Investigating how a specific receptor affects blood-brain barrier function during brain ischemia
Official title: GPR4 in blood brain barrier dysfunction in brain ischemia
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10861783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor called GPR4 helps protect the blood-brain barrier during times when the brain doesn't get enough blood, like during a stroke, and it aims to find out if targeting this receptor could help prevent brain damage.
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 | December 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124722-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of or experiencing ischemic strokes or other conditions that disrupt blood-brain barrier function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic brain injuries or those not experiencing blood-brain barrier dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of GPR4, a receptor sensitive to protons, in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during episodes of brain ischemia. By using both animal models and human cell studies, the researchers aim to explore how acidosis impacts the BBB and whether targeting GPR4 can protect against neuronal injury caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The study will involve genetic manipulation and pharmacological interventions to assess the effects of inhibiting GPR4 on BBB dysfunction. This approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions like stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect the brain from damage during ischemic events, potentially improving outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for protecting the blood-brain barrier, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zha, Xiangming — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Zha, Xiangming
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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.