Our lab has published new research uncovering the epigenetic mechanisms linking prenatal pollen exposure to childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. The study, published in March 2025, reveals how DNA methylation at birth may mediate these relationships.

Using data from 236 children in the Isle of Wight birth cohort, we identified specific DNA methylation patterns in newborns associated with prenatal pollen grain exposure. Intriguingly, altered methylation at genes including ZNF99, ADM2, and HCG11 was linked to decreased incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood.

This groundbreaking work provides new insights into how environmental exposures during pregnancy may influence immune development through epigenetic modifications, potentially opening avenues for early intervention strategies for childhood respiratory conditions.

Read the full paper here

Ethics Professionalism Innovation Compliance Conference | Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Today, Dr. Rajesh Melaram presented groundbreaking findings from his recently published study examining the role of DNA methylation in mediating the relationship between prenatal pollen exposure and childhood respiratory conditions. His presentation, "The Association of Childhood Allergic Diseases with Prenatal Pollen Exposure Through At-Birth DNA Methylation," highlighted how specific DNA methylation patterns at birth may help explain the complex relationship between early-life pollen exposure and the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Using data from the Isle of Wight birth cohort, Dr. Melaram demonstrated how altered methylation at key genes including ZNF99, ADM2, and HCG11 is associated with both prenatal pollen exposure and subsequent respiratory health outcomes. The research represents an important contribution to our understanding of how environmental factors influence health through epigenetic mechanisms.

The findings have significant implications for developing early intervention strategies and potentially identifying at-risk children before symptoms appear. This work aligns with our department's commitment to advancing environmental health science and addressing critical public health challenges through innovative research approaches.

#EnvironmentalHealth #Epigenetics #RespiratoryHealth #DNAMethylation #TAMUCC

APHA Annual Meeting and Expo | Minneapolis, MN | October 27-30, 2024

Expanding our research horizon at the American Public Health Association's 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo. While not presenting this year, Dr. Melaram attended to engage with the latest developments in public health research and connect with colleagues addressing critical environmental and health challenges. This year's theme, "Rebuilding Trust in Public Health and Science," resonated with our lab's mission to build evidence-based approaches to environmental health issues. The conference provided valuable insights into emerging methodologies and potential collaborative opportunities that will inform our ongoing work on early-life environmental exposures and respiratory health outcomes.

#PublicHealth #APHA2024 #EnvironmentalHealth #Research #Collaboration

Today marks the official launch of the Melaram Lab at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in environmental science, epidemiology, epigenetics, and biostatistics to address critical public health challenges facing our communities.