Gene-edited rat models to study brain small vessel disease and related dementia
Official title: Exploring the convergence of small vessel diseases of the brain using novel gene-edited rat models (MODEL-CSVD)
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11367405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use gene-edited rat models to better understand how brain small vessel disease contributes to dementia, with potential to guide future therapies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,766,928 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS143914-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals at risk for or diagnosed with ADRD where cerebrovascular factors are believed to play a role, as well as families with genetic forms of CSVD.
✕Less likely to help
This preclinical work using animal models may not directly benefit patients in the short term, but aims to inform future therapies.
What this research studies
This project uses newly created gene-edited rat models that mimic cerebral small vessel disease to explore how vascular problems in the brain drive cognitive decline seen in ADRD. By validating these models and studying the underlying mechanisms, researchers aim to identify targets that could slow or prevent dementia related to CSVD. The study will combine genetic engineering, behavioral testing, brain imaging, and analysis of brain tissue to map causal pathways from vascular damage to cognitive impairment. Results could inform the development of therapies that address vascular contributors to Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of how small vessel disease leads to dementia could pave the way for new treatments that protect brain vessels and reduce cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous CSVD research using animal models has provided insights into vascular contributions to dementia, with growing evidence that targetable pathways exist.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Nostrand, William E. — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Van Nostrand, William E.
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.