How breast milk IgA influences the gut bacteria in preterm infants
Official title: Breast Milk IgA Exerts Selective Pressure on the Preterm Gut Microbiome
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11233143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special part of breast milk called IgA helps protect the gut health of preterm babies by keeping harmful bacteria away, which could help lower the chances of them getting a serious intestinal problem called NEC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD114316-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11233143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are receiving breast milk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those not receiving breast milk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of breast milk IgA in shaping the gut microbiome of preterm infants, which is crucial for their health. It focuses on how this component of breast milk helps prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut, thereby reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease. The study will analyze the interactions between breast milk IgA and gut bacteria over time to understand how these factors contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. By examining the differences in gut bacteria between infants who develop NEC and those who do not, the research aims to uncover important insights into gut health in preterm infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing NEC in preterm infants, enhancing their overall health and survival.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of breast milk components in infant gut health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tin, Christine Melody — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tin, Christine Melody
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the gut and liver affect fat absorption in very premature babies
This project tests whether immature gut bacteria, altered bile acids, and pasteurized donor milk make it harder for very low birth weight preterm babies to absorb essential fats.
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Understanding how the liver and gut bacteria affect fat absorption in premature infants
This study is looking at how very low birth weight babies can better absorb important fats for their growth, especially when they are fed donor milk instead of their mom's milk, and it aims to find ways to help these tiny infants get the nutrition they need.
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How the gut microbiome affects brain development in preterm infants
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the guts of preterm babies might affect their brain development, hoping to find ways to support their growth and health as they grow up.
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Investigating how protein-rich human milk diets affect growth and gut health in very premature infants.
This study is looking at how feeding extremely premature babies, born at 28 weeks or earlier, a special diet with more protein in their human milk can help them grow better and support their gut health, with the hope of finding better ways to care for these tiny fighters.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
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.