How mitochondrial function affects the blood-brain barrier and mental health conditions
Mitochondrial influences on blood brain barrier function and neuropsychiatric illness
This study is looking at how energy problems in cells might affect the protective barrier in the brain for people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and it hopes to find out if fixing these energy issues can help improve brain health and reduce symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11062466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between mitochondrial function and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic condition linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. The study aims to understand how compromised mitochondrial energetics may lead to BBB dysfunction, which could exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes affecting brain health. By using advanced cell models and animal studies, the researchers will explore whether improving mitochondrial function can restore BBB integrity and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with this syndrome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome or related neuropsychiatric conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome or those with unrelated neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function to improve brain health in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that targeting mitochondrial function to improve BBB integrity has shown promise, indicating that this approach may be a novel and potentially effective strategy.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Jorge Ivan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Jorge Ivan
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.