How the environment and gut bacteria affect asthma in children
Impact of the Environment and Host Microbiome on Asthma Development: Mechanistic Studies
This study is looking at how things in our environment, like water and dust, might affect the germs in kids' tummies and how that relates to asthma, especially since kids in Nogales, Mexico seem to have less asthma than those in Tucson, Arizona.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10932535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between environmental factors and gut microbiota in the development of asthma among children. By comparing populations of similar ancestry living in Tucson, AZ, and Nogales, MX, the study aims to understand why asthma rates are significantly lower in Nogales. Researchers will analyze the microbial composition of children's stool, drinking water, and house dust to identify protective factors against asthma. The findings could lead to new insights into how environmental exposures influence immune responses and asthma development in young children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those from diverse environmental backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have asthma or related allergic conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing asthma in children by leveraging beneficial environmental and microbial factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exposure to microbe-rich environments can protect against asthma, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vercelli, Donata — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Vercelli, Donata
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.