Investigating how a specific signaling pathway can prevent hydrocephalus caused by inflammation
Official title: Leveraging Choroid Plexus M-CSF Signaling to Prevent Inflammatory-Driven Hydrocephalus
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11067725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects hydrocephalus, a condition where too much fluid builds up in the brain, and aims to find ways to prevent or lessen its impact, which could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS136267-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who have experienced conditions leading to hydrocephalus, such as infections or intraventricular hemorrhage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of hydrocephalus or related inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how inflammation contributes to hydrocephalus, a serious condition characterized by excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. By studying the role of macrophages and a signaling factor called M-CSF in the choroid plexus, the research aims to identify mechanisms that could prevent or mitigate the effects of inflammation-driven hydrocephalus. The approach includes both in vivo experiments in animal models and analysis of human pathological data to explore the relationship between inflammation and hydrocephalus development. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent hydrocephalus in patients affected by inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory processes can be effective in managing hydrocephalus, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hehnly, Christine Anna — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hehnly, Christine Anna
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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.