How cholesterol affects blood flow in the brain
Official title: Cholesterol modulation of BK currents and cerebral artery diameter via channel-forming slo1 subunits
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11006250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high cholesterol levels might affect important channels in the blood vessels of the brain, which could help us understand why some people have strokes or memory problems, and it aims to find ways to improve brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,104 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170711-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with abnormal cholesterol levels or those at risk for cerebrovascular diseases, particularly adults over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal cholesterol levels and no history of cerebrovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how abnormal cholesterol levels influence the function of large conductance potassium channels (BK channels) in cerebral arteries, which are crucial for regulating blood flow to the brain. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind cholesterol's interaction with these channels, the study aims to uncover how this dysregulation can lead to cerebrovascular issues such as strokes and cognitive deficits. The research employs biochemical assays to explore the binding sites of cholesterol on BK channels and their effects on artery diameter and blood flow. Understanding these processes could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cerebrovascular diseases, improving outcomes for patients with conditions like stroke and cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting potassium channels can have significant effects on vascular function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneider, Elizabeth Hope — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Schneider, Elizabeth Hope
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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.