CREBRF genetics, early-life body size, and gestational diabetes in American Samoa
Official title: CREBRF Genomics, Gestational Diabetes, and Early Life Body Size in American Samoa
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11413798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding why childhood obesity develops in American Samoa by studying genetics and early body size using metabolomics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD107030-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are infants and young children from American Samoa and their mothers, especially those with or at risk for obesity-related traits.
✕Less likely to help
Participants not meeting the targeted age range or lacking relevant metabolic risk factors may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows children from infancy to early childhood in American Samoa to explore how genes and metabolism influence fat and lean mass. Researchers will analyze metabolic profiles and genetic variants, particularly CREBRF, to uncover links between early body size and later obesity risk. The goal is to build a foundation for earlier, more effective prevention strategies tailored to Pacific Islander populations. The mentorship aspect aims to train the investigator to lead obesity-related research focused on maternal and child health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide earlier interventions to reduce childhood obesity and improve long-term metabolic health in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked CREBRF variants to obesity traits in Pacific Islanders, with ongoing work to clarify mechanisms and prevention opportunities.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heinsberg, Lacey W — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Heinsberg, Lacey W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the hypothalamus, placenta, and gut to help manage gestational diabetes
A study using computer-based models of a pregnant person’s brain, placenta, and gut to better understand how gestational diabetes develops and how to tailor treatments.
-
IGF factors and binding proteins in gestational diabetes and fetal growth
A study in pregnant people looks at how insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins affect gestational diabetes and how a baby grows.
-
STRONG group prenatal care to reduce gestational diabetes in American Samoa
A Yale-led program tests a group prenatal care approach to lower gestational diabetes among pregnant Pacific Islander women in American Samoa.
-
Pancreatic beta cells, oxidative stress, and gestational diabetes
A study is exploring how oxidative stress and changes in pancreatic beta cells during pregnancy may contribute to gestational diabetes and future diabetes risk for both mother and baby.
-
NDPP-MAP: A tailored online-hybrid program to reduce long-term health risks after pregnancy with gestational diabetes
A patient-friendly program adapts a proven diabetes prevention approach to help women who had gestational diabetes lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
-
In Vivo Look at Placental Blood Flow in Gestational Diabetes
A non-invasive MRI study in pregnant people with gestational diabetes and those without will map how placental blood vessels work and relate to baby outcomes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.