Protein Restoration Shows Promise for Premature Infant Lung Repair

UCLA-led research has identified a molecular switch to regenerate blood vessels in premature infants' lungs, addressing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Restoring a healthy NTRK2 protein isoform in mouse models and organoids improved lung repair, offering a potential future treatment. This preclinical breakthrough could significantly impact neonatal care globally.

• UCLA-led team discovered a molecular switch for lung blood vessel regeneration.
• In BPD, a nonfunctional NTRK2 protein isoform hinders vascular repair.
• mRNA therapy restored healthy NTRK2, boosting blood vessel growth in models.
• Treatment reversed lung damage in mouse models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
• Findings published in Cell Stem Cell, corroborated by Cincinnati Children's.
• Preclinical study aims for future human infant clinical testing.

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