating the Impact of PFOS Exposure and Alcohol Consumption on Gut Microbiome Using 16S RRNA Sequencing Analysis
Lay Description: This study aims to investigate the impact of PFOS exposure and alcohol consumption on gut health and the microbiome. We will comprehensively characterize the gut microbiome in response to these environmental factors. This approach will provide crucial insights into the complex interplay between environmental toxicants, alcohol consumption, and the gut-liver axis, potentially informing future preventive and therapeutic strategies.

New Hypothesis Expansion/Direction Medium OEFC Core Utilization Subsidy Program (CUSP) Award(s): Medium CUSP applications support the expenses (up to $5,000) associated with critical exploratory research and proof-of-concept studies needed by CIEHS members for hypothesis generation and grant (re)submission.

Principal Investigator:Michael Merchant, Ph.D.
Co-I/Collaborators: Dawn Caster, M.D. (Co-PI); Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D.; Maiying Kong, Ph.D.
Title: Environmental Determinants of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in African Americans with Lupus Nephritis
Lay Description: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems, including the kidneys. When lupus involves the kidneys, known as lupus nephritis or LN, patients can develop kidney dysfunction that can lead to chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney disease. Minority populations are at higher risk for developing end stage kidney disease from lupus nephritis. The reason for this is likely multifactorial including both genetic risk factors and social determinants of health. The impact of environmental exposures on kidney disease progression in the setting of lupus nephritis is poorly understood. We plan to evaluate the role of genetics and environmental toxin exposure on chronic kidney disease progression in lupus nephritis.

Principal Investigator:Lonnie Sears, Ph.D.
Collaborators:Gregory Barnes, M.D., Ph.D.; Kyle Brothers, M.D.; Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D.; Maiying Kong, Ph.D.
Title: Association of Chromium Exposure and Neurobehavioral Health in Children with Autism
Lay Description: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication impairment and repetitive behaviors. The number of children diagnosed with autism is increasing but the cause is uncertain. This study will determine if children exposed to the heavy metal chromium show more signs of autism. Findings will increase our understanding and help address the causes for child developmental problems.

Principal Investigator: Banrida Wahlang, Ph.D.
Collaborators:Carolyn Klinge, Ph.D., Mayukh Banerjee, Ph.D., Juw Won Park, Ph.D.
Title: Sex-Specific Changes in the Hepatic Transcriptome with Toxicant Exposure
Lay Description: While exposures to environmental contaminants such as organochlorine pesticides and other persistent organic pollutants have been correlated with liver disease, little is known regarding how biological sex can influence these correlations. Thus, this Award will examine how exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants can alter gene expression in male and female mouse livers, and how these alterations can predispose the liver to injury and disease outcomes including steatotic liver disease. Additionally, the project will also examine how high caloric diets, in conjunction with environmental toxicants, can alter liver gene expression differentially in males and females. Findings from this Award will provide insight on how environmental contaminants, in combination with biological (sex) and lifestyle (diet) factors act together to promote liver disease outcomes.

Principal Investigator:Charlie Zhang, Ph.D.
Collaborators: Brian Guinn, Ph.D.; Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D.; Jason Xu, Ph.D.
Title: Exploring Environmental Injustice in Exposure to Heavy Metals in Louisville, Kentucky
Lay Description: The existing literature on environmental health sciences has highlighted the adverse impacts of chronic exposure to toxic heavy metals in the environment. Findings from our novel research can shed light on the complex relationships between community-level exposomes (i.e., toxic heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, etc.) and human health, contributing to the development of effective policies and interventions to minimize these environmental health hazards.