The following information describes the branch's research programs and program areas.
Program Official: Karen Winer
PGNB supports basic, translational, and clinical research in pediatric endocrinology. High-priority areas include the hypothalamic-pituitary axis as it relates to the hormonal regulation of gonadal function, linear growth, adrenals, and thyroid glands in childhood. The branch encourages studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of primary glandular failure, including premature gonadal failure, in childhood and adolescence. Basic research on hypothalamic-releasing factors, particularly as these factors influence pubertal timing and tempo and normal linear growth. The branch also supports basic and clinical studies of the etiology and therapy of growth retardation.
Program Official: Karen Winer
The branch supports studies of the regulation of bone accrual in adolescence, the interaction of muscle and bone, and the determinants of peak bone mass. Studies related to the effects of disease states such as metabolic syndrome on bone health. Other areas of interest include bone effects of rare disorders and their therapies.
Program Official: Layla Esposito
PGNB supports research on identifying early risk factors and sensitive time periods of exposure to risks for childhood obesity, developmental origins of childhood obesity, the pathogenesis of childhood obesity, the impact of macrosocial policies on the prevention of childhood obesity, and novel interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Program Official: Karen Winer
The branch supports research leading to the development and implementation of dietary recommendations to promote health and prevent disease. We encourage both basic and translational projects related to understanding the role of nutrients in promoting optimal health, growth, and development. Research interests include the nutrient requirements of preterm and growth-restricted infants and the contributions of both breastfeeding and human milk and its components to optimal infant nutrition. Research focuses on studying the effects of hormones and growth factors in human milk on linear growth and the maturation of the infant gut.
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