Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID MI_2024_Murphy

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the microbiome-gut-brain axis: linking microbiome dysbiosis and neurotoxicity in Great Lakes fish

Institute: Michigan
USGS Grant Number:
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2025-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $310,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $310,000

Principal Investigators: Cheryl Murphy

Project Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent pollutants affecting aquatic ecosystems worldwide. These contaminants may affect fish microbiome health which is important for immune function, nutrient uptake, and neurological function through the microbiome-gut-brain axis. To date, most PFAS research has focused on single compound exposures using standard laboratory organisms, rather than those that are representative of the local environment. This proposal aims to study the accumulation, sublethal effects, and molecular mechanisms of PFAS toxicity using an environmentally relevant mixture of PFAS and a Great Lakes fish species. Specifically, we will use previously collected and stored bluegill (Lipomus macrochirus) tissues to analyze PFAS bioaccumulation, gene expression, microbiome composition, and neurotransmitter production to better understand the effects PFAS has on microbiome health and how that may affect neurotoxicity in these animals. This information will impact ecological risk assessments, management of PFAS-contamination, and can help prioritize clean-up strategies.