How brain support cells (astrocytes) change blood flow after stroke and in Alzheimer's
Astrocyte regulation of cerebral blood flow at the intersection of ischemia and Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at whether long-lasting changes in brain support cells called astrocytes cause blood-flow problems that can worsen memory in people with stroke-related injury and Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use mouse models that combine a mild one-sided ischemic (stroke-like) injury with Alzheimer-like changes to follow how astrocytes behave over many months. They will measure brain blood flow responses (neurovascular coupling and vascular reactivity) on both sides of the brain and track whether chronic astrocyte activation leads to persistent low oxygen and higher amyloid (Aβ) production. The team will link these findings to patterns seen in patients who have both vascular injury and dementia to understand a possible vicious cycle between poor blood flow and amyloid buildup. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to protect blood flow and brain function in people at risk for dementia after ischemic injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related clinical work would be older adults with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who also have a history of ischemic brain injury or stroke.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or without prior ischemic brain injury are less likely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect brain blood flow and slow memory decline in people with Alzheimer's disease, especially those with past strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human imaging and animal studies have linked blood-flow problems to Alzheimer's and stroke, but the focus on long-lasting astrocyte-driven blood-flow failure is a newer direction supported so far by promising preliminary animal data.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishra, Anusha — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Mishra, Anusha
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.