Understanding how genes affect nutrition and immunity in newborns
Official title: Investigating the role of gene regulatory networks in neonatal nutrition and immunity
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11069318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how newborns' intestines learn to absorb nutrients and build their immune systems, which could help improve their health, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how babies grow and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | June 19, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,520 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD117597-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include newborns and infants who may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies or immune system challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than infancy or those with established immune disorders unrelated to nutritional factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical period of neonatal development, focusing on how the intestine absorbs nutrients and establishes immune defenses against pathogens. The study examines the role of specific transcription factors that are essential for nutrient uptake and immune function in newborns. By exploring the connections between nutrition and immune development, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better health outcomes for infants. The approach includes genetic analysis and bioinformatics to understand how these factors influence growth and immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutritional strategies and interventions that enhance immune function in newborns, potentially reducing the risk of malnutrition and related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nutrition in immune development, but this specific approach focusing on gene regulatory networks in neonates is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scales, Michael Kemper — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Scales, Michael Kemper
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.