Could a brain sensor (GPR68) protect thinking and memory after stroke
Mechanistic inquiry of GPR68-mediated neuroprotection against post-stroke deficits and VCID
This project tests whether boosting a brain receptor called GPR68 can protect brain cells and lower the risk of thinking and memory problems after an ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10934362 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, researchers are studying a brain sensor called GPR68 using lab-grown neurons and animal models that mimic the acid build-up that happens during stroke. They will examine whether turning on GPR68 triggers a protective unfolded protein response in neurons and test drugs that can enhance GPR68 signaling. Animals will be followed long-term with behavior and memory tests to see if activating GPR68 prevents post-stroke cognitive decline. If results look promising, the work would support moving these approaches toward future human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had an ischemic stroke or who are at high risk of vascular cognitive impairment would be the most likely candidates for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with brain problems unrelated to ischemia or vascular causes (for example, purely genetic neurodegenerative diseases) may not benefit from GPR68-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that protect brain cells during stroke and reduce the risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment or dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies in cells and animals suggest GPR68 can protect neurons in acidic or ischemic conditions, but translating drug-based GPR68 activation to prevent post-stroke cognitive decline is still novel.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zha, Xiangming — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Zha, Xiangming
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.