How blood vessel interactions affect brain development in children with heart defects

Oligo-Vascular Crosstalk in the Developing Brain: Implications for White Matter Injury in Congenital Heart Disease

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11035708

This study is looking at how blood vessels and brain development are connected in young children with congenital heart disease, to better understand how these connections might cause brain injuries, especially in the white matter, and help improve recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11035708 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between blood vessels and brain development in young children, particularly those with congenital heart disease. It focuses on understanding how these interactions may lead to brain injuries, especially in the white matter of the brain. The research employs advanced techniques such as single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy to analyze brain injury specimens. By studying the effects of hypoxic injury on specific brain cells, the research aims to uncover critical insights into brain maturation and injury recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have congenital heart disease and may be experiencing related brain injuries.

Not a fit: Patients without congenital heart disease or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for brain injuries in children with congenital heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain injuries related to congenital heart conditions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.