Descriptive and Functional Genomics in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: From Lung Development to Targeted Therapies

Abstract

In this up-to-date study, we first aimed to highlight the genetic and non-genetic factors associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) while also focusing on the genomic aspect of this condition. Secondly, we discuss the treatment options and the progressing therapies based on RNAs or gene therapy. To fulfill this, our study commences with lung organogenesis, a highly orchestrated procedure guided by an intricate network of conserved signaling pathways that ultimately oversee the processes of patterning, growth, and differentiation. Then, our review focuses on the molecular mechanisms contributing to both normal and abnormal lung growth and development and underscores the connections between genetic and non-genetic factors linked to neonatal RDS, with a particular emphasis on the genomic aspects of this condition and their implications for treatment choices and the advancing therapeutic approaches centered around RNAs or gene therapy.

Keywords: lung development; neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); pulmonary surfactant; surfactant synthesis genes; therapeutic targets.

Figure 1

Simplified diagram depicting the sequence of signaling events that take place during human lung development stages. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 8 November 2023).

Figure 2

miRNA dysregulation in neonatal respiratory diseases syndrome (↑ represents upregulation, and ↓ represents downregulation). Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 8 November 2023).