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Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment

Award Number: R00HD110605
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment - PROJECT SUMMARY (See instructions): Preterm birth affects 1 in 10 infants born in the United States, resulting in significant morbidity and economic cost. Children who are born very preterm (VPT; gestational age<32 weeks) have increased risk for impaired neurodevelopment. VPT infants experience increased physiologic stress while their caregivers experience increased psychological distress-both are associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Epigenetic modifications are proposed as a possible mechanism linking physiologic stress and neurodevelopment in VPT infants. The main objective of the proposed research is to identify the mechanisms by which neonatal physiologic stress induces epigenetic modifications that contribute to impaired neurodevelopment, as well as how caregiver distress moderates the relationship between longitudinal neonatal physiologic stress and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Specifically, the proposed research aims to (1) create and validate novel indices of neonatal physiologic stress in VPT infants; (2) identify the effects of neonatal physiologic stress on epigenetic modifications and later neurodevelopment in VPT infants; and (3) determine the effects of caregiver distress on neurodevelopment in VPT infants. This aligns with the NICHD Strategic Plan 2020 scientific priority-to reduce the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders by improving the understanding of their origins in the developmental process and identifying potential targets and optimal timing for intervention. During the K99 phase, the Pl's molecular genetic expertise was further developed by adding training in epigenetic analyses via intensive workshops and laboratory experiences, and the Pl's quantitative expertise was expanded to include complex longitudinal analyses. Additionally, the Pl has gained exposure and knowledge of neonatal physiology via the neonatal hemodynamics program at the University of Iowa, led by Drs. McNamara and Rios. Finally, the Pl has developed professional development skills that will be critical for success as a tenure track assistant professor and independent clinical scientist. The academic environment at the University of Iowa is well-suited for the proposed research. Faculty members with expertise in advanced quantitative methods, epigenetics, and neonatal physiology are willing to continue to provide expert mentorship to the Pl as a junior faculty member. The Division of Neonatology conducts numerous research studies on preterm birth each year and has the infrastructure, including an outstanding team of clinical research nurses and a high-risk infant follow-up clinic, to support the proposed research. The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics provides researchers with a state-of-the-art, high-throughput genetic analysis facility and supports research focused on human genetics Numerous institutional organizations provide a variety of opportunities to develop the skills necessary for success as an independent clinical scientist.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $395,086 )
2025	2025	THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA	105 JESSUP HALL	IOWA CITY	IA	52242	JOHNSON	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	4	8/19/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$146,086
2025	2025	THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA	105 JESSUP HALL	IOWA CITY	IA	52242	JOHNSON	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	3	3/20/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$146,086
2025	2024	THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA	105 JESSUP HALL	IOWA CITY	IA	52242	JOHNSON	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	3	3/20/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$102,914
														Subtotal = $395,086

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2024	2024	THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA	105 JESSUP HALL	IOWA CITY	IA	52242	JOHNSON	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	3	8/30/2024	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Grand Total All Awards = $644,086

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Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment

Award Number: R00HD110605

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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