Investigating a biomarker for lung development in premature infants
Official title: Let-7b in BPD
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11072987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called let-7b-5p can help us understand and possibly improve lung health in very premature babies who might develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 14, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,938 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL156275-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are extremely low birth weight infants who are at risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have low birth weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common condition in extremely low birth weight infants. The study aims to explore the role of a specific microRNA, let-7b-5p, which has been identified as a significant biomarker for predicting the development of severe BPD. Researchers will analyze blood and tracheal aspirate samples from infants to track changes in let-7b-5p levels and their correlation with lung disease progression. Additionally, the study will investigate how inhibiting let-7b signaling can improve lung development and reduce the severity of BPD in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and managing bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using biomarkers for monitoring lung diseases, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambalavanan, Namasivayam — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ambalavanan, Namasivayam
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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.