Understanding how certain factors lead to a serious intestinal disease in premature infants

Insights into a multi-hit process in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11083556

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11083556 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants and extremely low birth weight babies who are at risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have low birth weight may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions bacteria infectionbacterial diseaseBacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.