The biorepository may be used for many scientific research projects. One project underway is the creation of a single-cell atlas of the human neonatal intestine. A single-cell atlas includes detailed information about individual cells and how these cells are different in healthy intestine compared to during NEC.
This project is one of five funded (from hundreds of applicants) by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) for Patient-Partnered Collaborations for Single-Cell Analysis of Rare Inflammatory Pediatric Disease.
The single-cell atlas will allow us to better understand the mechanisms that regulate important aspects of cellular differentiation, gut development, inflammation, disease progression, and resolution during and after NEC. Understanding the pathways involved in the pathobiology of NEC will shed light on why medically fragile infants are uniquely susceptible to NEC.
The project is intended to collect and analyze samples for four years. Research findings will be published as the project progresses (first publication anticipated for 2024).
This research will lead to better care for infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), thus improving outcomes and saving lives.
