Understanding socioeconomic disparities in perinatal risk: The role of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in the placenta
Description: Public health relevance: Children who are raised in economically difficult circumstances are vulnerable to a variety of mental and physical health problems across the lifecourse. This project attempts to identify biological mechanisms that contribute to these health problems. We focus on processes that occur during gestation and affect functioning of the placenta – an interface that connects a pregnant mother with her developing fetus, and allows nutrients and oxygen to be exchanged. We follow a large sample of women across pregnancy, asking whether the placenta's functions are influenced by women's economic conditions, personal relationships, neighborhood features, and psychological states. By studying these processes, we may be able to identify targets for early prevention of health problems.
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: R01
Start date: 2017-09-26
End date: 2023-05-31
Investigator: ANN E.B. BORDERS
Institution: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Funded outputs count: 21
Funder award ID: R01MD011749
OpenAlex ID: G1947655006