Investigating how lung injury affects brain development in preterm infants

Exosomal Gasdermin D Mediated Lung to Brain Crosswalk in Preterm Brain Injury

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10653147

This study is looking at how lung problems in premature babies, like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, might affect their brain development, and it’s exploring whether tiny particles called exosomes can carry important signals from the lungs to the brain that could help us find new ways to protect these babies' brains.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653147 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the connection between lung injury, specifically bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants. The study examines how exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released from cells, may carry signals from the lungs to the brain that contribute to brain injury. By analyzing these exosomes and the role of a protein called gasdermin D, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this communication and its impact on brain health. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing brain injury in vulnerable infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those without any lung injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing neurodevelopmental issues in preterm infants with lung injury.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of exosomes in various diseases, but this specific approach to linking lung injury and brain development in preterm infants is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, 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 chronic lung disease in infantschronic lung disease in neonatal infantschronic lung disease in neonateschronic lung disease in newbornschronic lung disease in prematurity
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.