How brain support cells (astrocytes) cause blood-vessel problems in Alzheimer's
Astrocytes as governing pathological drivers of neurovascular dysfunction in AD
This project focuses on whether brain support cells called astrocytes cause blood-vessel and blood–brain barrier damage in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301013 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, the team at Massachusetts General Hospital is trying to understand how astrocytes (brain support cells) may drive problems in the brain's blood vessels and barrier. They use laboratory experiments and Alzheimer's mouse models (for example APP/PS1) to change astrocyte behavior and watch effects on blood flow, the blood–brain barrier, and waste clearance. The researchers combine imaging, molecular tests, and genetic tools and may analyze human brain tissue samples when available. The goal is to learn mechanisms that could point to new ways to protect brain blood vessels or improve brain cleaning systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or with mild cognitive impairment would be the most relevant group for future treatments informed by this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or whose problems are unrelated to vascular or astrocyte dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to protect the brain's blood vessels or blood–brain barrier and help slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies indicate astrocytes can influence blood flow and the blood–brain barrier, but turning those findings into proven Alzheimer's treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bacskai, Brian J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bacskai, Brian J
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.