Investigating the role of the microbiome in biliary atresia
Official title: A multi-center study of the microbiome in biliary atresia
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11074603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut might affect the health of babies with biliary atresia, a liver condition, by collecting stool samples to see if there are differences between those who do and don’t have successful bile flow after surgery, with the hope of finding ways to improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,806 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK119567-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with biliary atresia or cholestasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have biliary atresia or cholestasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the microbiome, the community of bacteria in the gut, affects the outcomes of biliary atresia, a serious liver condition in infants. The study will collect stool samples from infants with cholestasis and biliary atresia to analyze their microbiome using advanced genetic sequencing techniques. By comparing the microbial signatures of infants with and without successful bile flow after surgery, researchers aim to uncover important factors that influence treatment outcomes. This could lead to new insights into how to improve care for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for infants with biliary atresia, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in various gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tessier, Mary Elizabeth Mcconnell — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tessier, Mary Elizabeth Mcconnell
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetic factors in virus-related biliary atresia in children
A study to understand how viral infections may trigger biliary atresia in very young children and how genetics influence this process.
-
MMP7-Positive Liver Cells Driving Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia
This study explores a specific liver cell type marked by MMP7 to understand why scarring progresses in biliary atresia and how it might be slowed.
-
How genes may cause biliary atresia
This project looks at how changes in a gene called PKD1L1 might lead to biliary atresia in babies and to later bile-duct inflammation.
-
Bifidobacterium breve to support bile flow in infants with cholestasis and biliary atresia
A tiny study in babies with biliary atresia or related cholestasis tests a safe probiotic supplement (B. breve) to help bile flow after a surgical procedure.
-
Mechanisms of neutrophil NETs and their role in biliary fibrosis in biliary atresia
A study to understand how certain white blood cells and their networks contribute to scarring in the bile ducts of infants with biliary atresia.
-
Understanding how immune cells contribute to liver scarring in infants with biliary atresia
This research explores how certain immune cells called neutrophils cause liver scarring in babies born with biliary atresia.
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.