Investigating a protein's role in gut health for premature infants
Official title: SIGIRR in the Neonatal Intestine
Funded at Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) · NIH-11064985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,847 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139636-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are at risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis due to immature gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those without a history of gut health issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sampath, Venkatesh — Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
- Study coordinator: Sampath, Venkatesh
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.