How pericytes affect blood flow in the brains of Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Pericyte control of capillary perfusion in the Alzheimer's disease brain
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11017815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called pericytes help control blood flow in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, to find out if understanding their role can lead to new ways to improve brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,334 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081840-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of pericytes, a type of brain cell, in regulating blood flow in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to understand how specific signaling pathways in pericytes contribute to blood flow issues that are common in these conditions. Using advanced imaging techniques and genetic targeting in mouse models, researchers will explore how the contraction of pericytes affects capillary perfusion and overall brain health. This work could lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood flow in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, potentially alleviating some symptoms of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of pericytes in brain health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shih, Andy Y — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shih, Andy Y
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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.