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Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes

NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

open
OpenLast verified: 2026-06-19

About This Grant

PROJECT SUMMARY Human milk is a vital bioactive substance and a significant driver of health outcomes for preterm infants. Milk constituents can degrade in storage, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are most susceptible to chemical instability. The products of lipid degradation and lipid oxidation are widely implicated in various diseases; however, their impact on the intestinal outcomes of preterm infants is poorly understood. This presents a significant opportunity to enhance our understanding of how milk storage may impact the risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal diseases, particularly necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Two primary aims of this proposal are (1) to evaluate the role of fatty acid-protein complex (FAPC) formation in donor milk in driving preterm intestinal stress and mitochondrial toxicity, and (2) to determine whether secondary lipid oxidation products in human milk are associated with clinical NEC and promote intestinal injury in human enteroids. Tissue-derived enteroids will be used to investigate how mitochondrial stress and barrier integrity are affected by lipid metabolites present in human milk. This proposal will integrate a comprehensive set of prospective patient data with human milk samples collected in the Medical University of South Carolina Pediatric Biorepository. The study will employ advanced laboratory- based models of preterm and neonatal enteroids. The degree of lipid degradation in banked donor human milk will be quantified using LC-MS, and Fourier-transform MS will be evaluated as a novel approach for detecting fatty-acid protein complexes. End points of mitochondrial dysfunction in preterm enteroids will be measured after exposure to products of lipid oxidation generated in stored milk. Lastly, new approaches to milk storage could inform new recommendations that would sustain its highest possible quality. Dr. Katherine Chetta’s long-term vision is to become a productive, independent physician-scientist and an expert in the field of human milk lipids and preterm gastrointestinal health. Receiving a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award allows her to investigate novel pathways for human milk research at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Under the guidance of an expert team of mentors, she will acquire advanced laboratory-based skills in milk analysis and preterm translational models, preparing her for launching an independent laboratory. The proposed K23 award would facilitate Dr. Chetta’s ultimate career goal of optimizing human milk and preterm gastrointestinal health, thereby benefiting critically ill and preterm infants.

Grant Summary

Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes is a NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant providing up to $183K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2029-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.

Focus Areas

health research

Eligibility

universitynonprofithealthcare org

How to Apply

Funding Range

Up to $183K

Deadline

2029-05-31

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
  2. 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
  3. 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
  4. 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development before the deadline.
This record is a past award, contract, or funder profile — useful for research, but not an open grant application. Check the original source for current opportunities from this funder.

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Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes?

Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes is offered by NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.

How much funding does the Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes provide?

Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes provides up to $183K per award from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.

When is the Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes deadline?

Applications for Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes are due 2029-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.

How do you apply for the Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes?

To apply for Lipid Degradation in Human Milk and Preterm Gastrointestinal Outcomes, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

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