# Duke University Superfund Research Center - Developmental Exposures: Mechanisms, Outcomes and Remediation

> **NIH NIH P42** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $2,276,937

## Abstract

Project Summary
Research conducted within the Duke University’s Superfund Research Center (DUSRC) focuses on a central
research question: How does early life exposure to hazardous substances elicit developmental toxicity, and
what are the later-life consequences? As such the theme of our center is “Developmental Exposures:
Mechanisms, Consequences and Remediation”, and we remain committed to investigating the vulnerability of
the developing organism to hazardous chemical exposures. Within the DUSRC we emphasize research on
both ATSDR priority chemicals (e.g. PAHs, metals, organophosphate chemicals) and emerging chemicals of
concern (e.g. halogenated flame retardants) that are known to, or have potential to, adversely effect
development. Mechanisms of action that are central to the mission and research conducted within the DUSRC
include mechanisms underlying molecular and physiological effects from developmental exposures,
mechanisms underlying ameliorations of and adaptations to these effects, and mechanisms and approaches to
engineering solutions for the ultimate removal of these chemicals from the environment. A unifying theme
across the DUSRC projects is effects on neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes from these
exposures. DUSRC researchers are conducting research using in vitro (e.g. cell culture) and in vivo (e.g.
zebrafish, rats) models to determine effects of these hazardous chemicals on neurodevelopmental across
projects, but several individual projects are also exploring effects on skeletal and fat development,
cardiovascular development and bioenergetics. Of key interest is the ability of some contaminants to converge
on similar phenotypes through multiple mechanisms of action. With the heightened interest in developing
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) within regulatory agencies, the DUSRC is well poised to support these
endeavors. Our interdisciplinary team of biomedical/environmental scientists and engineers provide the
DUSRC with a unique opportunity to address and examine “holistic” consequences of developmental
exposures. This integration is central to evaluating the true risk from exposure to hazardous substances. The
DUSRC directly addresses the program mandates by investigating health effects and risks and remediation of
hazardous substances in an interdisciplinary fashion. In addition to responding to SRP mandates, the
DUSRC’s research, research translation, and community engagement activities are also highly relevant to
numerous stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10144434
- **Project number:** 5P42ES010356-19
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Di Giulio
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $2,276,937
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2000-06-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10144434

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10144434, Duke University Superfund Research Center - Developmental Exposures: Mechanisms, Outcomes and Remediation (5P42ES010356-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10144434. Licensed CC0.

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