Metabolite-based approach to strengthen the premature gut
Official title: Metabolite-Driven Strategies to Strengthen the Premature Intestine
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11437498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team will test a metabolite and a synthetic version to help the immature intestines of very premature babies develop better defenses against NEC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $167,280 |
| NIH project number | 1K08DK149531-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11437498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Premature infants at risk for NEC or infants with immature gastrointestinal barriers.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without prematurity or NEC risk may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on how to help the developing intestine mature so premature infants are less vulnerable to NEC. The plan is to test microbial metabolites that activate a key gut-protective pathway and see if they speed up intestinal maturation and reduce disease risk. The project combines lab studies and early clinical considerations to translate findings into safer, more effective prevention by supporting the gut’s natural development. If successful, this approach could shift the current NEC care paradigm from treating inflammation to strengthening the gut during a critical window of development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could reduce NEC risk and improve survival and outcomes for very premature babies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that activating the AhR pathway may support gut barrier maturation, but this exact metabolite approach is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buonpane, Christie — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Buonpane, Christie
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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.