Fixing the Blood-Brain Barrier in Epilepsy
Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Resolve Neurovascular Inflammation and Repair Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Epilepsy
This project aims to find new ways to repair the blood-brain barrier in people with epilepsy, which could help control seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061878 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people with epilepsy, the protective barrier around the brain, called the blood-brain barrier, can become leaky and inflamed, which is linked to seizures. We believe that a chemical called glutamate plays a role in causing this barrier problem. Our goal is to understand exactly how glutamate damages the barrier and then develop specific treatments to fix it. By repairing the blood-brain barrier, we hope to discover new and more effective ways to manage seizures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients living with epilepsy who experience blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients whose epilepsy is not linked to blood-brain barrier dysfunction or neurovascular inflammation may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that repair the blood-brain barrier, potentially improving seizure control for people with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon existing knowledge and preliminary data, extending previous findings to develop a mechanism-based intervention.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bauer, Bjoern — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Bauer, Bjoern
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 below.