Understanding lung development in premature infants
Official title: Integrated Molecular and Cellular Drivers of Alveologenesis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11088232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how lung problems in premature babies, called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), happen and aims to find ways to help their lungs grow better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168556-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neonates born between 23-32 weeks of gestation who are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who do not have any lung development issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition affecting premature infants. By examining the transition from saccular to alveolar lung development, the study aims to identify the cellular and molecular processes that lead to impaired lung growth. Using advanced imaging techniques and a neonatal injury model, researchers will explore how specific signaling pathways influence cell behavior and lung architecture. The ultimate goal is to uncover potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating BPD in vulnerable neonates.
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: Other research has shown promise in understanding lung development and BPD, but this approach utilizing advanced imaging and specific signaling pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sucre, Jennifer Malcolmsrygley — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sucre, Jennifer Malcolmsrygley
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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.