Blocking FOXO4 to protect the brain after stroke
FOXOs in ischemic stroke
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER · NIH-11328855
Researchers aim to find out if blocking a protein called FOXO4 can protect the brain and reduce Alzheimer-like damage after an ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11328855 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models of ischemic stroke to study how FOXO4 affects brain inflammation, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress that can lead to dementia-like changes. Investigators will compare normal mice with mice that lack FOXO4 and test ways to selectively inhibit FOXO4 activity to see whether brain injury and Alzheimer-like pathology are reduced. They will analyze brain tissue, gene expression, and blood measures to track inflammation, cell survival, and changes linked to Alzheimer's disease. The work is preclinical and aims to identify whether FOXO4 is a promising target for future therapies that could be developed for people who have had a stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future clinical testing would be people who recently experienced an ischemic stroke and are eligible for early-phase trials of FOXO4-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: People without ischemic stroke or those whose dementia is caused by non-stroke mechanisms would not be expected to benefit directly from this FOXO4-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking FOXO4 could lead to new treatments that limit brain damage after stroke and lower the risk of later Alzheimer-like dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work shows FOXO inhibition can protect peripheral tissues and pilot mouse data indicate FOXO4 knockout reduces brain injury, but this specific approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER — LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, HONGMIN — TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER
- Study coordinator: WANG, HONGMIN
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 below.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease like pathology