We show for first time that ATG7 and ATG12 are NURR1-regulated genes, and high expression of NURR1/ATG7/ATG12 corresponds to the poor survival and prognosis of patients with PDA and the NURR1-ATG7/ATG12 axis can be targeted by NURR1 antagonists. Here, ATG12 is linked to Patent ductus arteriosus.