Plasticizers: Immune and Metabolism

 Plasticizers are used in different products to make them flexible and durable. They are added in a wide range of consumer products including plastic materials, children's toys, medical devices, cosmetics etc. Plasticizers have been shown to have negative effects on metabolism, reproduction, immune system and development. The reported toxicity of some plasticizers has increased the use of substitute plasticizers without proper risk assessments. This can pose a serious threat to humans and other animals. This project will evaluate the adverse effects and mode of action of substitute plasticizers on the immune system and metabolism. It will also help to understand how the dysregulation of these two systems lead to disease susceptibility. This project utilizes in vivo (zebrafish) and in vitro (human and mouse cell lines) models.