Understanding how to protect the intestines of premature infants from injury
Official title: Regulation of signaling pathways mediating epithelial cell injury in the neonatal intestine
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11132961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain diets and gut bacteria can help prevent serious intestinal problems in premature babies, with the hope of finding new ways to keep their tummies healthy and reduce inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,114 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK140604-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants born weighing less than 1500 grams who are at risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who do not have a low birth weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal disease affecting premature infants. The study aims to uncover the signaling pathways that lead to intestinal injury and how these pathways can be influenced by dietary components and microbial metabolites. By investigating the role of specific receptors and transcription factors, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for affected neonates. The ultimate goal is to develop dietary interventions or treatments that can reduce inflammation and protect the intestinal lining in vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding similar signaling pathways in other gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frazer, Lauren Carole — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Frazer, Lauren Carole
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.