How aging affects blood vessel function in the brain
Official title: Altered arterial smooth muscle in cerebrovascular dysfunction during aging: remodeling of adhesion molecules
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11057275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the tiny blood vessels in our brains and how this might lead to problems like stroke and dementia, especially by checking how certain proteins that help these vessels work change as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS137267-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be at risk for cerebrovascular diseases due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have risk factors for cerebrovascular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the function of small blood vessels in the brain, particularly focusing on the mechanisms that lead to cerebrovascular dysfunction. It examines the role of specific proteins that help blood vessels respond to pressure changes and how these proteins behave differently in older individuals. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover new insights into conditions like stroke and dementia, which are more prevalent in the aging population. The approach includes analyzing blood vessel behavior in animal models to understand the underlying biological signals involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and reduce the risk of stroke and dementia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding blood vessel function in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Zhe — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Sun, Zhe
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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.