What is our team researching?
The Attachment and Neurodevelopment Lab at the University of Iowa studies how early parent-child relationships and experiences influence brain development, with a focus on autism, maternal behavior, and the effects of early adversity. We use tools like functional MRI, genetic and epigenetic analyses, and a mobile app to collect data and develop interventions that support child development and maternal caregiving.
Active Studies
PAGES Study
This study explores how prenatal stress and early life experiences influence epigenetic changes tied to social development in hopes of improving early intervention strategies.
Pilot Projects
This study tests the effectiveness of TELE-ASD-PEDS, a remote autism evaluation tool used with parents, to improve access to early diagnosis via telehealth.
AGES Study
This study investigates how early social experiences interact with genetic risk to shape neurodevelopment in toddlers.
Previous Studies
Oxytocin and Maternal Addiction
This study examines the effect of a hormone called oxytocin, which is administered intranasally, on reward and stress activation in the brains of mothers with addiction problems. We are also studying how her own attachment experiences in childhood relate to her brain and behavioral responses to her own children. The goal of this research is to better understand how early childhood adversity may lead to addiction and parenting problems in adulthood.
Measuring Social-Visual Engagement in Autism Spectrum Disorder
This multi-center research study investigated novel eye-tracking methods to assess autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children ages 2.5 to 7 years, using advanced technology to measure participants' visual engagement with social stimuli during a single clinical visit. Sponsored by EarliTec Diagnostics, the study aimed to develop objective behavioral biomarkers to support earlier and more accurate ASD diagnosis while contributing to the scientific understanding of social-visual patterns in ASD.
Come back soon to learn about the findings!
Epigenetics & Autism Spectrum Disorder
DNA Methylation
Methylation can silence or activate genes. Abnormal methylation patterns have been observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting genes related to brain development, synaptic function, and immune responses.
Examples: The MECP2 gene (linked to Rett syndrome, a condition related to autism) and the OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor, involved in social behavior).
Histone Modification
Histones help package DNA into chromatin. Modifications (e.g., acetylation, methylation) influence gene expression.
Studies suggest that ASD-related genes show atypical histone modifications, potentially affecting neural connectivity and plasticity.
Non-Coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, lncRNAs)
These molecules regulate gene expression by silencing or activating certain genes.
Altered microRNA profiles have been found in ASD individuals, particularly those involved in neurodevelopment.
Environmental Influences on Epigenetics and Autism
Prenatal Factors: Maternal stress, infection, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., folate) may lead to epigenetic changes affecting autism risk.
Parental Age: Advanced maternal and paternal age have been linked to altered epigenetic markers in sperm and eggs.
Early Life Exposures: Differences in early social expereince and stress can modify epigenetic patterns during early brain development.
