How brain support cells help protect the blood–brain barrier in stroke
Deciphering Mechanisms of Astrocyte-BBB Interaction in Normal and Ischemic Stroke
This work looks at whether a protein in brain support cells (astrocytes) helps keep the blood–brain barrier intact after ischemic stroke in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically modified mice that lack the SLC4A4 protein specifically in astrocytes to see how that change affects the blood–brain barrier under normal conditions and after an induced stroke. They will measure barrier leakage, pH balance around brain cells, and the signals exchanged between astrocytes and blood vessel cells. The team aims to identify molecular steps that lead to barrier breakdown during ischemic injury. Findings could point to targets for future treatments to protect the brain after stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had an acute ischemic stroke or people known to carry SLC4A4-related variants would be the most directly relevant patient groups for this line of research.
Not a fit: People with non-ischemic brain conditions, pediatric patients, or those without SLC4A4-related problems may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets to prevent or reduce blood–brain barrier damage after ischemic stroke, which might lead to treatments that limit brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows astrocyte pH regulation and SLC4A4 can affect brain health and stroke risk, but using SLC4A4 specifically to explain blood–brain barrier breakdown after stroke is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hyun Kyoung — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hyun Kyoung
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.