How brain activity affects the healing of blood vessels after brain injury

Neural activity-dependent modulation of cortical microvascular restoration

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-10997309

This study is looking at how brain activity helps heal blood vessels after an injury, using mice to see if stimulating certain brain cells can speed up the recovery process, which could lead to better treatments for brain injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997309 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how neuronal activity influences the repair and restoration of blood vessels in the brain following cortical injury. Using advanced imaging technologies, including miniaturized microscopes and 2-photon imaging, the study aims to visualize and understand the formation and re-growth of micro-vessels after brain damage. By applying controlled injuries to the mouse motor cortex, researchers will explore how stimulating specific neurons can enhance the healing process of these blood vessels. This approach could provide insights into improving recovery from brain injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced cortical brain injuries and may benefit from improved vascular healing.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic brain injuries or those who do not have access to advanced treatment facilities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing recovery from brain injuries by improving blood vessel restoration.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding vascular responses to brain injuries, but this specific approach using advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, 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.