Investigating a protein's role in protecting brain health in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Official title: Targeting Kruppel-like Transcription Factor for White and Grey Matter Protection in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11075383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called KLF11 affects brain health in people with conditions like vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, especially after strokes, to see if changing KLF11 levels can help protect the brain and improve thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $97,344 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131122-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline related to vascular issues, such as those who have had strokes or have been diagnosed with vascular cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive decline not related to vascular issues, such as those with purely Alzheimer's disease without vascular components, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, known as Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11), affects brain health in conditions like vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which KLF11 influences blood vessel function and cognitive decline, particularly after events like strokes. By using advanced techniques in cellular biology, researchers will investigate how manipulating KLF11 levels can potentially protect brain tissue and improve cognitive outcomes. This research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from VCID.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect brain function and improve quality of life for patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of KLF11 in VCID is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting other Krüppel-like factors has been beneficial in related vascular and cognitive research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Kejie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yin, Kejie
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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.