Improving blood flow in the brain for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Modifying endothelial Piezo 1 function to improve brain perfusion in AD/ADRD
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11052457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Piezo1 affects blood flow in the brains of people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, hoping to find ways to improve circulation and help with some of the symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $668,567 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081942-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052457 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 types of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific protein, Piezo1, affects blood flow in the brain, particularly in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to understand how the loss of Piezo1 function can lead to reduced blood flow and contribute to brain health issues. By exploring the activation of Piezo1, researchers hope to find ways to enhance blood circulation in the brain, potentially alleviating some symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of patient data to assess the impact of Piezo1 on brain perfusion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain blood flow and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of Piezo1 in vascular health, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marrelli, Sean P — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Marrelli, Sean P
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.