Description
Currently, one of the major problems in neonatology are complications of prematurity. The pathomechanisms of these complications have not fully yet been discovered. To answer the fundamental question about relationship between the degree of immaturity and the epigenic and gene expression profile as well as their function defined as proteome. This study represents an approach to shed light on the pathomechanism of complications of prematurity. Elucidation of mechanisms underlying development of late negative effects of prematurity.
Summary of project results
Currently, one of the major problems in neonatology are complications of prematurity. The pathomechanisms of these complications have not fully yet been discovered. The main scientific goal of the project was evaluation of mechanisms underlying development of late negative effects of prematurity. Applying experimental mice hypoxia/hyperoxia models as well as in vitro test preformed on infants’ leukocytes we have obtained the information which genes were up or down regulated in the subgroups of preterm infants (e.g. bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)). Moreover, the project has identified the metabolic pathways (by means of transcriptome and proteome evaluation) which are of crucial importance in the pathomechanism of the BPD and ROP. We also described the extent of the modulation of gene expression profile by epigenetic mechanisms. Combination of the experimental results with the results of transcryptomic – epigenomic – proteomic analyses provided the molecular targets for the future preventive and /or therapeutic interventions. We can speculate that our results can be use in the future to develop a new diagnostic method for more precise and less invasive diagnostic management of newborns, and finally may lead to diminishing possible complications of prematurity and improve the children's general health state.
Summary of bilateral results
A very important aspect of this project was Polish-Norwegian co-operation. This project was natural continuation of previous research co-operation. The NEO-MICS consortium consisted of 3 partners which are Medical Universities. Each participant contributed expertise in a different field important for the successful implementation of the project, its publicity and subsequent employment in health care systems. Collaboration has strengthened the networks between Polish and Norwegian medical universities.