How a high-fat diet affects embryo and fetal DNA changes in mothers
Official title: Maternal obesogenic diet-induced changes in embryo and fetal DNA methylation programming
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10981884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a high-fat diet in pregnant monkeys might affect the DNA of their babies, helping us understand how obesity can impact pregnancy and fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $704,154 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD113689-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who are obese and may be experiencing fertility issues or complications during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who are not planning to conceive may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a high-fat diet in mothers influences DNA methylation programming in embryos and fetuses. By studying a cohort of rhesus macaque females on different diets, the researchers aim to understand the adverse effects of obesity on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. The study utilizes advanced techniques like bisulfite-based sequencing to analyze DNA changes, which could provide insights into the mechanisms behind fertility issues and pregnancy complications linked to maternal obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications in obese women, potentially enhancing maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal diet can significantly impact reproductive outcomes, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chavez, Shawn L. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chavez, Shawn L.
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.