Exploring how life stress affects health through genetic changes

The Add Health Epigenome Resource: Life course stressors and epigenomic modifications in adulthood

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10865306

This study looks at how stress we experience throughout our lives can affect our genes and health later on, helping us understand why some people face more health challenges as adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10865306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how psychosocial stressors experienced throughout life can lead to changes in the epigenome, which may contribute to health disparities in adulthood. By utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the study aims to connect detailed information about life stress with genetic markers that indicate health outcomes. The goal is to understand the biological pathways that link stress to mental health issues and other health conditions, providing insights into how early life experiences can shape health in adulthood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced varying levels of psychosocial stress throughout their lives.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced significant psychosocial stressors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for health disparities related to stress and mental health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in linking psychosocial stress to health outcomes through epigenetic changes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.