How a brain receptor helps stem cells respond after stroke
LRP1 as a novel regulator of CXCR4 in adult neural stem cells and post-stroke response
This work looks at whether changing a receptor called LRP1 can help adult brain stem cells find and repair damaged areas after an ischemic stroke to improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are studying how a protein called LRP1 controls a signaling receptor (CXCR4) that guides adult neural stem cells to damaged brain tissue after a stroke. In the lab they remove LRP1 in adult stem cells and use an animal stroke model to watch how those cells migrate, how big the brain lesion becomes, and how function recovers. The team measures changes in cell signaling, location, and tissue repair to learn why LRP1 loss alters stem cell behavior. Their goal is to identify targets that could help future therapies direct stem cells to damaged areas and boost repair after ischemic stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have experienced an ischemic (blood-flow) stroke and are interested in future therapies to improve brain repair and recovery would be the likely candidates for related clinical work.
Not a fit: People with non-ischemic brain injury, those whose stroke damage is very old and stable, or patients unable to receive stem-cell–based treatments would be less likely to benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to boost stem cell–based repair after stroke and reduce long-term disability.
How similar studies have performed: Stem cell approaches and CXCR4-guided migration have helped recovery in animal stroke models, but targeting LRP1 as a regulator of CXCR4 is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sayre, Naomi Ledene — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Sayre, Naomi Ledene
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.