Investigating how severe neonatal jaundice affects the risk of intestinal disease in newborns
Official title: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) and the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) play key roles in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11089377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high bilirubin levels in newborns might be linked to a serious gut condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, and it’s exploring how human breast milk can help improve the situation by affecting a key enzyme that helps process bilirubin, all to find better ways to care for babies who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136599-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns under 4 weeks old who are experiencing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 4 weeks or do not have severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns. It examines how human breast milk influences the expression of a key enzyme, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), which is crucial for processing bilirubin. Using a specialized mouse model that mimics human conditions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to elevated bilirubin levels and their connection to NEC. The findings could help identify protective factors in breast milk and improve care for vulnerable newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for NEC in newborns, particularly those affected by jaundice.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of UGT1A1 in bilirubin metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tukey, Robert H — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tukey, Robert H
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.