How brain immune cells respond to radiation damage
Glial immune signaling in radiation-induced brain injury
This project looks at how support and immune cells in the brain change after cranial radiation for adults treated for brain tumors, to help explain thinking and memory problems that can follow treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are examining how two types of brain support cells (microglia and astrocytes) react after whole-brain radiation used to treat cancers. They use laboratory models to measure inflammation, oxidative stress, loss of new neurons, and changes in complement proteins like C1q and C3 that can affect synapses. The team will map cellular signaling and look at how dysregulated glial responses may lead to long-term cognitive problems. Findings are intended to point to targets for therapies that could protect thinking and memory after radiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have received—or are planning to receive—cranial radiation for brain tumors or brain metastases and who are experiencing or at risk for cognitive changes are the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive decline is due to causes unrelated to cranial radiation (for example, typical Alzheimer disease without prior radiation) are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to prevent or reduce thinking and memory problems after cranial radiation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal research has linked activated microglia, reactive astrocytes, and complement proteins to cognitive decline after brain injury, but translating these findings into proven human treatments remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acharya, Munjal M — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Acharya, Munjal M
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.