Effects of PFAS on Lipid Metabolism

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Marisol Sepúlveda

Xenopus laevis

Researchers

Anna Bushong

Anna Bushong, MS student
Purdue FNR

Tyler Hoskins

Tyler Hoskins, Post-doctoral Researcher
Purdue FNR

Dr. Marisol Sepulvada holding a fish.

Marisol Sepúlveda, Professor and Associate Head of Research
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

Research Objectives

  • Preliminary data shows that PFAS can alter body condition in amphibians
  • Determining the impacts of PFAS on lipid homeostasis, including lipid contents and changes in gene expression
  • Animal model: Xenopus laevis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally distributed contaminants with widespread use in commercial and consumer products. Due to their aquatic and terrestrial life cycle, amphibians are particularly susceptible to sublethal effects of PFAS exposure and are regularly exposed in the field. In amphibians experimentally-exposed to PFAS, body condition, measured using the scaled mass index (SMI), is often affected.

Effects of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) on Amphibian Body Condition: Is Altered Lipid Metabolism The Driver?
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