Short-chain PFAS – Alarming circadian disruptors?

  • About the Project
    Team
    Outputs
    Science for Kids

    About the Project

    SPARK aims to assess the potential of short-chain PFAS to disrupt circadian rhythm.

    Circadian rhythms orchestrate fundamental physiological processes, including sleep–wake cycles, metabolic regulation, hormone secretion, and body temperature. Disruption of circadian timing is associated with an increased risk of metabolic, neurological, and sleep-related disorders.

    PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are highly persistent environmental contaminants already detected in surface waters, ecosystems, and human blood. Although long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS are now regulated, their restriction has led to a widespread shift toward short-chain PFAS, for which toxicological knowledge remains limited. Emerging evidence suggests that these compounds may interfere with circadian regulation.

    PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are highly persistent environmental contaminants already detected in surface waters, ecosystems, and human blood. Although long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS are now regulated, their restriction has led to a widespread shift toward short-chain PFAS, for which toxicological knowledge remains limited. Emerging evidence suggests that these compounds may interfere with circadian regulation.

    SPARK integrates expertise in circadian biology, toxicology, and environmental chemistry to investigate whether short-chain PFAS detected in Portuguese river waters can alter circadian parameters in human hypothalamic neurons.

    Main Objectives

    • Determine whether short-chain PFAS possess circadian-disrupting activity, assessing changes in period, phase, and amplitude in synchronized hypothalamic neurons.
    • Identify molecular pathways and cellular processes affected by short-chain PFAS, including uptake, intracellular behavior, and transcriptomic alterations.
    • Increase public awareness of PFAS exposure and potential health impacts through targeted dissemination and outreach activities.

    Team

    Ana Maria Ferreira Capitão

    Principal Investigator