Investigating the role of DLL4 in lung development and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
Official title: DLL4 in the Developing Lung and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
Funded at Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) · NIH-11017750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called DLL4 impacts lung growth in premature babies, especially those at risk for a serious lung problem called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), to find ways to help their lungs develop better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162937-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have lung development issues related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called DLL4 affects lung development in premature infants, particularly in relation to a serious lung condition known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The study examines the molecular mechanisms by which DLL4 influences the formation of blood vessels and air sacs in the lungs. By using mouse models and human cells, researchers aim to uncover how disruptions in DLL4 signaling contribute to BPD and explore potential therapeutic approaches to improve lung health in affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve lung development and reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DLL4 in lung development, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treating BPD.
Where this research is happening
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Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sampath, Venkatesh — Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
- Study coordinator: Sampath, Venkatesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of uneven lung growth in chronic lung disease from birth to adulthood
This grant explores how mismatched growth of airways, airspaces, and blood vessels during early life might lead to lasting lung problems in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and how that affects people over time.
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Regulatory T Cells and Lung Disease-Related High Blood Pressure in Adults
This project studies how a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells may influence inflammation and blood vessel changes in lung disease, with potential relevance to adults who have vascular issues in their lungs.
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Understanding how breathing effort in premature babies with lung disease comes from different lung problems
A research project aims to create a patient-specific tool to measure how different features of bronchopulmonary dysplasia contribute to the struggle to breathe in premature infants.
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Role of LKB1 in reduced lung blood vessel growth in BPD
Aims to understand how a cellular regulator (LKB1) affects blood vessel formation in the lungs of preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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A new approach to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
A new treatment strategy aimed at improving lung development in premature babies at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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L-Citrulline for BPD-related Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Babies
A first-in-human study will test safe and effective doses of L-citrulline given by mouth to stability-preterm infants at risk for lung blood pressure problems.
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.