Investigating how astrocytes affect the blood-brain barrier after a stroke
Official title: Astrocyte-specific TLR4 signaling and Blood Brain Barrier permeability following acute focal cerebral ischemia
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11044078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals in brain cells called astrocytes affect the blood-brain barrier after a stroke, with the goal of finding new ways to help stroke patients recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $239,490 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS130144-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an acute stroke or are at risk of stroke-related brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic neurological conditions unrelated to stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific signaling pathways in astrocytes, a type of brain cell, influence the permeability of the blood-brain barrier following a stroke. By examining the role of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in astrocytes, the study aims to identify key targets that could help reduce damage to the brain and improve recovery outcomes. The researchers will use laboratory models that simulate stroke conditions to explore how these pathways operate and their effects on brain health. This work could lead to new treatment strategies that are more accessible and effective for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that protect the brain and enhance recovery after a stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting innate immune pathways for stroke treatment, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Famakin, Bolanle — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Famakin, Bolanle
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.