Probiotics and vitamin D receptor in preterm infant gut health
Official title: Probiotic regulation of the vitamin D receptor on infant intestinal development and inflammatory responses
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11482649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if giving probiotics changes a key gut receptor (VDR) and supports healthy development in preterm babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,229,232 |
| NIH project number | 1R33AT014065-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11482649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Preterm or very-low-birth-weight infants in whom probiotic treatment is being considered in a clinical setting.
✕Less likely to help
Infants for whom probiotics are not being used or those without intestinal samples analyzed in the study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how probiotics might alter the vitamin D receptor in the intestines of preterm infants and whether these changes relate to better immune function and development. Researchers will examine intestinal samples to measure VDR levels and link them with probiotic responses. The goal is to identify which babies are most likely to benefit from probiotics by using VDR as a biomarker. The work aims to clarify safety, mechanism, and targeted use of probiotics in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more precise and safer probiotic use to support gut health and development in preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown probiotics can modify the gut microbiome, but results for mechanistic links to VDR and infant development require further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Claud, Erika C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Claud, Erika C
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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.