A protein known as Piezo2 plays a critical role in sensing lung expansion and be a factor in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in human babies.

Using genetically modified mouse models, the researchers found that newborn mice lacking the Piezo2 channel show severe respiratory distress that leads to death. The researchers said this study might help shed light on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in human babies, which is thought to be associated with dysfunctional airway sensory neurons.

Adult mice lacking the Piezo2 channel in sensory neurons exhibit significantly increased tidal volume (amount of inhaled air in lungs) as well as an impaired Hering-Breuer reflex, an inhibitory respiratory reflex that prevents lung over-expansion.

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