A protein linked to blood-flow-related memory loss in sickle cell disease
Official title: Protein Arginine Methyltransferase-Mediated Vascular Dementia in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10829254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a protein called protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) causes blood-flow problems that lead to thinking and memory troubles in people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $779,610 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS132291-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10829254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults and older teenagers with sickle cell disease who notice memory, concentration, or other thinking problems would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
People without sickle cell disease or whose cognitive problems are caused by non-vascular issues are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This work focuses on how sickle cell disease's blocked blood flow and low oxygen can trigger inflammation and brain damage that look like vascular dementia. Researchers are studying an enzyme called PRMT to see if it worsens blood-flow-related brain injury. They use mouse models of sickle cell disease and Alzheimer-related vascular injury and advanced imaging (like two-photon microscopy) to watch blood flow, inflammation, and brain cells in action. The team will test whether reducing PRMT activity protects brain blood flow and preserves memory to identify possible treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to protect brain blood flow and preserve memory in people with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown that vascular injury and inflammation can harm thinking and memory, but targeting PRMT specifically is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Hung Wen (Kevin) — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lin, Hung Wen (Kevin)
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.