Different brain pericytes that protect blood vessels
Probing the heterogeneity of brain pericytes using new genetic tools
Researchers are making and using new genetic tools in mice to identify and track different brain pericytes that help keep the blood-brain barrier healthy, with the goal of improving understanding of conditions like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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-11458664 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will create and test new genetic mouse models that label pericytes using a gene called Atp13a5. The team compiled multiple transcriptomic datasets to nominate Atp13a5 as a more specific marker, then built transgenic reporter and CreER lines to visualize and manipulate these cells. They will map pericyte subtypes in the brain, determine which ones are associated with the blood-brain barrier, and study how these cells change during development, aging, and disease models. These tools are intended for laboratory research in mice and aim to enable clearer follow-up studies relevant to human neurovascular disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients; however people with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or other neurovascular conditions are the patient groups most likely to benefit from future discoveries enabled by this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or clinical trial enrollment will not benefit directly, because the project uses mouse genetic models and does not offer patient-facing interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable more precise research into how pericytes contribute to Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders, potentially guiding future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic models used markers like Pdgfrb, Cspg4, and Rgs5 but lacked pericyte specificity, so using Atp13a5 is a novel approach supported by transcriptomic data but not yet proven for human translation.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Zhen — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Zhen
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.