Epigenomic pathways linked to preterm birth
Official title: Epigenomic Pathways to preterm birth
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11312568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how epigenetic changes during pregnancy relate to risk of preterm birth in a large U.S. cohort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 14, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,592 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110429-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals, especially those with or at risk for preterm birth, who participated in the nuMoM2b cohort or similar studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not considering pregnancy or those outside the study’s geographic and temporal scope may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will analyze DNA from mothers in a well-documented pregnancy study to understand how social and environmental factors may influence gene activity and birth outcomes. By combining genetic data with information like where participants live and pregnancy complications, the team hopes to identify pathways that lead to preterm birth. The work builds on existing samples and data from the nuMoM2b cohort and uses multidisciplinary expertise to connect biology with real-world exposures. The findings could point to new ways to predict or prevent early delivery in high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve risk prediction and inform prevention strategies to reduce preterm birth and its consequences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in epigenomics has shown links between environmental factors and birth outcomes, but large prospective studies in pregnancy are limited and this study aims to expand that evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barcelona, Veronica — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Barcelona, Veronica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
IL-9 Signaling and Immune-Driven Preterm Birth
This NIH grant supports training a physician-scientist to lead a new lab studying how immune signals, especially IL-9, affect preterm birth.
-
Predicting Preterm Birth with Longitudinal Multi-Omics Data
A new, patient-friendly approach uses time-aware omics data from pregnancy to better predict preterm birth and uncover underlying biology.
-
Skeletal health after preterm birth in adults
Researchers will study why people born prematurely have weaker bones and fractures, starting in infancy and following into adulthood.
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.