Federal Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration received a $612,587 Project Grant award dated March 18, 2026, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). The grant funds basic and translational research to identify mechanisms by which the microbiome regulates postnatal growth and lipid metabolism in extremely preterm infants. The research will characterize how alterations in intestinal bacterial development contribute to postnatal growth failure and examine the underlying microbial signals and host metabolic responses involved. Deliverables include characterization of microbiome composition differences between preterm infants with appropriate versus impaired growth trajectories and mechanistic studies using animal models to validate therapeutic microbiome interventions.

The award supports research activities through January 31, 2031, to be conducted at Duke University's Durham, North Carolina facility. The research directly addresses clinical significance by targeting growth failure in extremely preterm infants, a condition associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Findings are expected to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for microbiome modification to improve nutrient accretion and growth outcomes in this vulnerable population. This award aligns with NIDDK's programmatic priority to support basic and clinical biomedical research that advances prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic and digestive diseases.