Genes linked to brain swelling after stroke
Genetic Architecture of Cerebral Edema after Stroke
Researchers are using routine CT scans and genetic information to find why some people develop dangerous brain swelling after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126657 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you had a stroke, researchers would use your routine CT scans taken over time plus a genetic sample to measure how much your brain swells. They will use automated tools to quantify loss of cerebrospinal fluid (ΔCSF) as a marker of swelling and combine that with genetic data from thousands of patients. By linking imaging changes to genes, they hope to find biological pathways that explain why swelling varies so much between people. This work uses existing stroke patient data from multiple hospitals and aims to point toward new targets to prevent or treat post-stroke brain swelling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who recently had a hemispheric stroke and can have routine serial CT scans and agree to genetic testing or data use.
Not a fit: People without stroke, those with very small strokes who do not get serial CT scanning, or those unwilling to provide genetic data are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal biological targets that lead to new treatments to prevent or reduce brain swelling after stroke, lowering death and disability.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and imaging studies have linked genes to stroke outcomes, but applying genetics specifically to quantify and explain cerebral edema is a relatively new approach with limited prior success.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhar, Rajat Raj — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dhar, Rajat Raj
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.