Investigating how a specific molecule affects brain damage after traumatic injury in mice
Official title: Role of Irg-1/itaconate in modulating secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury in mice
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11009954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural molecule called itaconate might help protect the brain after a traumatic brain injury by calming down inflammation, and it's aimed at finding new ways to help people recover better from such injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126503-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are experiencing secondary brain damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic brain injuries or those who do not have a recent traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a molecule called itaconate, produced by the immune-responsive gene 1 protein, can help protect the brain after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to explore how itaconate influences the behavior of inflammatory cells in the brain, potentially reducing harmful inflammation and preserving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. By examining these processes in mice, researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could improve recovery and long-term outcomes for individuals who have experienced TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways to mitigate brain injury, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaoying — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaoying
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
-
How head injury affects the heart and blood vessels
This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
-
Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury
This project tests a targeted brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans who have both alcohol use problems and mild traumatic brain injury improve daily functioning.
-
How head injuries affect the heart and blood vessels
This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
-
Keeping oxygen in the injured brain after severe head trauma
This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
-
How head injuries affect Parkinson's over time
Researchers will follow people with Parkinson's disease to learn how past mild-to-moderate head injuries relate to thinking, mood, movement, brain changes, and quality of life.
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.