Understanding the sinus microbiome in chronic sinus inflammation

CRS Microbiome: Multi-omic Integrative Longitudinal Experimental (CRS-MILE) study

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11221405

This project looks at how the mix of microbes in the sinuses relates to long-lasting sinus inflammation in people with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11221405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would provide nasal or sinus samples and information about your symptoms and treatments at several visits so researchers can follow changes over time. The team will use multiple 'omics' tests (such as DNA sequencing, gene activity, and metabolic profiling) to map which microbes and microbial functions are present. They will compare people who improve with treatment to those who remain symptomatic to find microbial patterns linked to persistence or recovery. Those findings could point to new ways to guide antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or future microbiome-based treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with chronic rhinosinusitis, including those with ongoing symptoms despite antibiotics or prior surgery, who can provide nasal/sinus samples and attend follow-up visits.

Not a fit: Participants should not expect immediate symptom relief because this research collects samples and data to inform future treatments rather than provide a new therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop personalized strategies to restore a healthy sinus microbiome and reduce chronic sinus symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown altered sinus microbiomes in CRS, but this longitudinal multi-omics approach is more comprehensive and relatively novel in linking microbial function to chronic inflammation.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.