How maternal health affects infant gut bacteria and growth
Vertical Microbiome Transmission: Implications for Infant Growth
This study is looking at how the bacteria in a mom's gut during pregnancy can affect her baby's growth and risk of becoming overweight, especially focusing on Latino and Black children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome, which is influenced by maternal health factors like weight and delivery method, affects the growth and obesity risk in infants. By analyzing data from two ongoing studies, the researchers will explore how changes in the maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy can impact the types of bacteria passed to infants. The study aims to identify specific patterns of microbiome transmission that may contribute to childhood obesity, particularly in Latino and Black children. This research will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the microbiome and its relationship with infant growth outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants aged 0-3 years, particularly those born via cesarean section or exposed to antibiotics, and whose mothers have varying weight statuses.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 3 years or those without any history of cesarean delivery or antibiotic exposure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity in children by understanding the role of maternal health and microbiome transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between the microbiome and obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holzhausen, Elizabeth a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Holzhausen, Elizabeth a
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.