How innate immune signals and ADAR1 affect damage after ischemic stroke
Innate immunity and ischemic stroke
This project aims to reduce damaging inflammation after ischemic stroke in adults by targeting ADAR1-related RNA changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11213843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would be learning about how a molecule called ADAR1 and mobile genetic elements (transposable elements) change after a stroke and set off inflammation. Researchers are using lab models, including mice, to track altered RNA editing, activation of RNA-sensing proteins like MDA5, and the resulting interferon-driven inflammation after artery blockage in the brain. They plan to block the RNA-sensing pathway to see if that lowers inflammation and limits brain injury. The work is based at the VA Pittsburgh center and could point toward new treatments to protect the brain after ischemic stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have recently experienced an ischemic (artery-blockage) stroke would be the most likely candidates for related future treatments or clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke or non-stroke neurological conditions would be unlikely to benefit from these specific anti-inflammatory approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that limit post-stroke inflammation and reduce brain damage, improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking RNA-sensing pathways like MDA5 has reduced inflammation and brain damage in animal models, but no related therapy has yet succeeded in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Guodong — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Cao, Guodong
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.