Investigating how genetic changes at birth relate to asthma in children
Official title: Clusters of Epigenetic Networks at Birth and Asthma Incidence in Children
Funded at University of Memphis · NIH-10933410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes work together to help us understand why some kids and young adults develop asthma, so we can learn more about the risk factors involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Memphis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,912 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175891-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults, particularly those with a family history of asthma or other respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 20 years or do not have a history of asthma or related respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of asthma in children and young adults. By examining how genes work together rather than in isolation, the study aims to identify specific genetic networks that influence asthma risk. The methodology involves analyzing DNA methylation patterns and constructing networks of gene interactions to better understand their collective impact on asthma incidence. This approach seeks to address the limitations of previous studies that focused on individual genetic contributions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for asthma in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of examining epigenetic networks is gaining traction, this specific methodology addressing heterogeneity in asthma risk is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Memphis
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Hongmei — University of Memphis
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Hongmei
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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.