Understanding how gut and body signals interact to influence perinatal depression
Official title: Prediction, mechanisms and causality: a systems biology approach to elucidate the role of the dynamic interplay between maternal and microbial systems in the pathobiology of perinatal depression
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11372334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study of pregnant people exploring how the gut microbiome and body signals contribute to depression during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $653,633 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113809-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people, especially those in the first or second trimester and from diverse backgrounds, who may be at risk for perinatal depression.
✕Less likely to help
People without participation in the study or those without depressive symptoms may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows pregnant people to understand how changes in gut bacteria and their chemical messages relate to mood changes across pregnancy and after birth. Researchers will look at gut-derived molecules, neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, and how inflammation and metabolic signals connect the gut to the brain. The study uses longitudinal data from a diverse group of participants to identify MGBA signatures that accompany depressive symptoms in the first and second trimesters and beyond. Results could point to new ways to predict and prevent perinatal depression by targeting gut-brain communication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier prediction and better prevention or treatment approaches for perinatal depression.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest MGBA signatures correlate with depressive symptoms, indicating potential for meaningful findings with larger cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Penalver Bernabe, Beatriz — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Penalver Bernabe, Beatriz
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Couples-based approach to prevent perinatal depression in rural India
A new, family-focused program helps new mothers and their husbands address perinatal depression in rural India using trained lay counselors.
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Couples-based approach to prevent perinatal depression in rural India
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-
Machine learning to tailor and prevent perinatal depression for pregnant and new mothers
A machine learning project at Carnegie Mellon aims to find personalized, scalable ways to prevent perinatal depression in pregnant people and new mothers.
-
Online sleep therapy to prevent depression during and after pregnancy
This project will see whether an online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can help prevent depression during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth for pregnant people with insomnia.
-
Couples program to prevent depression during pregnancy and after birth in rural India
A couples-based program to help first-time pregnant women and their partners in rural India lower the chance of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.
-
IMAGINE digital group program to prevent perinatal depression
This pilot offers a mobile group-based cognitive behavioral program called IMAGINE to help pregnant and postpartum people lower their chance of developing depression.
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.