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

> **NIH NIH R00** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2024 · $249,000

## Abstract

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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11145367
- **Project number:** 4R00HD110605-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Allison Marie Momany
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $249,000
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11145367

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11145367, Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants:  Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment (4R00HD110605-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11145367. Licensed CC0.

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