How maternal stress and diet affect the fetal epigenome
Prenatal stress and diet, and the fetal epigenome
This study is looking at how stress and eating habits during pregnancy might affect a baby's health later in life, especially regarding weight and metabolism, and it's particularly focused on helping families from minority backgrounds who may be more impacted.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10807983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal stress and dietary habits during pregnancy on the fetal epigenome, which may influence the child's long-term metabolic health. It aims to understand how environmental factors, such as maternal anxiety and chronic stress, can lead to epigenetic changes that affect appetite, metabolism, and fat storage in children. By examining specific regions of the epigenome, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms linking prenatal stress to metabolic disorders in offspring, particularly in minority populations who are disproportionately affected. The research utilizes advanced genomic techniques to analyze epigenetic modifications that may arise from these prenatal exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant individuals experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, particularly those from minority populations.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without significant stress or dietary concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing metabolic disorders in children by addressing maternal health during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that prenatal environmental factors can significantly influence child health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyo, Cathrine — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Hoyo, Cathrine
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.