How the gut microbiome affects brain development in preterm infants

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and brain development in preterm infants, a vulnerable group at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental issues. By analyzing fecal and blood samples from preterm infants in the NICU, the study aims to identify specific gut microbiome taxa and metabolites that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. The research will track changes over time to understand how early microbiome composition can affect brain health as these infants grow. This approach combines advanced genetic sequencing techniques with clinical observations to uncover potential interventions.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Chicago
  Chicago, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Claud, Erika C — University of Chicago
• Study coordinator: Claud, Erika C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• 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.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11290329

• How breast milk IgA influences the gut bacteria in preterm infants

  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.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11233143

• 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.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11051897

• 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.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-10886550

• 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.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11617691

• 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.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11600939

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.