Research Projects- Environmental Health Sciences

Active Research

Learn about our featured COHSE- EHS Faculty Research at the University of Michigan

Stuart Batterman

Community Action to Promote Healthy Environments

NIH RePORTER

Co/Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NIEHS: R01

1/1/21-10/31/25

ABSTRACT

The overarching goals of the Community Action to Promote Healthy Environments (CAPHE) partnership, established in 2014, are to: (1) develop new knowledge on local community-prioritized air pollutants; (2) implement components of our scientifically-grounded community-informed Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) to reduce exposure and improve health; (3) expand community engagement in environmental health research and action; and (4) evaluate the process and impact of these collaborative efforts. Building on long-standing community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships engaging community-based organizations (CBOs), local and state governments, and academic partners, CAPHE conducted collaborative research, training, education and outreach on air pollution, an environmental priority of the Detroit community, and health impacts. We documented air pollutant levels, sources and distribution, quantified health impacts and inequities, identified mitigation strategies, and projected health benefits of selected strategies. Our PHAP detailed 25 scientifically based community-prioritized recommendations and action strategies to reduce pollutant exposure and adverse health effects. CAPHE partners, leading advocates for air quality and health in Detroit, are working to implement prioritized recommendations. This renewal application, CAPHE: Advancing Air Quality and Health, will substantially expand the scope and impact of our successful research-to-action partnership through four aims: (1) increase knowledge of environmental exposures and associated health impacts by establishing a community-based ambient monitoring network and data portal for key air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, organic carbon, black carbon); (2) improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in schools and other child-serving organizations located near major roads and industrial sites with high levels of cumulative risk, using advanced air filtration practices and other strategies; (3) engage youth, educators, parents, CBOs and business leaders in air quality research and translation, increasing environmental health literacy, access to resources, and skills working with decision makers; and (4) increase effectiveness, engagement and impact of actions in Specific Aims 1-3 using ongoing formative process and impact/outcome evaluation. The proposed project will be implemented by a team that includes five Detroit CBOs with extensive records of environmental leadership, five academic researchers with complementary expertise, and experienced state and local government partners. CAPHE has a strong history of CBPR, experience in air quality monitoring, data interpretation, and impact analysis (Aim 1); IEQ improvements (Aim 2); community engagement and translation of research to action (Aim 3); and process and impact evaluation to maximize engagement and effectiveness (Aim 4). This research-to-action proposal addresses community priorities of air quality and children’s health using linked, collaborative activities that will reduce exposure and adverse health effects and support sustained engagement. Results have will be useful for communities globally that experience high cumulative risk.

 
Developing novel strategies for personalized treatment and prevention of ALS:

NIH RePORTER

Co/Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NINDS: R01

9/30/21-6/30/25

ABSTRACT

Genetic heritability incompletely explains amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the pace of ALS genetic dis- coveries has slowed, meaning entirely new research directions are needed to unravel disease mechanisms and identify therapies. Our goal is to understand, cure, and prevent ALS. Our overall approach is to identify the intersection of exposures, genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and inflammation on ALS. Our rationale is that prior environmental risk scores (ERS) based on even crude plasma measures of limited classes of pollutants associate with a 7-fold increase in ALS risk and 2-fold decrease in survival, therefore a detailed understanding of the exposome with other omics can immediately provide new, much needed strate- gies for both ALS treatment and prevention. We propose 3 aims: 1) comprehensively assess environmental exposures and polygenic factors in ALS versus control subjects to identify synergistic environment-polygenic associations that increase ALS risk; 2) define exposome signatures in the ALS epigenome, transcriptome, and metabolome; and 3) determine how environmental exposures alter ALS immune profiles and identify drug tar- gets. First, we account for the complex exposure data from self-reports, geospatial analysis, and biospecimens using component-ERS (cERS) for specific exposure types (e.g. pesticides, metals, air pollution) and a poly- ERS for combined exposures. We account for genetic risk using polygenic risk scores (PRS) and C9ORF72 status. We will build ALS risk and prediction models based on ERS and PRS. Next, using cERS, poly-ERS, and PRS, we determine the environmental signature on the DNA methylome, mRNA and microRNA, to identify exposures that associate with differentially expressed genes and target pathways. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses will define the relative contribution of polymorphisms vs exposures on gene expression. High resolution untargeted metabolomics will reveal the environmental signature of the ALS metabolome and identify new toxicants. All datasets will be integrated using pan-omics techniques to identify gene-metabolite networks that are disease targets. Finally, we will classify immune profiles that associate with cERS and poly- ERS to identify therapeutic targets using existing FDA approved drugs. Our proposal is highly innovative; it de- fines for each patient, (i) their exposome, summarized with cERS/poly-ERS; (ii) their genome summarized by PRS and its association with ERS to understand the combined gene/environment risk; (iii) their multi-omic en- vironmental signatures from the epigenome, transcriptome, metabolome, and inflammasome; (iv) their dysreg- ulated pathways, ranked by their association to ALS risk and progression to identify personalized mechanism- based drug-targets; and (v) ALS prediction models and preventative strategies via risk factor modification. Our parallel, multi-omics approach is significantly faster than serial, single-toxicant/omic approaches, and its inte- grated nature captures the full spectrum of omics intersections, accelerating scientific discovery. We will make significant strides in finding completely new therapeutic targets and public health preventative strategies.

 
Environmental Toxicology and Epidemiology Pre- and Post-Doctoral Research

NIH RePORTER

Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NIEHS: T32 Training Program

7/1/79-6/30/25

ABSTRACT

The objective of the Environmental Toxicology and Epidemiology (ETEP) training program is to train future leaders in the environmental health sciences by providing research training that bridges environmental toxicology (basic research) and epidemiology (population-based research) with applications to human disease prevention. The program is based on the premise that environmental health scientists who specialize in toxicology or epidemiology require training in multiple disciplinary approaches to conduct impactful translational research, encompassing the rapidly evolving approaches used in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and data science. The proposed program represents evolutionary changes to our highly successful program, now in its 40th year. In this submission, we request 6 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral positions (at levels 0, 1 and 2). Predoctoral trainees specialize in environmental epidemiology or toxicology, and complete foundation and advanced courses in the non-specialization area (e.g., epidemiology trainees complete toxicology courses and vice versa), and all trainees complete a common core curriculum that includes courses in bioinformatics or data science and the responsible conduct of research. Predoctoral trainees must have a baccalaureate degree with relevant scientific coursework preparation and will be enrolled in a PhD program in the Environmental Health Sciences Department, which has a distinguished history of graduate training in toxicology and environmental health sciences. The expected duration of trainee support from the ETEP training grant is two years; the expected duration of predoctoral training is 4-5 years. Postdoctoral trainees will work with our ETEP faculty, complete research training and career development modules, and will be encouraged to submit an individual NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship application in their first year of training. Qualified postdoctoral applicants must demonstrate motivation for careers in the environmental health sciences addressing toxicology or epidemiology research, and have a PhD, MD, DVM or other appropriate doctoral degree. The program is implemented and evaluated with the assistance of an Executive Committee, External Advisory Committee, and a diverse pool of outstanding faculty mentors drawn from across the University of Michigan.
 
 
Exposure Assessment Core

NIH RePORTER

Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NIEHS: P30

4/15/11-3/31/27

ABSTRACT

The Exposure Assessment (EA) Core provides critical support to advance the Michigan Center on Lifestage Environmental Exposures and Disease (M-LEEaD) mission through a broad range of exposure assessment services for M-LEEaD scientists. The EAC conducts exposure analyses in pilot projects, facilitates the design, implementation, analysis and characterization of environmental exposures, and expands the use and capabilities of exposure measurements. The EA Core helps to ensure that exposure assessments and analytical data generated and used by Center members are scientifically sound, quality-assured, and reflect state-of-the-art knowledge and expertise. The EA Core also furthers the translational vision and initiatives of M- LEEaD by participating in outreach and translational initiatives aimed at informing policy and the lay public. The specific aims are to: (1) provide analytical services to measure and characterize environmental exposures for research investigating exposure-disease links; (2) provide consultations, referrals and other services that support exposure assessment activities; (3) coordinate and leverage exposure assessment activities related to exposure assessment, particularly biomonitoring; (4) advance the performance and capability of exposure measurements; and (5) disseminate exposure assessment related information to Center investigators and outreach to the public and other stakeholders. The EA Core aims to use innovative methods, including the use of novel and enhanced sampling and analytical methods. Core management and activities encourage utilization of the EA Core in developing pilot projects and proposals and in executing research. The EA Core provides free consultations, access to a broad menu of services, and “one-stop” shopping approach with the goal of utilizing exposure measurements, enhancing research productivity, and promoting interdisciplinary work for M-LEEaD members and others engaged in environmental health sciences research. Access to the EA Core is available to M-LEEaD members, University of Michigan scientists, and other investigators. Cost-matching and discounted fees for analytical services are available to M-LEEaD members, depending on analyte, matrix and service. EA Core funds help support, as needed and feasible, methods development, statistical analyses, exposure modeling and data interpretations, i.e., these items are not charged to Center members. EA Core funds also help augment pilot projects, initiate and support method development and exploratory work, and promote participation with collaborating and supporting laboratories for inter-laboratory inter-comparisons for quality assurance and other purposes. Method development activities supporting exposure assessment activities of Center members include advancing biomarker measurements, including the use of advanced GC/MS-MS approaches, enhanced chemical detection and validation using archived dried blood spots samples, combined genome/biomarker optimization; and exposure mapping.
 
 
Mapping the ALS Exposome to Gain New Insights into Disease Risk and Pathogenesis

NIH RePORTER

Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NIEHS: R01

1/1/20-10/31/24

ABSTRACT

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex unknown pathogenesis. Recent evidence supports a gene-time-environment hypothesis whereby environmental exposures trigger neurodegeneration when superimposed on a genetic risk profile. Supporting this premise, long-term adverse environmental exposures are linked to ALS risk and progression; we have shown that measured and reported pesticide exposures strongly increase ALS risk and that high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decrease ALS survival in ALS subjects in Michigan. Therefore, there is a need to delineate the “ALS exposome,” defined as the lifetime of environmental exposures that contributes to ALS risk. In this proposal, our objectives are to improve our ALS exposome model by enhancing insight into pollutant mixtures associated with ALS accounting for genetic risk, identifying periods of susceptibility to exposures, correlating toxin measurements in easily assessable biofluids with epidemiologic data, and identifying whether these environmental toxins are absorbed into the central nervous system (CNS) in order to improve insight into the gene-time-environment hypothesis in ALS. Our central hypothesis is that identifying environmental pollutants in biofluids and CNS tissues will advance models of ALS pathogenesis. In Aim 1, we will better characterize the ALS exposome by measuring environmental toxins in biological samples obtained longitudinally from ALS subjects from the University of Michigan ALS Patient Repository and age- and sex-matched controls across the State of Michigan to yield insight into the pollutant mixtures that contribute to disease risk and survival, accounting for genetic susceptibility via polygenic risk scores. In Aim 2, we will evaluate residential and occupational histories for association with ALS risk and survival, while also correlating exposure histories to toxin measures from Aim 1, to gain comprehensive insight into exposure mixtures and time windows critical for ALS risk. Finally, in Aim 3, we will quantitate environmental toxins and heavy metals in ALS and control CNS tissues, and link peripheral alterations with observed changes in ALS CNS tissue and critical exposure windows to thereby ascertain environmental risk factors that potentially contribute to ALS pathogenesis. Overall, successful completion of these aims will have an important positive translational impact by identifying ALS disease risk factors associated with occupational and environmental exposures, while accounting for genetic susceptibility. This proposal will therefore expand our understanding of the ALS exposome in the context of genetic risk, identify toxins that pose a public health risk, identify occupations linked to exposures, and establish a framework to test for these exposures in other neurodegenerative diseases. This understanding of the ALS exposome will support much-needed public health interventions to target modifiable disease risk factors in this lethal disorder.
 
 
Michigan-Ohio Occupational Research Education (MOORE) Program

NIH RePORTER

Principal Investigator: Stuart Batterman, PhD

NIEHS: R25 

9/1/21-8/31/26

ABSTRACT

The overarching goals of the proposed R25 research educational program are to support activities that complement and enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation’s needs for evaluating, managing and handling hazardous substances, and to advance educational opportunities in environmental and occupational health and safety and in the public health and engineering aspects of hazardous waste control. The proposed Michigan-Ohio Occupational Research Education Program (MOORE Program) will focus on the development and delivery of training and research experiences for graduate students and occupational health and safety (OHS) practitioners addressing four themes: (1) emerging technologies in exposure assessment; (2) home health care; (3) sustainability and OHS practices; and (4) ergonomics and aerosol exposure. The instruction and research experiences will engage multidisciplinary teams from the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, and Michigan State University with considerable experience expertise and commitment to OHS and this program. Training and research in four themes will address joint occupational and environmental stressors that can affect OHS, as well as the changing nature of the workplace. Activities in the MOORE Program will include creating a common and cross-cutting infrastructure for educational programs at partnering institutions; developing new web-based modules that address these themes; embedding these modules in existing courses and developing new courses and certificate programs for our occupational and environmental health science programs; offering these modules as continuing education (CE) courses to working professionals; and providing intensive research experiences for graduate and post-graduate students and professionals that are linked to applications in the four areas. These offerings will utilize a common rubric that incorporates evidence-based backward curriculum design, utilize the Wikipedia environment that both engages students and adds content to this well-used public resource, and employ robust external and ongoing evaluations to ensure the highest quality offerings and responsiveness to trainee and professional needs. Drawing on the strong and complementary OHS programs and outstanding resources at the three universities, this partnership will greatly expand offerings available to students at our institutions and the broader region, create new opportunities to meet research training needs in emerging areas relevant to OHS and the Superfund Program, and maximize our impact in the professional and practice communities in protecting worker health.
 
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kaley James
Administrative Program Coordinator

kaleyj@umich.edu