Investigating how certain signaling pathways affect blood flow in the brain during neurological disorders
Official title: The Role of the Endothelial NPYR1-TRPC3-ET1 Signaling Axis in Neurovascular Coupling Dysfunction
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11041185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals in the brain can cause problems with blood flow during seizures and brain injuries, and it aims to find ways to help improve brain health for people affected by these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,471 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126473-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing seizures, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological conditions that affect blood flow in the brain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable neurological conditions that do not involve blood flow issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind neurovascular coupling dysfunction, which is crucial for matching blood flow to brain activity. It focuses on how certain signaling pathways involving Neuropeptide Y Receptor 1 (NPYR1), Transient Receptor Potential 3 (TRPC3), and endothelin 1 (ET1) may contribute to abnormal blood vessel constriction in conditions like seizures and traumatic brain injury. Using specially developed mouse models, the researchers will test the role of these pathways in regulating blood flow and how their dysfunction can lead to brain damage. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood flow and brain function in patients with neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific signaling pathway being investigated is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding neurovascular coupling and its implications for brain health.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Fang — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Fang
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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.