Project R-9579

Airborne soot particles and neurobiological outcomes: focus on translocation and intermediate mechanisms (Research)

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.

01 January 2019 - 31 December 2022