How maternal genetics affect the growth of children over generations

Effect of genomic imprinting in placentas on maternal transmission of growth phenotypes to offspring in a multigenerational human cohort study

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11003712

This study is looking at how a mother's health and nutrition can affect her child's growth and development, using information collected over 20 years from families in Mali, to help us understand how traits are passed from mothers to their children.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003712 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how genomic imprinting, an epigenetic mechanism, influences the growth and development of children based on their mothers' health and nutrition. By analyzing data collected over two decades from mothers and their offspring in Mali, the study aims to understand the relationship between maternal traits, such as body mass index and growth patterns, and the corresponding growth outcomes in children. The researchers will look at various factors, including age at puberty and developmental milestones, to uncover how these maternal characteristics are passed down to the next generation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include mothers and their children from diverse backgrounds, particularly those living in or connected to Mali.

Not a fit: Patients who are not mothers or do not have children may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases in future generations by understanding the maternal influences on child growth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of maternal health on child development, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.