How cholesterol affects the size of brain arteries
Cholesterol regulation of smooth muscle BK channel proteins and consequent control of cerebral artery diameter
This study is looking at how cholesterol levels might affect the way blood vessels in the brain work, which is important for keeping blood flowing properly, and it could help find new ways to manage conditions that lead to strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10627854 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cholesterol levels can influence the smooth muscle tone of cerebral arteries, which are crucial for regulating blood flow to the brain. By examining both human and animal data, the study aims to understand the mechanisms by which cholesterol disrupts artery function, potentially leading to strokes. The researchers will focus on specific potassium channels in the smooth muscle cells of these arteries to see how cholesterol interacts with them and affects artery diameter. This could provide insights into new ways to manage conditions related to blood flow in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with high cholesterol levels and a history of stroke or cerebrovascular issues.
Not a fit: Patients without any history of cerebrovascular disease or those with normal cholesterol levels may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for preventing strokes by targeting cholesterol's effects on cerebral arteries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cholesterol can impact vascular function, but this specific approach to understanding its effects on cerebral arteries is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dopico, Alex M. — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dopico, Alex 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.