Improving brain blood vessel function to help clear amyloid in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Targeting intramural von Willebrand factor (VWF) to improve vasomotor function, enhance brain parenchymal clearance, & delay development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in conditions of amyloid
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10901009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called von Willebrand factor might affect blood flow in the brain and the removal of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve brain health for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $619,336 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG084130-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901009 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 conditions characterized by amyloid accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the blood vessels of the brain, particularly how it affects the clearance of amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. By examining the presence of VWF in the walls of brain arteries and arterioles, the study aims to understand how it may impair blood flow and the removal of harmful substances from the brain. The researchers will use both human samples and mouse models to explore the relationship between amyloid accumulation and VWF expression, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets to improve brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance brain function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting vascular factors to improve brain health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
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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.