Investigating how daily rhythms affect blood leakage in the brain

Dynamic Circadian Regulation of the Blood-Brain Interface in a Human Brain-mimicking Microfluid Chip

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10920475

This study is looking at how our body's internal clock affects the brain's protective barriers, especially in people with conditions like small brain bleeds, to help find better ways to prevent or treat brain injuries as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-10920475 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the body's internal clock influences the blood-brain barrier's integrity, particularly in relation to conditions like cerebral microbleeds and microhemorrhages. By creating a human brain-mimicking microfluidic chip, researchers aim to study the interactions between blood components and the brain's protective barriers throughout different times of the day. This innovative approach seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind blood leakage and its implications for neurodegeneration and stroke. The findings could lead to new insights into preventing or treating brain injuries associated with aging and other health issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for strokes or those experiencing age-related cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with stable neurological conditions that do not involve blood-brain barrier issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing brain injuries and strokes, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using a microfluidic chip to study circadian effects on the blood-brain barrier is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding blood-brain interactions.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.