Investigating genetic and environmental factors in postpartum depression among diverse mothers
Official title: MomGenes Fight PPD: Expanding to Increase Participation from Diverse Ancestries
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11120833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and life experiences might affect postpartum depression in mothers from different backgrounds, especially in BIPOC communities, to help find better ways to identify and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 19, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,166 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135999-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include mothers, especially those from BIPOC communities, who are experiencing or at risk for postpartum depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or who do not have a history of postpartum depression may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the genetic risk factors associated with postpartum depression (PPD) and how they interact with environmental influences, particularly focusing on mothers from diverse ancestries, including BIPOC communities. By analyzing genomic data and environmental factors such as adverse life events and discrimination, the study seeks to enhance early detection methods for PPD. The goal is to develop personalized therapies that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by these mothers. Participants will contribute to a deeper understanding of PPD, which affects many women and can have lasting impacts on their children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and personalized treatment options for postpartum depression, particularly benefiting mothers from diverse backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that increasing diversity in genomic studies can lead to significant advancements in understanding health disparities, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guintivano, Jerry — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Guintivano, Jerry
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.