Ferroptosis in brain cells and blood vessels in dementia due to Alzheimer's and vascular disease
Official title: Role of ferroptosis of oligodendrocytes and vascular endothelial cells in vascular and Alzheimer's Disease related dementia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11449131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how a specific cell death process called ferroptosis in brain support cells and blood vessels may contribute to dementia linked to Alzheimer's and vascular disease, with the goal of uncovering new ways to protect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,401,351 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG098171-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease dementia or Alzheimer’s-related dementias, particularly those with vascular contributions to cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vascular components to cognitive impairment or without dementia may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how damage to white matter and blood vessel function contributes to dementia in people with Alzheimer's and vascular disease. Researchers will study mechanisms in human tissue and animal models to understand how ferroptosis and related pathways affect oligodendrocyte and endothelial cell survival and myelin repair. The work aims to identify targets that could prevent or reduce white matter injury and cognitive decline. Findings could lead to new strategies to preserve brain connectivity in patients with ADRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of ferroptosis in brain cells could pave the way for therapies that protect white matter and slow dementia progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked ferroptosis and white matter injury to neurodegenerative processes, but this program explores specific cell death pathways in ADRD, representing a developing area with potential high impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Back, Stephen Arthur — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Back, Stephen Arthur
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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.