Investigating how liver kinase B1 affects blood vessel growth in premature infants with lung complications

Role of Liver Kinase B1 in the decreased angiogenesis in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10940315

This study is exploring how too much oxygen can affect the lung growth of premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and it’s looking at a specific protein that might help improve blood vessel development in their lungs to find better treatments for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10940315 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition that affects premature infants. It examines how exposure to high levels of oxygen can hinder the growth of blood vessels in the lungs, which is crucial for healthy lung development. The study looks at the role of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and its impact on a key metabolic regulator, AMPK, in promoting blood vessel formation. By using a neonatal mouse model, the researchers aim to identify potential treatments that could improve lung health in affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia due to exposure to supplemental oxygen.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have bronchopulmonary dysplasia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance lung development and reduce complications in premature infants suffering from BPD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using metabolic regulators like AMPK activators to improve lung function in similar conditions, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, 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 2026-06-13 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.