How early life stress affects health through DNA changes
Early Life Stress, DNA Methylation, and Health Disparities across Ages
This study is looking at how stress from tough life experiences, like poverty and discrimination, affects health in Black individuals and their families, by checking changes in their DNA; it's for young adults and their kids to help understand how to improve their health despite these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10807962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how early life stress impacts health disparities, particularly among Black individuals, by examining DNA methylation changes. It aims to understand the biological mechanisms linking psychosocial stress, such as poverty and discrimination, to chronic diseases across different age groups. By following a cohort of individuals from a previous study, the research will assess the health outcomes of young adults and their children, focusing on the role of protective factors that may mitigate these effects. Participants will undergo evaluations related to their health and stress experiences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include Black individuals who have experienced early life stress and their offspring, particularly those living in Birmingham, Alabama.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of early life stress or are not part of the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for reducing health disparities linked to early life stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between stress and health outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mrug, Sylvie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mrug, Sylvie
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.