Investigating how brain signals affect the blood-brain barrier's permeability
Official title: Testing of the VTA - EC Ca2+ – BBB Hypothesis
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11165313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity affects the protective barrier around the brain, which could help us understand how to improve communication between the brain and body, especially for people with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS143580-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cognitive impairments, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those who do not have a neurological disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain activity and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain but can limit communication between the body and brain. The study focuses on how certain brain signals can cause rapid changes in the BBB's permeability, potentially allowing for better information transfer during behavioral events. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Patients may benefit from insights into how brain function and BBB dynamics relate to cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing brain health and treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding BBB dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Seneca J. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Scott, Seneca J.
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.