Understanding how early-life gut bacteria and genes affect childhood asthma in Boston
Host genetics, early-life microbiome, and childhood asthma: MARC-43 Boston
This project looks at how a baby's genes and the tiny organisms living in their gut and airways might cause conditions like asthma and obesity in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319100 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring if the bacteria in a child's gut and airways during their first two years of life, influenced by their genes, play a direct role in whether they develop asthma or obesity. Our team uses advanced statistical methods to look at large amounts of genetic information, microbiome data, and health records from existing groups of children. By doing this, we hope to uncover the specific connections between these early-life factors and later health issues. This work could help us find new ways to prevent these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project uses existing data from children in the ECHO cohorts, particularly those in the Boston area, who have provided genetic, microbiome, and health information.
Not a fit: Patients not part of the existing ECHO cohorts or those outside the specified age range may not directly benefit from this specific data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent childhood asthma and obesity by targeting the early-life microbiome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown associations between the early-life microbiome and child health, but this project aims to clarify the causal role using advanced statistical genetics, which is a novel approach for this specific question.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camargo, Carlos Arturo — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Camargo, Carlos Arturo
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.