How Caesarean delivery affects the gut bacteria and brain development in infants
Official title: Caesarean Delivery's Effect on the Early Life Microbiome and Neurodevelopment
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11045690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being born by C-section might change the helpful bacteria that babies get from their moms and how that could affect their brain development, with a focus on conditions like autism and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,138 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD107912-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants born via Caesarean delivery, particularly those under the age of 4 weeks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not delivered via Caesarean section or those older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of Caesarean delivery on the microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms living in and on our bodies, and how these changes may influence brain development in infants. By using a mouse model, the study aims to understand how the mode of delivery affects the transfer of beneficial bacteria from mother to child and whether this disruption can lead to neurodevelopmental issues such as autism and ADHD. The researchers will analyze the microbial communities and assess neurodevelopmental outcomes to uncover potential links between delivery methods and brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how delivery methods impact infant health and development, potentially guiding practices to improve outcomes for children born via Caesarean section.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that the microbiome plays a crucial role in health and development, suggesting that this investigation into the effects of Caesarean delivery is both relevant and timely.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lessing, Jeremy K — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lessing, Jeremy K
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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.