Caveolin-1 helps brain vessels stay healthy after juvenile concussion
Official title: Caveolin-1 contributes to the long-term function and structure of the neurovascular unit after juvenile concussion
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11503687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in kids and young adults looks at how a protein called Caveolin-1 affects brain blood vessels after a mild concussion and whether targeting it could protect long-term brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $118,800 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS119605-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11503687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young adults who have experienced juvenile traumatic brain injury and related conditions, with interest in brain health and recovery.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit individuals without a history of juvenile brain injury or those who do not participate in any future trials.
What this research studies
This project follows a concussion model focused on children and developing brains to understand short- and long-term brain changes. It examines how Caveolin-1, a protein in the cells lining brain blood vessels and nearby support cells, influences blood flow and the brain’s protective barriers over time. The team will test whether adjusting Cav-1 signaling can prevent problems with neurovascular coupling and cognitive decline after juvenile mTBI. By using advanced imaging and molecular approaches, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could benefit patients who have suffered pediatric brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that protect or restore brain blood vessel function after pediatric concussions, reducing long-term cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in stroke has shown Cav-1–targeted approaches can aid recovery, but its role in juvenile TBI is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
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University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Obenaus, Andre — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Obenaus, Andre
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.