How bacteria affect growth in preterm infants
Official title: Bacterial mediators of postnatal growth in preterm infants
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10758244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the guts of very premature babies can help them grow better and absorb nutrients, with the hope of finding ways to support their growth during a crucial time in their development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $115,920 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK134684-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are extremely preterm infants who are experiencing poor postnatal growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or who have already achieved adequate postnatal growth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the intestinal microbiome in the growth and nutrition of extremely preterm infants. It focuses on understanding how specific bacterial communities influence postnatal growth and nutrient absorption. By using gnotobiotic mice, which are colonized with microbiomes from preterm infants, the study aims to identify bacterial mediators that could enhance growth outcomes. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving growth in vulnerable infants during their critical developmental period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved growth and health outcomes for extremely preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that the microbiome plays a significant role in growth and development, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Younge, Noelle Elizabeth — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Younge, Noelle Elizabeth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.