How maternal health affects infant gut bacteria and growth
Official title: Vertical Microbiome Transmission: Implications for Infant Growth
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11193959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 21, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,920 |
| NIH project number | 4K01MD020215-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 3 years or those without any history of cesarean delivery or antibiotic exposure may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.