Mitochondrial DNA and lung problems in extremely preterm infants
MTDNA HAPLOGROUPS IN BPD
This project looks at whether inherited mitochondrial DNA differences help explain why some extremely preterm babies develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my baby were involved, researchers would compare inherited mitochondrial DNA types (haplogroups) and measure how well mitochondrial machinery works in cells from preterm infants. They will measure mitochondrial DNA-derived inflammatory fragments (mtDNA-DAMPs) and other signs of oxidant stress that can harm developing lungs. The team will use human umbilical cord cells and perinatal mesenchymal stem cells alongside newborn mouse experiments to connect inherited mtDNA differences to lung injury and arrested lung development. They will also test approaches that boost mitochondrial function in mice to see if that lowers lung damage linked to BPD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be extremely preterm infants (and/or their cord blood or placental-derived cells) who are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Not a fit: Babies who are not born extremely preterm, older children, or adults with unrelated lung conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify mitochondrial DNA patterns that predict BPD risk and point to new ways to protect or repair newborn lungs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and mouse work from this group has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA haplogroups affect hyperoxia lung injury and that boosting mitochondrial biogenesis can reduce damage in newborn mice, so the approach is promising but still early-stage for humans.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kandasamy, Jegen — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Kandasamy, Jegen
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 below.