Vanderbilt lab that stores and analyzes children's health samples
ECHO Laboratory Core at Vanderbilt for Integrated Sample Biobanking and Processing
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11112479
This effort gathers and prepares samples from children so researchers can learn how early-life environments affect long-term health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11112479 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Vanderbilt's ECHO Laboratory Core collects, processes, and stores biological samples (like blood, saliva, and tissue) from children and pregnant people in the ECHO program. The core runs a wide range of laboratory tests, including high-throughput 'omics' analyses, and develops new assays to look for molecular signals tied to early-life exposures. It also manages a central biorepository and coordinates metadata and secure data transfer so researchers across many cohorts can combine results. By standardizing sample processing and sharing data through the ECHO network, the lab aims to speed discoveries about how early exposures influence lifelong health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are children, infants, and pregnant people enrolled in ECHO cohorts or families willing to provide biological samples and health information for research.
Not a fit: Those not enrolled in ECHO cohorts, adults without relevant child health concerns, or people seeking immediate clinical care rather than research participation are unlikely to see direct personal benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could help identify biological markers and mechanisms of childhood conditions, leading to better prevention, diagnosis, or targeted treatments over time.
How similar studies have performed: Centralized biobanks and multi-cohort 'omics' efforts have previously enabled important discoveries, so this builds on established and productive approaches.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HALASA, NATASHA BASSAM — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: HALASA, NATASHA BASSAM
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.