Investigating how a specific signaling molecule affects brain blood vessel health in dementia.
Official title: Sphingosine 1 phosphate signaling in cerebral small vessel disease
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-9972630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) might help protect the blood-brain barrier and improve brain health for people with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, which can lead to dementia, and it hopes to find new ways to slow down or prevent this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2020 |
| Award (this year) | $2,640,472 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS110724-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-9972630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease or related vascular dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-vascular forms of dementia or those without any cerebrovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (SVD), a condition that significantly contributes to dementia. It aims to explore the role of sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for brain health. By examining how S1P signaling can potentially reverse damage to the blood-brain barrier, the study seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to prevent or slow the progression of SVD and related dementias. Patients may be involved in studies assessing the effects of S1P on vascular health and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain blood vessel function and slow down the progression of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting blood-brain barrier dysfunction in other vascular conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yi — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yi
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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.