Improving brain recovery after stroke using blood vessel guidance
Official title: Neuroregeneration after stroke using Vascular Guidance
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10986876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help brain cells that can repair damage after a stroke by making blood vessel cells in the brain better at guiding them to where they need to go, which could lead to improved recovery for stroke patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,120 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135176-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a stroke or other acquired brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to stroke or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the survival and movement of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the brain after a stroke. It focuses on reprogramming adult brain blood vessel cells to express genes that can help guide NPCs to the right locations in the brain, improving their ability to survive and function. The study includes detailed experiments to assess how well these NPCs can migrate and differentiate in a post-stroke environment, with the goal of developing new treatment strategies that combine NPC transplantation with improved blood vessel function. If successful, this research could lead to better recovery of cognitive and motor skills for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options that significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance recovery after brain injuries, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thankamani Pandit, Peeyush Kumar — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Thankamani Pandit, Peeyush Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
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Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
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.