How the placenta's genes shape a child's early growth
Characterizing the functional genomic atlas of human placenta and unveiling the prenatal programming of early-life development
This work looks at how patterns of gene activity in the placenta influence birthweight and early childhood growth to help prevent obesity and metabolic problems later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you participate, you would allow researchers to collect your placenta at delivery and share related medical and genetic information. The team will make a detailed map of gene activity in different placental cell types and connect those patterns to birthweight and later measures like childhood BMI. They will combine placental tissue data with large genetic studies and clinical records to see how genes and the prenatal environment work together. The aim is to find early markers and biological pathways that could point to better prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant people willing to donate their placenta at delivery and allow use of medical and genetic data for their child.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment for an existing condition are unlikely to benefit directly, since the project focuses on understanding early-life risk rather than offering therapies now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could identify placental markers that predict risk for childhood obesity and point to new early-prevention approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic studies and earlier placental research have linked variants to birthweight and later cardiometabolic traits, but creating a comprehensive functional placental atlas is a newer, more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsit, Carmen Joseph — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Marsit, Carmen Joseph
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.