Project 2 – Thyroid Metabolism Disruption in Toxicant-Induced Developmental Impairment

What do we do?

The thyroid gland is an extremely important part of the endocrine system.  Not only does the thyroid gland control metabolism, but it also controls your body’s response to hormones and releases hormones of its own.  This project, one of our new projects for this funding cycle, is exploring how halogenated organic compounds (those containing bromide, chloride, or fluoride) impact thyroid hormones.  In addition to halogenated organic compounds, we are also looking at what effect the contaminants studied by Projects 1, 3, and 4 (organophosphates, PAHs, and nanoparticles) have on thyroid hormones and the development of nerve cells.

How will we do it?

To do this we are using zebrafish as a model for how these compounds may affect human health.  Why zebrafish?  We use zebrafish as models for humans because they grow and develop very quickly and we know a lot about their DNA.  By raising and keeping zebrafish in our own tanks, we are able to control exposures to contaminants of interest.

Who are we?

Dr. Heather Stapleton
Dr. Lee Ferguson
Thomas Fang, PhD candidate
Laura Macaulay, PhD candidate