How maternal obesity affects breast cancer risk in children through gut bacteria
Official title: Effect of maternal obesity on breast cancer among offspring: role of the gut microbiota
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10886100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight during pregnancy might change the gut bacteria in babies, which could increase their chances of developing breast cancer later on, and it aims to find ways to help reduce this risk for families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $336,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276775-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old whose mothers experienced obesity during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children of obese mothers or who are over 11 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal obesity on the risk of breast cancer in offspring, focusing on the role of gut microbiota. It examines how obesity during pregnancy alters the gut bacteria composition in children, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to breast cancer. The study employs fecal microbiota transfers to explore these changes and utilizes advanced genetic techniques to understand the underlying mechanisms. By understanding these relationships, the research aims to identify preventive strategies for at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing breast cancer risk in children born to obese mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promising results in understanding the link between maternal health and offspring disease risk, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilakivi-Clarke, Leena a. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Hilakivi-Clarke, Leena a.
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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.