Epigenetic changes in aging brain support stroke recovery in aging women
Official title: Epigenetics of the Aging Astrocyte: Implications for stroke
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11391195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how aging-related brain cells, especially astrocytes, respond after a stroke in older women and how hormones and epigenetic changes influence recovery and dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2011 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $606,436 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG042189-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are aging women or those represented in the animal models that mirror menopause-related changes in stroke outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits may be limited for younger individuals or men, as the study centers on aging female biology and stroke.
What this research studies
This study focuses on women 21+ who are aging and at risk for stroke and dementia. It uses animal models to mirror menopause effects and analyzes epigenetic changes in astrocytes after stroke. It also examines how estrogen or its absence affects stroke outcomes and long-term cognition and mood. The goal is to understand why stroke outcomes differ with age and menopause to guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to age- and sex-specific strategies to improve stroke outcomes and reduce dementia risk in aging women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed age- and hormone-related differences in stroke outcomes and promising epigenetic findings in aging astrocytes, suggesting potential for new therapeutic angles.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sohrabji, Farida — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sohrabji, Farida
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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.