FEMME · Fetal Exposomics Modulated by placental Metabolism

Chemical exposures during pregnancy are a major global health concern, as even very low concentrations can disrupt fetal development and increase long-term disease risk. Current exposome studies, however, largely neglect the placenta, a biochemical gatekeeper that not only restricts but also metabolizes chemicals, potentially generating metabolites that are less, equally, or more toxic. FEMME (Fetal Exposomics Modulated by placental MEtabolism) will systematically integrate placental metabolism into exposome research by analyzing 300 paired maternal, placental, and cord blood samples from the INSULIN mother–child cohort. The project will (1) identify and characterize placental metabolites of up to 800 environmental chemicals, (2) integrate these metabolites into exposome-wide epidemiological models linking prenatal exposures to developmental outcomes, and (3) unravel maternal and environmental determinants of individual variability in placental metabolism. By combining my expertise in chemical metabolism with the world-class strengths in exposomics and epidemiology at IDAEA-CSIC, particularly that of Dr. Montse Marquès, FEMME will create a transformative framework for prenatal exposomics with the potential to advance chemical risk assessment and protect maternal and child health.