Project R-13045

PRegnancy Exposome influence on early-life COgnition via CholEsterol metabolism at birth (PRECOCE) (Research)

Cholesterol levels at birth are not routinely measured as they are thought to be of scarce clinical relevance. In adults, recently, cholesterol has emerged as possibly connected to neurological disorders. Cognitive development starts as early as in the womb. In utero life represents a critical window of development, during which the brain is particularly vulnerable to environmental influences. Detrimental exposures in this critical life period may impact brain functions leading to long lasting effects. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this association are poorly known. In this project, I aim to study the role of the cholesterol metabolism, and its related multi-OMIC signatures, at birth in the association between prenatal exposures and cognition phenotypes in early life (at 4 and 10 years) in the ENVIRONAGE cohort. In collaboration with international experts, I will study the persistent effects of prenatal exposures, using an exposome approach, on cognition in childhood and explore their indirect effect through cholesterol levels at birth and its related DNA methylation signatures. By unraveling cholesterol-related mechanisms linking prenatal exposures and cognitive development at an early age, this project can support the public health importance of monitoring blood cholesterol levels in early life and contribute to a healthier living environment for pregnant mothers and their children.

01 October 2022 - 30 September 2026