Associations between Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Exposure and Aeroallergen Sensitization among Infants at High-Risk for Developing Asthma

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Candidate: Dr. Medina Jackson-Browne, PhD is an environmental epidemiologist with primary research interests in the role of early-life environmental chemical exposures on the immune and respiratory systems in children. The goal of this proposal is to obtain training in the skills to build Dr. Jackson-Browne’s research career in pediatric clinical research. We propose several initiatives to strengthen Dr. Jackson-Browne’s career. Specifically, Dr. Jackson-Browne will gain new research skills and enhance her understanding of 1) the clinical trial process with Dr. Phipatanakul, MD, 2) train in early-childhood immune system development and respiratory physiology and 3) translate this research and training to position her for a future R01. To achieve this goal, she will obtain training in clinical trial design, database design and management, and advanced biostatistical methods. This will be accomplished with formal coursework, collaborative work, attendance at conferences, and guidance from established mentors/scientific advisors with relevant expertise. The proposed research and training plan builds the foundation for an independent research career that aims to address gaps in the understanding of timing and mechanism through which environmental chemical exposure affect respiratory health in early childhood. Research: Early-life exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly chemical’s known to bioaccumulate in humans, is of increasing concern in the development of asthma in children. Aeroallergen sensitization is a pivotal risk factor for developing persistent, progressive asthma throughout life and sensitized children have a higher prevalence of early-life wheeze and poor lung function. These potential associations are particularly relevant to populations with higher exposure to these chemicals and those at a higher risk for developing and/or dying from complications from asthma such as Black and low-income urban children. This proposal details a five-year plan to provide Dr. Jackson-Browne with the training and expertise to address gaps in the understanding of the timing through which perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposures may affect asthma development in children by leveraging infrastructure of an on-going pediatric clinical trial of 2-3-year-old infants at high risk of developing asthma (PI, Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, MD). Environment: Dr. Jackson-Browne will be mentored by Dr. Phipatanakul, an expert in epidemiology, clinical trials, and clinical investigation in asthma and allergic diseases. She has assembled an extraordinary team of advisors, including Drs. Jessie Buckley, Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir and Suzanne Dahlberg who have committed their time, resources, and expertise to facilitate Dr. Jackson-Browne’s career development and successful completion of the proposed project. The academic environment created Boston Children’s Hospital and their affiliates provides an ideal training environment specific to her goals of achieving research independence.