How social disadvantage affects health through stem cells

BIOLOGICAL EMBEDDING OF SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE IN HUMAN STEM CELLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH DISPARITIES

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-10873922

This study is looking at how challenges that mothers face in their lives can affect their babies' health right from the start, especially when it comes to weight and metabolism, and it aims to help us understand these effects across different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10873922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how social disadvantages experienced by mothers can biologically affect their newborns at the stem cell level, potentially leading to health disparities. It focuses on understanding the impact of maternal social disadvantage on the development of obesity and metabolic issues in children, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups. The study will analyze stem cells and their differentiated forms, looking at how these cells function and contribute to health outcomes. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover the long-term effects of social factors on health from the earliest stages of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include newborns from Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White mothers who have experienced social disadvantages.

Not a fit: Patients who do not fall into the specified racial or ethnic categories or who have not experienced social disadvantages may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for health disparities in children born to socially disadvantaged mothers.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of biological embedding of social factors is being explored, this specific approach focusing on stem cells and maternal influences is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.