Understanding how certain factors lead to a serious intestinal disease in premature infants
Official title: Insights into a multi-hit process in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11083556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like formula feeding and gut bacteria might play a role in causing a serious intestinal problem called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies, using baby mice to learn more about what happens in their tummies, so we can better protect at-risk infants in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129960-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants and extremely low birth weight babies who are at risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have low birth weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition affecting premature infants. It focuses on how factors like formula feeding and gut bacteria contribute to the disease's development. By studying neonatal mice, the researchers aim to understand the changes in gut microbiome and immune responses that lead to NEC. The findings could help identify at-risk infants and improve prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong link between gut microbiome changes and NEC, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Xiao-Di — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Tan, Xiao-Di
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.