Deep learning to uncover neurovascular disruptions in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: CRCNS: Deep Learning to Discover Neurovascular Disruptions in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11329241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A neuron-and-blood-vessel focused study uses advanced computer methods to find molecular changes in brain blood vessels of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $295,684 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085900-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, or those at risk with vascular and neurodegenerative features, who consent to participate in molecular and imaging analyses or provide relevant brain tissue samples.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those with non-Alzheimer’s conditions may contribute control data but are unlikely to directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project uses deep learning to reveal cell-type specific changes in the brain’s blood vessels and surrounding cells in Alzheimer's disease. It aims to move beyond general tissue analysis by identifying molecular signals from rare vascular cell types like endothelial cells and pericytes. By integrating single-cell data with advanced deconvolution, the study hopes to map how neurovascular coupling deteriorates as dementia progresses. The work could point to new molecular targets for therapies that protect brain blood vessels and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better understanding of Alzheimer’s-related brain blood vessel changes and pave the way for targeted treatments that support neurovascular health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies using single-cell and deconvolution approaches have begun to reveal NVU cell-type specifics, with growing evidence supporting their relevance to dementia pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kandimalla, Karunya Kumar — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kandimalla, Karunya Kumar
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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.