How traffic-related air pollution affects child brain development through the placenta
Prenatal Traffic-Related Air Pollutants, Placental Epitranscriptomics, and Child Cognition
This study looks at how air pollution from traffic might affect babies' brains by examining its impact on the placenta during pregnancy, with the goal of finding ways to better protect children from these harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11026363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of traffic-related air pollution on the developing brain of children by examining how these pollutants affect the placenta. The study focuses on the epitranscriptome, which involves chemical modifications of RNA that can influence gene expression and placental function. By analyzing the relationship between air pollution exposure and changes in the placenta, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could explain neurodevelopmental issues in children. This work could lead to new strategies for protecting children from harmful environmental exposures during pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women exposed to traffic-related air pollution and their children, particularly those under 11 years old.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to interventions protecting children from the adverse effects of air pollution on brain development.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research linking air pollution to neurodevelopmental issues, this specific approach examining placental epitranscriptomics is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herbstman, Julie Beth — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Herbstman, Julie Beth
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.