How human milk sugars protect the gut and calm inflammation
Mechanisms by which human milk-derived oligosaccharides protect intestinal barrier and attenuate inflammation
This research tests whether a sugar found in human milk called 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) can strengthen the intestinal lining and lower inflammation in adults with gut injury or inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the human milk sugar 2'-FL using lab-grown intestinal cells, mouse models, and comparisons to samples or data from people with ulcerative colitis. They will look at how 2'-FL affects gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium infantis and the bacterial metabolites (for example, pantothenate) that may protect the gut barrier from oxidative stress. The team will also explore direct effects of 2'-FL on cell signaling pathways that support intestinal cell survival. The goal is to understand the mechanisms so this knowledge can guide development of therapies or supplements for adults with gut barrier problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis), people experiencing chemotherapy-induced mucositis, or adults with documented intestinal barrier dysfunction would be the most relevant candidates for future interventions emerging from this research.
Not a fit: People without intestinal barrier problems, infants (since this project focuses on adult gut health), or those with non-gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments or supplements that protect the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent mucositis from chemotherapy and flares of inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and mouse studies, including the investigators' preliminary work, have shown protective effects of 2'-FL and related oligosaccharides, but robust human clinical evidence is limited.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Fang — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yan, Fang
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 below.