Cord blood DNA marks linked to early-onset pediatric atopic dermatitis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project follows newborns from diverse communities to see if DNA methylation patterns in cord blood predict early atopic dermatitis and later allergies. It will use genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing to identify signals and validate them across several birth cohorts. The goal is to connect epigenetic marks at birth with disease risk, alongside genetic and environmental factors, to enable earlier prevention strategies. The study builds on a previously developed cord blood methylation score that distinguished early-onset AD, aiming to confirm and extend these findings in newborns.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
  East Lansing, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Eapen, Amy — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Eapen, Amy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin

  A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11532535

• SEAL Study: Preventing peanut allergy by protecting baby skin

  This trial tests whether using a skin-emollient and proactive skin steroids early in life can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11532533

• SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin

  A very young group of high-risk babies will try a early skin-care plan to reduce eczema and prevent peanut allergy.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11516452

• Understanding how skin fungi affect atopic dermatitis in adults

  A study will look at how the skin's fungal community influences atopic dermatitis in adults and whether this understanding could lead to new treatments.

  NIH research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · Lebanon, United States · NIH-11435642

• Preventing eczema-related allergies by strengthening infants' skin barrier

  This project will see if using a trilipid skin cream plus proactive mild topical steroids in infants with early dry skin or eczema lowers their chances of developing food allergies.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11418544

• Personalized predictions for how atopic dermatitis may progress in kids and teens

  A patient-friendly plan to forecast how early-onset eczema might evolve in children and young people using simple health clues and data from diverse settings.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11418025

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.