Systems biology insights into the molecular drivers of childhood stunting and implications for intervention

Childhood stunting is a condition resulting from chronic malnutrition affecting millions globally, with lasting consequences for growth, cognition, and productivity. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying stunting, focusing on evidence obtained from systems biology to uncover biochemical pathways and potential biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions. Key findings highlight the role of disrupted pathways such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, one-carbon metabolism, and chronic inflammation associated with environmental enteric dysfunction and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. These insights emphasize the multifactorial nature of stunting, influenced by nutrition, infections, socioeconomic and maternal factors. Integrating systems biology to support public health strategies may provide avenues for precision nutrition-driven interventions that address specific deficiencies and systemic biochemical disturbances.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Nutrition
Published
2026-02-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1761376
Primary Topic
Child Nutrition and Water Access
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Systems biology insights into the molecular drivers of childhood stunting and implications for intervention

Jacus S. Nacis, Richelle D. Björväng, Melkamu Berhane Arefayine, Genevieve Dable-Tupas et al.
Frontiers in Nutrition
Child Nutrition and Water Access
article

Systems biology insights into the molecular drivers of childhood stunting and implications for intervention

Jacus S. Nacis, Richelle D. Björväng, Melkamu Berhane Arefayine, Genevieve Dable-Tupas, Gerard Bryan Gonzales, Nelly Grace F. Toñacao, Alemayehu Teklu Toni, Lorraine Joy L. Bernolo, Vladimer Kobayashi, Maria Angelica C. Plata, April Dawn M. Taylaran, Ariane Blanch A. Maraon, Shamsul Mohd Zain, Jason C. Alcano
article en

Abstract

Childhood stunting is a condition resulting from chronic malnutrition affecting millions globally, with lasting consequences for growth, cognition, and productivity. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying stunting, focusing on evidence obtained from systems biology to uncover biochemical pathways and potential biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions. Key findings highlight the role of disrupted pathways such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, one-carbon metabolism, and chronic inflammation associated with environmental enteric dysfunction and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. These insights emphasize the multifactorial nature of stunting, influenced by nutrition, infections, socioeconomic and maternal factors. Integrating systems biology to support public health strategies may provide avenues for precision nutrition-driven interventions that address specific deficiencies and systemic biochemical disturbances.

Frontiers in NutritionVol. 13
Uppsala University (SE), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (PH), Jimma University (ET), University of the Philippines Mindanao (PH), Ghent University (BE), University of Malaya (MY), Department of Physics, Mathematics and Informatics (BY), Davao Medical School Foundation (PH), Cellular Research (United States) (US), National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health (KZ), University of Gondar (ET), Wageningen University & Research (NL), Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Child Nutrition and Water Access
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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