How LRP1 controls neural stem cell behavior after stroke

LRP1 as a novel regulator of CXCR4 in adult neural stem cells and post-stroke response

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11378858

This project looks at whether changing a protein called LRP1 can help brain stem cells move to damaged areas and support recovery after an ischemic stroke.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-11378858 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective: scientists found that a protein called LRP1 may change how adult neural stem cells respond after a stroke by altering a signaling receptor called CXCR4. To study this, they removed LRP1 in adult neural stem cells in mice and used a common stroke model to see how cells migrate, how large the injury becomes, and how well the animals recover. The team will dig into the molecular signals linking LRP1 to CXCR4 and test whether manipulating this pathway can improve stem-cell–related repair. Although much of the work is in animals, the goal is to inform future treatments that harness or guide stem cells to aid recovery in people who have had ischemic strokes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who have experienced an ischemic (blood-flow) stroke and who might be interested in future stem-cell–based recovery approaches or in donating samples for research could be relevant for follow-up studies.

Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment today, or those with hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke or unrelated neurologic conditions, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost stem-cell–driven repair after stroke and potentially improve recovery and reduce long-term disability.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows neural stem cells and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 help direct cells to stroke lesions, but the role of LRP1 in controlling CXCR4 is largely novel and has not yet been tested in people.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.