How tiny TRP sensors help control blood flow in the brain
TRP channels as fundamental sensors of the cerebral microcirculation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11248031
This project looks at whether TRP channel proteins help brain blood vessels respond to changing conditions to protect people at risk for stroke, small vessel disease, and vascular cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248031 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study TRP family ion channels, especially TRPM4 and TRPML1, to learn how cells in the brain’s tiny blood vessels sense physical and chemical changes. Work will combine laboratory experiments on cells and tissues, preclinical models, and analysis of human-derived samples to map how these channels shape autoregulation and neurovascular coupling. The team will examine how aging and disease-related changes impair microvascular control and contribute to stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. Findings are intended to point to molecular targets that could be tested later for protecting or restoring healthy brain blood flow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of stroke, diagnosed cerebral small vessel disease, vascular cognitive impairment, or older adults at high risk for these conditions would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment for an active stroke or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent or treat stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and vascular contributions to dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have shown TRP channels like TRPM4 and TRPML1 influence cerebral blood flow, so this project builds on promising basic-science findings though clinical benefits remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EARLEY, SCOTT — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: EARLEY, SCOTT
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.