The connection between gut health and lung development in newborns
The gut-lung axis influences the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
This study is looking at how tiny fungi in the gut might influence lung health in newborns, especially those at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), to help find better treatments for these little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10871879 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome, particularly fungi, affects lung health in newborns, specifically in relation to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind this gut-lung connection during the critical neonatal period. By employing advanced techniques in molecular mycology and clinical research, the project aims to uncover causal relationships that could inform future treatments. The research is led by a neonatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who is receiving mentorship and training to enhance his expertise in this area.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those under 4 weeks old, who are at risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or who do not have any risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the gut-lung axis is a relatively novel area of investigation, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding its implications for respiratory health.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willis, Kent Avery — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Willis, Kent Avery
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 below.