Investigating how a red blood cell enzyme affects cognitive impairment after stroke
Official title: Red Blood Cell BPGM Deficiency Contributes to Cognitive Impairment Following Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11035374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme in your red blood cells might affect thinking and memory problems after a stroke, with the hope of finding new ways to help stroke survivors who are struggling with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,350 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140800-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035374 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are stroke survivors who are experiencing cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a specific enzyme in red blood cells, bisphosphoglycerate mutase (BPGM), in contributing to cognitive impairment in stroke survivors. The study aims to understand how lower levels of BPGM may lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain and potentially worsen cognitive decline. By examining the relationship between red blood cells, brain blood vessels, and cognitive function, the researchers hope to identify new pathways for early diagnosis and intervention. The findings could lead to better management strategies for stroke patients experiencing cognitive issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for cognitive impairment in stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of red blood cells in cognitive impairment could lead to significant advancements, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Wenjun — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Deng, Wenjun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Low red blood cell enzyme linked to thinking and memory problems after stroke
This work looks at whether low levels of a red blood cell enzyme (BPGM) are connected to thinking and memory problems in people who have had an ischemic 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.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
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Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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.