# Core-006: Training Core

> **NIH NIH P42** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $116,960

## Abstract

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:** 9942443
- **Project number:** 5P42ES010356-18
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Joel Newman Meyer
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $116,960
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9942443

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9942443, Core-006: Training Core (5P42ES010356-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9942443. Licensed CC0.

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