Effect of maternal and foetal epigenetic signature on intrauterine growth

Project/agreement No.

RSU-ZG-2024/1-0019

Project funding

90 000.00 EUR, project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005 “RSU Internal and RSU with LASE External Consolidation” funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility and the budget of the Republic of Latvia

Project manager

Dr.med. Linda Gailīte

Project realization

01.04.2025. - 31.03.2026.

Aim

The RSU Molecular Genetics Scientific Laboratory has created a unique collection of material consisting of fetal umbilical cord blood, maternal peripheral blood, and placental biomaterial from 35 small gestational age and 35 appropriate gestational age newborns and their mothers, as well as the psychomotor development of children with low gestational weight has been observed for one year (Ethical permit No. 01-29.1.3/310, Genome Research Council permit A-5/23-07-24). The aim of the project is to determine the methylation profile in three different biological samples, to determine their correlation and the possible impact on fetal growth during pregnancy. By obtaining this knowledge, new knowledge will be obtained about the correlation of different methylation profiles in the fetus and mother, as well as could provide knowledge about whether small gestational age can be predicted and what is the developmental prognosis for the newborn.

Description

Small for gestational age (SGA) is the leading contributing factor to perinatal mortality in newborns without congenital anomalies. Even when it does not result in neonatal death, it significantly impacts long-term outcomes. The aim of this project is to analyze epigenetic differences—specifically, the methylation profiles in newborns, placental tissue, and maternal peripheral blood—to generate new insights into the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction and potentially identify useful biomarkers. If successful, this could help identify high-risk pregnancies and enable the adaptation of medical care not only during pregnancy but also in the first two years of life. A key strength of the project lies in its prospective design, which includes a two-year follow-up of enrolled patients (with first-year follow-up assessments already completed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). This design provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of the identified pregnancy-related epigenetic differences. Additionally, the project leverages already collected biological samples, with the necessary institutional approvals in place for their analysis.