Authors:

Serena Yu

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

Not specified

About Paper:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals found in many common products, such as food packaging, textiles, and cosmetics. They are widely used in manufacturing because of their water- and oil-resistant properties. However, PFAS are extremely persistent and have become widespread environmental contaminants. Legacy PFASs, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), were voluntarily phased out due to health concerns, but they remain in the environment and living organisms. Growing research shows that PFAS can cross the blood-brain barrier and can contribute to neurotoxicity. Of increasing concern is their potential role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). Despite this, the neurotoxic mechanism of developmental PFOA exposure remains poorly understood. This research uses a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model to examine how PFOA exposure affects neurons and potentially contributes to an ADRD-like phenotype. After developmental- stage PFOA treatment, we observed persistent changes in neuronal activity, synaptic density, and levels of phosphorylated tau in neurites, based on a range of biochemical assays. These findings suggest impairments in key neuronal characteristics and accumulation of ADRD- related biomarkers. In addition, we detected reduced oxygen consumption using the Seahorse Mitostress test and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) dye, indicating disrupted mitochondrial function. Overall, the results suggest that developmental PFOA exposure impairs neuronal properties and mitochondrial activity in hiPSC-derived neurons, which may contribute to ADRD-like phenotypes. Future directions include exploring whether mitochondrial function can be restored in PFOA- exposed neurons by supplying them with healthy supporting cells, such as astrocytes. Keywords: Neurodegenerative Diseases; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD); Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS); Neurotoxicity † Presenting Undergrad Author; ‡ Contributing Undergrad Author; * Undergrad Acknowledgment

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Serena Yu