Investigating a protein's role in gut health for premature infants

SIGIRR in the Neonatal Intestine

NIH-funded research Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) · NIH-11064985

This study is looking at how a protein called SIGIRR impacts the gut health of preterm babies, especially in relation to a serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), to find ways to help improve their gut health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064985 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, SIGIRR, affects the gut health of preterm infants. It aims to uncover the genetic and immunological mechanisms that lead to conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which can occur due to a weakened intestinal barrier. By studying how SIGIRR interacts with gut bacteria and influences inflammation, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve gut health in these vulnerable infants. The approach includes examining genetic variants and their effects on intestinal cell function in neonatal models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are at risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis due to immature gut health.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those without a history of gut health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance gut barrier function and reduce the risk of serious intestinal conditions in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune proteins in gut health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions bacterial bloodstream infectionbacterial infection in the bloodstream
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.