Effect of maternal and foetal epigenetic signature on intrauterine growth

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.