Genetic epidemiology of early growth and cardiometabolic diseases

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development

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Abstract

Genetic epidemiology of early growth and links with cardiometabolic diseases Many cardiometabolic diseases in later life have links with early life growth. Advances in understanding the mechanism of early growth variation will provide early intervention opportunities for cardiometabolic outcomes. Dr. Tekola-Ayele's research aims to determine genetic mechanisms in early growth variations and links between early growth and cardiometabolic diseases/disparities in diverse ancestral populations. To achieve this goal, his group focuses on two overarching complementary research themes at the maternal-placental-fetal interface: genetics of fetal growth and placental epigenome/transcriptome. Genetic modulation of placental function can vary by context-specific factors such as fetal sex, which have profound implication in placental function and pregnancy outcomes. Sex-stratified analysis of placental gene expression unraveled novel pathways linked to small-for-gestational age that could have been missed in sex-pooled analysis (Placenta 2022;121:82-90; PMID:35303517). A genomic study identified genetic variants associated with maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy (J Clin Lipidol. 2023;17(1):168-180; PMID: 36443208). Novel placental DNA methylation sites linked to maternal prenatal social support have also been identified. Some of the methylation changes are near/within genes known to be associated with neurodevelopment and energy metabolism (BMC Med. 2023;21(1):12; PMID: 36617561).