Project R-9579
Title
Airborne soot particles and neurobiological outcomes: focus on translocation and intermediate mechanisms (Research)
Abstract
Air pollution is a complex mixture and we are far from understanding the respective contribution of
its various components. Evidence that soot particles are one of the most toxic components causing
health effects including on the central nervous system is rising. The aim of the proposed
interdisciplinary project is to study the effects of soot particles on the human brain in early
development and to deduce the relation with affected neurocognitive processes. To ensure
complementary and detailed information these aims are examined on three different biological
levels. First, representative 3D in vitro human models are used to study the action of soot at the
most important entry route towards the brain, benefitting the fields of science & technology and
biological sciences. Next, toxicological effects of the inhaled particles are investigated and linked to
observed impaired neurobehavior of laboratory animals to understand the complex origin of
neurodevelopmental diseases in early life, which advances the disciplines of biological and medical
sciences. Finally, to connect these results to a real life context, neurocognitive functioning of
children included in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort is correlated to levels of inhaled soot particles.
Molecular markers on the level of the transcriptome and epigenome are studied as intermediate
mechanisms. The results of this study lead to a better understanding of the health risks associated
with soot exposure.
Period of project
01 January 2019 - 31 December 2022