How brain immune cells and blood-vessel cells affect white matter damage in vascular cognitive decline
Altered Microglia States and Microglia-Endothelial Cell Axis in Relation to White Matter Disease Progression in VCID
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · NIH-11192800
It looks at whether changes in brain immune cells (microglia) and their interactions with blood-vessel cells lead to white matter damage and memory problems in people with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192800 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses donated human brain tissue (post-mortem) and animal models to study how microglia (the brain's immune cells) change in white matter and how they communicate with endothelial (blood vessel) cells. Researchers will use advanced imaging such as two-photon microscopy, measure microvascular blood flow, and perform molecular analyses to map microglia 'states' across white versus gray matter. In animal experiments they will alter microglia or vascular signals to see whether those changes cause white matter injury and thinking problems. From a patient's perspective, the goal is to identify specific cell interactions that could become targets for treatments to protect white matter and thinking skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with vascular cognitive impairment or dementia, a history of small vessel disease or stroke, or those with risk factors for white-matter damage would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose memory problems are not related to vascular or white matter damage (for example, some cases of purely non-vascular Alzheimer's) may be less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect white matter and slow or prevent cognitive decline linked to vascular brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked microglia and vascular dysfunction to white matter damage, but the focus on specific microglia–endothelial interactions and their spatial sensitivity across brain compartments is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH — EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HORSBURGH, KAREN — UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
- Study coordinator: HORSBURGH, KAREN
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease risk