Improving blood-brain barrier models for Alzheimer's research
Official title: Engineering developmentally-relevant Wnt signaling events to improve iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier models
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11017835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving lab models of the blood-brain barrier using human stem cells to better understand how damage to this barrier might affect Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions, helping researchers find new ways to study and potentially treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS137563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any form of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) derived from human stem cells to better understand how vascular damage contributes to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The team aims to engineer specific signaling pathways that are crucial for BBB development, which could lead to more accurate in vitro models for studying the disease. By using advanced techniques, they hope to create a more reliable system that mimics the BBB's properties, allowing for better investigation of its role in Alzheimer's progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing BBB models using stem cells, but this approach aims to refine and enhance those methods, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lippmann, Ethan — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Lippmann, Ethan
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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.