Translational Studies of Neurobehavioral Effects of Mercury Exposure

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We respond to PAR-06-420, jointly issued by the Fogarty Institute and other NIH units, including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Basic and clinical researchers of the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Auburn University (AU), Harvard University (HU), and the Universidade Federal do Para (UFPA) (Brasil) request funding to develop an interdisciplinary program of translational biobehavioral research and research training focusing on neurotoxic effects of heavy metal exposure in humans and animal models. In this first project, the primary focus will be on effects of Hg exposure (emphasizing initially on methymercury [MeHg]). The project will (a) validate novel methodology for evaluating neurobehavioral functioning in nonhuman primates, (b) apply the methodology to study effects of Hg exposure on behavior, and (c) extend the methodology to evaluate sensory and neurocognitive function of Hg exposure in children living near gold-mining operations in Brasil. The grant will permit a three-pronged program: (1) In the first year, collaborating investigators will merge streams of research at UMMS, HU, AU, and UFPA to the end of validating a battery of nonverbal neurobehavioral tests that is appropriate for use with both nonhuman primates and human children. (2) In both project years, the project team will conduct feasibility research to apply the battery to assess sensory and neurocognitive effects of mercury exposure in (a) laboratory studies of nonhuman primates and (b) field studies with children. (3) The team will evaluate the feasibility of developing a sustained program of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research training focusing on interdisciplinary analysis of the neurobehavioral effects of heavy metal exposure. The project will take advantage of successful US program models such as the NICHD- supported Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities Research Centers. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project concerns the effects of environmental mercury on the development of the brain and behavior. The project will be conducted in gold-mining areas in the north of Brazil, which are heavily polluted with mercury due to processing of gold ore there. Our main focus will be on the children of gold miners. We hope to assess the impact of the pollution on child development to better inform local decision-makers and to take steps toward development of potentially helpful therapies.