Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Polymorphisms Of Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (Alad) And Peptide Transporter 2 (Pept2) Genes In Children With Low-Level Lead Exposure, Christina Sobin, Marisela Gutierrez, Heather Alterio
Polymorphisms Of Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (Alad) And Peptide Transporter 2 (Pept2) Genes In Children With Low-Level Lead Exposure, Christina Sobin, Marisela Gutierrez, Heather Alterio
Christina Sobin, Ph.D.
Low-level lead exposure during early childhood has long been associated with altered neurocognitive development and diminished cognitive functions. Over nine thousand U.S. industrial facilities annually emit significant amounts of lead, creating exposure risk particularly for minority children. The mechanisms by which low-level lead exerts neurotoxic effects are poorly understood. Once absorbed, the only intervention is source removal, thus primary prevention is key. Genetic biomarkers could provide an efficient means of identifying children at greatest risk. Common functional variants of genes that alter lead’s neurotoxic potential have been identified and include delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD2) and peptide transporter 2 (PEPT2*2). These …