How early stress shapes very preterm babies' genes and brain development
Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11180463
This project looks at whether stress experienced by very preterm newborns and by their caregivers leads to lasting changes in gene activity (epigenetics) and affects children's brain development.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will follow very preterm infants from the newborn period through early childhood, collecting physiologic data (like heart rate) to build new measures of neonatal stress. Small blood samples will be taken to look for epigenetic changes, and children will have developmental testing as they grow. Caregivers will complete questionnaires about stress and mental health so the team can see how parent well-being influences child outcomes. The aim is to identify when and how early stress affects development so better supports or treatments can be targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants born very preterm (gestational age <32 weeks) and their caregivers who can attend follow-up visits at the study site.
Not a fit: Full-term infants or families who cannot come for in-person visits or do not consent to blood sampling would not fit this project and are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to early biological markers and time windows where interventions might help more preterm children reach their developmental potential.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked neonatal and caregiver stress to epigenetic changes and poorer development, but this longitudinal approach to define specific mechanisms and timing is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOMANY, ALLISON MARIE — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: MOMANY, ALLISON MARIE
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.