The role of the type III transforming growth factor-β receptors in the regulation of pulmonary vascular development

Disturbed pulmonary vascular development is increasingly recognised as a key player in the perturbed alveolar development associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The molecular basis of the peturbed pulmonary vascular development is not understood. Our preliminary studies in mice, employing a hyperoxia-based model of BPD, have revealed dysregulated expression of components of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling machinery. In this study, we particularly address the type I and type III TGF-β receptors, in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle behaviour. These receptors include two type I (Acvrl1…