How brain support cells respond to cranial radiation and affect thinking and memory
Glial immune signaling in radiation-induced brain injury
This work looks at how the brain's immune-support cells react to cranial radiation in people treated for brain tumors and how that reaction may lead to problems with memory and thinking.
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-11211269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study how radiation to the head changes microglia and astrocytes and how those changes harm neurons and cognition. They use laboratory models to measure oxidative stress, loss of new neurons, and signs of chronic inflammation after whole-brain radiation. The team focuses on the complement system (proteins like C1q and C3) that can drive harmful synapse loss, and they test whether blocking those signals reduces damage. Results aim to point toward ways to protect thinking and memory after cranial radiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had or will receive cranial radiation for brain tumors or metastases and who are experiencing or at risk for cognitive decline.
Not a fit: People without a history of cranial radiation or whose cognitive issues come from unrelated causes (like primary Alzheimer's disease not linked to radiation) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that prevent or lessen memory and thinking problems after cranial radiation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked activated glial cells and complement proteins to cognitive decline, but translating those findings into human treatments for radiation-related brain injury is still early.
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.