How stress affects DNA in Ethiopian American immigrants
Official title: Association of DNA Methylation and Stress in Immigrants
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10993878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the health of Ethiopian American immigrants by checking for changes in their DNA, hoping to find clues that can help improve their health and reduce health issues in their community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD019192-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Ethiopian American immigrants who may be experiencing high levels of stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Ethiopian American immigrants or those who do not experience significant stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between stress and DNA methylation in Ethiopian American immigrants, focusing on how cumulative stress impacts their health. By examining the epigenetic changes associated with stress, the study aims to uncover biological markers that could help understand the health disparities faced by this community. The research will involve collecting data on stress levels and analyzing DNA samples to identify potential links between stress and chronic diseases. This approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to targeted interventions for improving health outcomes in immigrant populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for health disparities faced by Ethiopian American immigrants.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on Ethiopian American immigrants, studies on stress and DNA methylation in other populations have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mersha, Tesfaye B. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Mersha, Tesfaye B.
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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.