How microglia help protect the brain's blood vessels during low oxygen levels
Official title: The protective role of microglia in preventing hypoxic disruption of blood-brain barrier integrity and VCID
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11045624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help protect blood vessels during times when there isn't enough oxygen, especially in older adults, to see if this can help prevent memory problems and keep the brain healthy as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $681,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119477-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with hypertension or early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related cognitive impairments or those without vascular contributions to their dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in maintaining the integrity of blood-brain barrier during episodes of low oxygen, particularly in older adults. The study examines how aging and conditions like hypertension can lead to blood vessel damage and cognitive decline. By using animal models, researchers will explore how microglia respond to low oxygen levels and whether their activation can prevent vascular leaks that contribute to dementia. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for protecting brain health in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve cognitive function in older adults by protecting the blood-brain barrier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting microglial activity can have protective effects on brain health, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milner, D. Richard — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Milner, D. Richard
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.