Brainstem glial aging and dysfunction in obesity-related high blood pressure
Official title: Brainstem glial senescence and dysfunction in obesity-induced hypertension
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11358351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how support cells in the brainstem (glia) become dysfunctional in obesity and contribute to high blood pressure, with findings that could lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $382,223 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163775-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity who are at risk for hypertension or cardiovascular disease may benefit from future therapies targeting brainstem glia.
✕Less likely to help
People without obesity-related hypertension or those not participating in related future trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Obesity increases blood pressure partly through heightened brain signals that raise nerve activity. The project focuses on glial cells in the brainstem area called the RVLM, a key regulator of sympathetic outflow. It investigates how aging-like changes (senescence) in microglia and impaired glutamate handling by astrocytes may drive inflammation and overactivity of the nervous system. By studying cell-to-cell communication between microglia and astrocytes under stress, the research aims to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce obesity-related hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new brain-based targets to lower sympathetic drive and blood pressure in obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked oxidative stress in the brainstem to obesity-related hypertension, and this work extends to glial cells and their interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramanian, Madhan — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Subramanian, Madhan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting brain support cells to fight obesity-related high blood pressure
A study from the University of Iowa is looking at how brain cells called astrocytes may influence obesity-related hypertension and whether targeting them could help lower blood pressure.
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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.