Exploring how Perlecan affects blood vessels in vascular dementia
Official title: Investigating the Role and the therapeutic potential of Perlecan in experimental vascular dementia
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10860279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Perlecan affects blood vessels in the brain and how this might relate to memory problems in older adults with vascular dementia, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve brain health for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,573,724 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS136861-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of vascular dementia or those at risk due to age-related vascular changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia, such as pure Alzheimer's disease without vascular components, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Perlecan, a protein that influences blood vessel function, in the context of vascular dementia, which is a common form of dementia. The study focuses on understanding how age-related changes in blood vessels lead to cognitive decline and how Perlecan's behavior affects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. By using animal models, researchers will examine the relationship between Perlecan expression, blood vessel coverage by pericytes, and overall brain health. The goal is to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for patients with vascular dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect brain health and cognitive function in patients with vascular dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of extracellular matrix components in vascular health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bix, Gregory Jaye — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Bix, Gregory Jaye
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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.