Helping brain cells repair damaged proteins to protect the brain after stroke
The Unfolded Protein Response in Ischemic Stroke
This project develops treatments that boost a cell's protein-repair response to protect brains after ischemic (blood-clot) stroke, especially in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the unfolded protein response, a natural cell pathway that helps fix misfolded proteins, with a focus on the ATF6 branch that can protect neurons. They will use laboratory models of ischemic stroke — including cell and animal experiments — to see if turning on this pathway reduces brain cell death, preserves the blood–brain barrier, and improves recovery. The team will compare effects in younger and older models so therapies are more likely to work for the age groups most affected by stroke. Promising lab results would guide future clinical trials of drugs or gene-based approaches that activate this protective pathway.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced an ischemic (blood-clot) stroke, particularly older adults or those in the early recovery period, would be the most likely candidates for related treatments or trials.
Not a fit: Patients with hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke, non-stroke neurological conditions, or those with long-established, chronic deficits from very old strokes may not benefit from acute-focused unfolded-protein-response therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that limit brain damage and improve recovery after ischemic stroke, including for older patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work shows activating unfolded protein response pathways can protect neurons in animal stroke models, but clinical proof in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Wei — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Wei
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.