Investigating how epigenetic changes in parents affect their offspring's reproductive health
Official title: Germline transmission of epigenetic alterations to offspring
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10990538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes to DNA that don’t change the genetic code can be passed from parents to kids and might affect reproductive health, especially due to things in our environment, and it aims to help families understand how these factors could influence their future generations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,466 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES032452-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with a family history of reproductive health issues or those concerned about the effects of environmental chemicals on their reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have concerns about reproductive health or a family history of related issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how epigenetic changes, which are modifications to DNA that do not alter the genetic code, can be passed from parents to their children and potentially affect reproductive health. The study focuses on understanding how these changes, influenced by environmental factors like chemicals, may lead to reproductive defects across generations. By using animal models, specifically medaka fish, the researchers aim to determine the mechanisms behind these epigenetic alterations and their implications for future generations. Patients may benefit from insights into how environmental exposures could impact reproductive health in their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of reproductive health issues linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that epigenetic changes can influence health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on transgenerational reproductive defects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhandari, Ramji Kumar — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Bhandari, Ramji Kumar
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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.