Maternal Genetic Variants and Birth Defects
Official title: Maternal Structural Variations and Structural Birth Defects
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11455070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a mother’s genetic differences may contribute to birth defects in babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $296,320 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD120904-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancies whose genetic data could contribute to understanding maternal influences on birth defects.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to the relevant genetic data or who do not contribute to population-scale analyses may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Birth defects affect many newborns and can have lasting impacts on health and quality of life. The study will use large-scale genome data from the KidsFirst program to explore how maternal structural variations may influence fetal development. By focusing on maternal genetics in addition to fetal factors, the research aims to uncover new clues about causes and possible primary prevention paths. The grant supports analysis of genetic data and collaboration with a population-wide dataset to identify potential risk factors that might inform future care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better understanding of birth defect causes and inform strategies to reduce risk before or during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows maternal genetics can influence birth defect risk, but maternal structural variants remain understudied, making this a promising and relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jun, Goo — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Jun, Goo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.