Investigating how Ahnak affects blood-brain barrier function and depression.
Studies of Ahnak pathways in endothelial cells and blood-brain barrier regulation
This study is looking at a protein called Ahnak in blood vessel cells to see how it affects the blood-brain barrier and mental health, especially depression, which could help us understand more about how brain health and psychiatric disorders are connected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866696 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Ahnak, a protein found in endothelial cells, in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its impact on mental health, particularly depression. The study aims to understand how Ahnak influences the communication between blood vessels and neurons, which is crucial for maintaining brain health. By using specialized mouse models, researchers will investigate the molecular pathways affected by Ahnak and how these changes might alter BBB permeability and neuronal activity. This could lead to new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing depression or related psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with non-psychiatric conditions or those not affected by mental health disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for depression by targeting the blood-brain barrier and its regulation.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of Ahnak in endothelial cells is being investigated for the first time, similar research has shown promise in understanding the blood-brain barrier's impact on mental health.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yong — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yong
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 below.