How astrocytes (brain support cells) work in adult brain circuits
Fundamental astrocyte biology in intact neural circuits
This project looks at how astrocytes—brain support cells—help nerve cells communicate and respond in adult brains, with the goal of guiding better care for people with brain injury and other brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322010 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: scientists at UCLA will use advanced imaging, genetic tools, and experiments in adult vertebrate models to watch how astrocytes interact with neurons and blood vessels inside living brain circuits. They will alter astrocyte signaling and structure to see how those changes affect synapses, neurotransmitter clearance, and neurovascular coupling. The team focuses on situations where astrocyte processes pull away from synapses or signaling is altered, which may underlie problems after acquired brain injury and in psychiatric or neurological conditions. Findings are meant to point to new targets for therapies that protect or restore healthy astrocyte support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not run a patient trial itself, but adults with acquired brain injury or other adult neurological conditions could be candidates for future trials that build on these results.
Not a fit: People without brain or nervous system conditions and children are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to protect or restore astrocyte support, potentially improving recovery after acquired brain injury and other neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have already shown astrocytes influence synapse function and blood flow, but turning those discoveries into therapies is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khakh, Baljit — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Khakh, Baljit
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.