# Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cadmium Neurotoxicity

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2021 · $340,480

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY 
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal of high interest to the Superfund Initiative. It has no known physiological 
function but is a neurotoxicant. Cd exposure is associated with cognitive and olfactory impairment in humans. 
However, little is known concerning the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. This grant explores the 
molecular and cellular basis for the deleterious effects of Cd on olfaction and cognition in mouse models, with 
a focus on its effects on adult neurogenesis and Ca2+signaling critical for hippocampus-dependent memory. 
We hypothesize that Cd interferes with adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and in 
olfactory bulb, and disrupts Ca2+signaling in neurons. We further hypothesize that these adverse cellular and 
molecular effects may underlie Cd neurotoxicity in cognition and olfaction. We will test these hypotheses both 
in primary cultured neural stem cells and in vivo in mice. Studies proposed here will provide new insights 
concerning mechanisms of Cd neurotoxicity, establish animal models to ascertain a causal relationship 
between Cd exposure and impairment in cognition and olfaction, and elucidate underlying cellular and 
molecular mechanisms. The proposed studies may provide useful information for Cd risk assessment and 
designing prevention and intervention strategies against Cd -induced neurotoxicity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10137959
- **Project number:** 5P42ES004696-33
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** ZHENGUI XIA
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $340,480
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10137959

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10137959, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cadmium Neurotoxicity (5P42ES004696-33). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10137959. Licensed CC0.

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