Endothelial potassium channels and brain aging
Official title: Role of Endothelial K+ Channels in Age-Related Dementia
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-11330283 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice and aging adults to understand how tiny blood vessels in the brain fail and contribute to dementia, with the goal of identifying targets to protect brain blood flow in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073230-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330283 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults 65 and older who are at risk for or have Alzheimer's disease-related dementia and individuals contributing to related biospecimen studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without age-related cognitive impairment or dementia or those not contributing samples or data may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the cells lining brain blood vessels control blood flow as we age and as Alzheimer’s pathology progresses. Researchers will study specific potassium channels in endothelial cells to see how their function changes over time and how this relates to cognitive symptoms. The work uses advanced mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and a translational lens to connect findings to aging humans, with an emphasis on mechanisms that can be targeted in people. Results could reveal new ways to preserve brain blood flow and potentially slow dementia in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could point to new therapeutic strategies to maintain brain blood flow and slow cognitive decline in aging individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked endothelial dysfunction and AD pathology to cognitive decline, with emerging evidence supporting vascular targets; this study builds on that while adding sex-independent endothelial KIR2.x and KCa channel data.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behringer, Erik J. — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Behringer, Erik J.
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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.