Understanding how the placenta influences early life development and health.
Official title: Characterizing the functional genomic atlas of human placenta and unveiling the prenatal programming of early-life development
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11083056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the placenta influences a child's health after birth, especially regarding weight and metabolism, by exploring how genes and the environment during pregnancy can affect these outcomes, which could help identify ways to support children at risk for obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $711,649 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their offspring, particularly those at risk for obesity or metabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose health conditions are unrelated to prenatal development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the placenta in shaping health outcomes after birth, particularly focusing on how genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy can affect childhood obesity and metabolic diseases. By analyzing the functional genomic characteristics of the placenta, the study aims to identify specific genetic variations that may influence birthweight and subsequent growth patterns. The approach includes leveraging large-scale genetic data and examining how these factors interact to program health outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to early interventions for at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing childhood obesity and related health issues by understanding prenatal influences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors influencing early life health outcomes, supporting the potential success of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsit, Carmen Joseph — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Marsit, Carmen Joseph
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.