How social and economic conditions affect health in human stem cells
BIOLOGICAL EMBEDDING OF CONTEXTUAL FACTORS IN HUMAN STEM CELLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION HEALTH DIFFERENCES
This project explores how social and economic conditions experienced by mothers might influence the health of their babies by affecting their stem cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how a mother's social and economic environment during pregnancy might leave lasting marks on her baby's stem cells, potentially influencing their future health. This work focuses on understanding differences in obesity and metabolic health among babies born to Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White mothers. We will examine specific stem cells and their functions, like how they handle energy and fat, to see if these early life experiences contribute to health differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant mothers and their newborns, particularly those of Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White backgrounds, are ideal candidates for this research.
Not a fit: Patients not involved in the specific groups being studied or those not pregnant would not directly benefit from participation in this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us understand the root causes of health differences across populations and potentially lead to new ways to promote better health from birth.
How similar studies have performed: This project advances a novel hypothesis about the origins of health differences extending to stem cells, building on existing knowledge of biological embedding in differentiated cells.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wadhwa, Pathik D — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Wadhwa, Pathik D
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.