Exposure to the heavy metal cadmium is associated with cognitive and olfactory impairment. This project explored the molecular and cellular basis for the deleterious effects of cadmium on cognition in mouse models, with a focus on its effects on adult neurogenesis and Ca2+ signaling critical for hippocampus-dependent memory.
Researchers used both primary cultured neural stem cells and in vivo mouse models. Studies provided new insights into the mechanisms of cadmium neurotoxicity.
A two-page fact sheet about the project is available here.
Principal investigator: Zhengui Xia