DNMT3a and oligodendrocyte renewal after stroke
Official title: Roles of DNMT3a-Mediated Oligodendrogenesis in Post-Stroke Dementia
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11462831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused study will explore how a specific gene, DNMT3a, might help repair brain white matter after a stroke to reduce dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,550 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS147536-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11462831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) who have had a stroke or are at risk of white matter damage, with participation aligned to the study's sequencing and tissue analysis needs.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without stroke-related white matter damage or those not meeting the study’s sequencing requirements may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a cellular repair process in the brain could be influenced by a particular gene to support the repair of white matter damaged by stroke. It focuses on oligodendrocyte precursor cells and how they turn into mature cells to rebuild myelin, potentially improving thinking and memory after stroke. The research uses human tissue-related methods to understand the epigenetic controls guiding this process in adults who have had a stroke. If successful, the work could point toward new strategies to prevent or lessen post-stroke dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could inform new approaches to protect or restore brain white matter after stroke, potentially reducing cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests epigenetic regulators influence glial cell behavior, but the exact role of DNMT3a in adult post-stroke repair remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arai, Ken — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Arai, Ken
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This study asks how everyday environmental stressors like pollution, noise, and access to green spaces affect dementia and stroke risk in adults aged 21 and older.
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.