Blocking PDE2a to treat long-term effects of repeated mild head injuries
PDE2a inhibition as a therapeutic target for the chronic effects of repetitive mild TBI
This work looks at whether blocking the enzyme PDE2a can reduce lasting brain, memory, and mood problems after repeated mild head injuries like concussions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11220433 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had repeated mild head injuries, researchers are using mouse models that copy those injuries to study whether blocking an enzyme called PDE2a can reduce long-term brain problems. They give PDE2a-blocking drugs to injured mice and track memory, movement, and mood over time. They also examine brain tissue for inflammation, abnormal proteins, and cell damage to see how the drug affects the brain. The goal is to generate data that could support future human trials for veterans, athletes, and others with repeated concussions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (for example veterans or athletes) and ongoing cognitive or emotional symptoms would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People whose problems are due to a single severe TBI, advanced neurodegenerative disease without TBI, or unrelated medical causes may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drugs that lessen chronic cognitive, behavioral, and mood problems after repeated mild TBIs.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting PDE enzymes has shown promise in some animal models of brain disease, but specifically blocking PDE2a for repetitive mild TBI is relatively new and mainly tested in preclinical (animal) work so far.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- James a. Haley VA Medical Center — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crawford, Fiona C. — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Crawford, Fiona C.
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.