Creating a new model to study how blood interacts with the brain's protective barrier
A Vascularized Micro-Organ platform for the study of Brain-BBB-Blood interaction
This study is creating a new model to better understand how blood interacts with the brain's protective barrier, which could help find new ways to treat conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914086 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel model that simulates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by using a vascularized micro-organ platform. It focuses on understanding how blood components interact with the cells that protect the brain, which has been largely overlooked in previous studies. By creating a human-based model that includes microvessels and brain cells, the research seeks to identify new targets for diagnostics and therapies that can effectively deliver treatments to the brain. This innovative approach could lead to better understanding and management of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing Alzheimer's-related dementia.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the blood-brain barrier or those who do not have neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for delivering therapeutic drugs to the brain, potentially benefiting patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of creating a vascularized model for studying the blood-brain barrier is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of biomedical research.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Christopher C. W. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Christopher C. W.
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.