Exploring how placental gene activity affects newborn metabolism and childhood asthma.
Official title: The association of placental gene expression and newborn metabolic profiles in understanding childhood asthma pathogenesis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11034681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes in the placenta and the metabolism of newborns are connected to the risk of developing asthma in childhood, with the hope of finding ways to help kids who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $143,609 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL177130-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include newborns and infants up to 4 weeks old, particularly those with a family history of asthma or other respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those without any family history of asthma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gene expression in the placenta and metabolic profiles in newborns to better understand the development of childhood asthma. By analyzing how genetic and environmental factors interact, the study aims to identify specific pathways that may contribute to asthma risk. The researchers will focus on the metabolic profiles of newborns and how these relate to placental gene activity, potentially uncovering critical insights into asthma pathogenesis. This approach could lead to targeted interventions for at-risk children based on their metabolic and genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing childhood asthma by identifying at-risk newborns early.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and metabolic factors associated with asthma, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Snyder, Brittney M — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Snyder, Brittney M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Placenta genes and newborn metabolism linked to childhood asthma
This research looks at how gene activity in the placenta and metabolic markers in newborns relate to the risk of childhood asthma.
-
Understanding how newborn metabolic profiles and genetics contribute to childhood asthma
This study is looking at how certain changes in newborns' metabolism and genes might help us predict if they will develop asthma as they grow up, so we can better understand what causes this condition in kids.
-
Adaptive e-learning and smartphones to improve newborn and child care in Tanzania
A new program uses smart devices and tailored online learning to help frontline health workers in Mwanza, Tanzania provide better care for newborns and young children.
-
NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.
-
GLP-1 receptor agonists as immune targets to treat asthma in lean and obese adults
Aims to understand how GLP-1R‑agonist diabetes medicines may directly calm immune cells to reduce asthma in adults who are lean or obese.
-
Newborn screening: using gene and metabolite data to refine true vs false positives
A study using genetic and metabolomic data from newborn blood spots to better distinguish real metabolic disorders from false alarms.
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.