Deficiency in DDR1 Induces Pulmonary Hypertension and Impaired Alveolar Development

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a multifaceted condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which can result in right ventricular dysfunction and failure. Disorders of lung development can present with secondary PH, which is a leading cause of mortality in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) is a collagen-binding receptor that regulates tissue fibrosis and inflammation and controls cellular growth and migration. However, the roles of DDR1 in lung development or the pathogenesis of PH are unknown. Studying mice with a DDR1 deletion (Ddr1(-/-)), we have noted 35% mortality between 1 and 4 months of age, and we demonstrate that DDR1 deficiency results in reduced right ventricular contractility and muscularization of distal pulmonary arteries, consistent with PH. Pathology analysis revealed enlarged alveolar spaces in Ddr1(-/-) mice by Postnatal Day 7, consistent with impaired alveolar development. Gene expression analysis showed that Ddr1(-/-) mice have reduced concentrations of alveologenesis factors and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. Mechanistic studies in vitro confirmed that DDR1 mediated epithelial-tomesenchymal transition, migration, and growth of alveolar epithelial cells. Taken together, these data suggest that DDR1 plays important roles mediating alveolarization during lung development. Our studies also describe a new model of spontaneous PH and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in mice.

Automated summary

Pulmonary hypertension is a disease characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, leading to right ventricular dysfunction and failure. This study shows that the DDR1 gene deletion results in abnormal muscularization of pulmonary arteries and impaired alveolar development, causing pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.