Biobank of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), Mexico

Certification Status: Complete Education
Registration Status: Completed

Objective: Low and middle-income countries such as Mexico have a high incidence of chronic and metabolic diseases associated with an increase in mortality. Preventive measures are urgently needed to reduce their impact on public health in these countries. One of the most recent approaches to the origin of these diseases is development, which has given rise to a new research area known as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Epidemiological evidence has accumulated over the years, demonstrating the influence of genetic and environmental factors and molecular mechanisms participating in developmental programming of individuals’ health and disease risk in adult life. Most of the current evidence comes from Anglo-Saxon populations, and the results are extrapolated to other populations. However, there are differences in the environment, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that may be participating in metabolic programming in different populations. We propose to create an inter-institutional longitudinal cohort, including subjects from the pregnancy period throughout early childhood (3-5 years old) in the Mexican population from public hospitals and different States. This cohort would allow us to understand the molecular mechanisms of developmental programming that are exerting long-term health effects in the Mexican population. It would also set a precedent to promote research in the area and formulate preventive strategies for the Latino population. The project is also an action plan that contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals associated with the reduction of premature mortality proposed by the UN and supported by the WHO/PAO/UNICEF for 2030. The objectives are: To establish an inter-institutional biobank with standardized data and sample collection procedures. To perform research within three main areas: Epigenetic mechanisms and molecular biomarkers: (DNA methylation, exosome miRNAs, ncRNAs, hormones, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomics) in pregnancy, placenta, breastmilk, and infant associated with offspring growth, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. Intestinal microbiota composition and functionality by metagenomics in pregnancy, and infancy associated with offspring growth, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. Nutritional factors: placental nutrient sensing and transport pathways, macro and micronutrient intake in pregnancy, lactation, and infancy associated with growth, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. To carry out science communication and education strategies about the importance of care during the perinatal period for long-term health.

Registered Biobank Name Biobank of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)
Biobank Leader Elizabeth Bautista Rodriguez
Country Mexico
Email for biobank inquiries elizabeth.bautista@upaep.mx
Principal Investigator Elizabeth Bautista Rodriguez
Website In process
User Type
  • Mono: A biobank that supports a specific research project, may have few staff members, a small-scale accrual scope with little to no initial intention of releasing or distributing biospecimens to secondary parties
  • Oligo: A biobank that supports several research groups or clinical trials, may or may not be designed to release biospecimens outside their collaborative group
  • Poly: A biobank that has generally a larger accrual scope, resources, and multiple users outside the biobank proper
Oligo - Collection aimed at supporting several research projects, a research group or a research consortium
Biospecimen Collected: