How a specific channel in blood vessels affects blood flow in the brain
Official title: Endothelial Piezo1 channel and cerebral blood flow control
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10844414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special channel in your brain helps control blood flow when neurons are active, and it hopes to find out how this process might change in conditions like high blood pressure, which could affect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $564,734 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169681-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases that may affect cerebral blood flow.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable blood pressure and no history of neurological or cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Piezo1 channel in controlling blood flow in the brain, particularly how it responds to mechanical signals from active neurons. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how this channel influences calcium signaling in brain capillaries and its implications for blood flow regulation. The research will also explore how this mechanism may be altered in conditions like hypertension, potentially affecting brain health. Patients may benefit from insights into how blood flow regulation impacts various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing conditions related to impaired blood flow in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding blood flow regulation mechanisms, but the specific role of Piezo1 in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harraz, Osama F — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Harraz, Osama F
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.