Understanding and Repairing Lung Blood Vessels in Preterm Babies

Transcriptional Regulation of Endothelial Cells after Neonatal Lung Injury

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-11137043

This work explores new ways to help preterm babies grow healthy lung blood vessels to prevent serious breathing problems like Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137043 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Advances in care have improved survival for preterm infants, but many still face long-term lung complications like Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). These conditions happen when the tiny air sacs and blood vessels in the lungs don't develop properly after birth, especially with oxygen support. Our team is developing innovative treatments, including special nanoparticles that can deliver genes to help new blood vessels grow in the lungs. We are also studying specific lung stem cells that have shown promise in improving lung development in models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding and potentially treating lung complications, specifically Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension, in preterm infants.

Not a fit: Patients without lung complications related to prematurity or those with other types of lung disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that stimulate lung blood vessel growth and preserve breathing function in preterm infants with severe BPD and pulmonary hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: This research explores novel approaches, including newly developed nanoparticles and identified stem cell populations, for which prior human studies are limited.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, 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.