How early-life environments shape long-term health
Early life environmental effects: molecular mechanisms and inter-individual variation
This project looks at how childhood environments change lifelong gene activity and health in adults from Turkana (Kenya) and Tsimane (Bolivia) communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work comparing two groups with very different life histories: the Turkana, who are undergoing rapid lifestyle change, and the Tsimane, who have long-term follow-up data. Researchers will collect health and life-history information and biological samples to measure genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation, plus genetic data. By linking those molecular patterns to early-life and adult experiences, the team aims to find lasting biological signatures of childhood conditions. The project combines field interviews, blood-based assays, and genetic analyses to understand why people respond differently to early environments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (21+) from the Turkana community in Kenya or the Tsimane community in Bolivia who can provide blood samples and detailed life-history information.
Not a fit: People who are not from the studied communities or who cannot provide biological samples or childhood/adult exposure information are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify molecular markers that predict who is most susceptible to harmful early-life exposures and point to new prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked early-life exposures to persistent DNA methylation and gene-expression changes in humans, but applying these genome-wide approaches in diverse, longitudinal populations like the Turkana and Tsimane is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lea, Amanda — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Lea, Amanda
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 below.