Caveolin-1's role in brain blood-vessel health after childhood concussion
Caveolin-1 contributes to the long-term function and structure of the neurovascular unit after juvenile concussion
This work looks at whether targeting the Cav-1 protein can protect developing brains from long-term damage after a mild concussion in childhood.
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 ID | NIH-11307171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my child had a mild concussion, this research is looking at whether a brain protein called Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) changes how tiny blood vessels and support cells recover. Scientists will use juvenile injury models and advanced imaging and molecular tests to follow short- and long-term changes in the neurovascular unit and to try a compound that targets the Caveolin Scaffolding Domain (CSD). They will check blood vessel function, neurovascular coupling, and thinking or memory over time to see if changing Cav-1 signaling prevents accelerated decline. Findings could point to treatments that protect developing brains after mild traumatic brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be children or adolescents who have experienced a recent mild concussion and their families interested in early intervention studies.
Not a fit: People without a history of concussion or those with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury are unlikely to benefit from this Cav-1–targeted approach as currently described.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that protect brain blood vessels and reduce long-term cognitive decline after childhood concussions.
How similar studies have performed: Similar Cav-1–targeting approaches improved recovery after stroke in animal models, but applying them to juvenile concussion is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- 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 below.