Investigating how lung cells are affected by oxygen exposure in premature infants

The Role of Lung Megakaryocytes in Airway Disease after Neonatal Hyperoxia

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11052544

This study is looking at how being given oxygen affects the lungs of premature babies born very early, to see if it leads to problems with their airways later on, and it hopes to find new ways to help those who might struggle with breathing issues as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052544 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the long-term effects of oxygen exposure on the lungs of premature infants, particularly those born before 29 weeks of gestation. It examines how this exposure leads to an increase in specific lung cells called megakaryocytes, which may contribute to airway diseases later in life. By using a mouse model and human tissue samples, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these cells respond to respiratory infections and release factors that could worsen lung conditions. The findings could help identify new therapeutic targets for managing airway hyperreactivity in affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are former preterm infants who experienced oxygen exposure after birth and are now facing airway-related health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who were not born prematurely or who do not have a history of airway diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for airway diseases in former premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
Conditions Airway Disease
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.