Metabolic clues to BPD-related pulmonary hypertension in babies and teens and adults
Official title: Metabolic mechanisms underlying bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension
Funded at Ocean State Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11319025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand why a serious lung condition in preterm babies can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, with the goal of finding new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ocean State Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $527,903 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166327-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include infants with or at risk for BPD and PH, and older individuals with a history of BPD-related lung vascular changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BPD or without PH are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
The project focuses on how metabolic changes in the lungs contribute to abnormal blood vessel remodeling seen in bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary hypertension. Researchers plan to study mechanisms such as EndoMT and acetylation processes that affect vascular cells in models that mimic human disease. The goal is to identify targets for therapies that could prevent or treat PH in people with BPD, including infants and older patients. The work builds on animal studies and early observations in human lung tissue from infants on ventilation. If successful, this research could point toward new, more effective ways to protect the lung vasculature in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to targeted therapies that prevent or treat BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension, improving breathing and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies and limited human data suggest vascular remodeling and EndoMT play roles; the approach builds on these foundations with translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Ocean State Research Institute, INC.
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Hongwei — Ocean State Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Yao, Hongwei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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.
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New treatments for lung problems in premature infants
This study is looking for new ways to help premature babies who have bronchopulmonary dysplasia and high blood pressure in their lungs, with the goal of making them healthier and reducing serious health risks.
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Understanding how metabolic processes affect lung disease in premature infants
This study is looking at how certain changes in the lungs of premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat or prevent this condition.
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This study is looking at how tiny molecules in saliva might help doctors predict lung problems in premature babies, so they can catch issues early and provide better care.
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A study explores how specific immune cells and inflammatory signals in schistosomiasis may contribute to pulmonary hypertension in people affected by the disease.
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.