November 14, 2024: EPIC Conference

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