Investigating how different species manage the blood-brain barrier
Cross species molecular analysis of glial and endothelial blood-brain barriers
This study looks at how the blood-brain barrier works in different animals to learn more about its role in brain health and conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke, with the hope of finding better ways to deliver treatments to the brain for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11044140 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is crucial for maintaining brain health by regulating what enters and exits the brain. It examines how this barrier functions in various species, particularly those with glial cell-based barriers, to understand its role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and stroke. By comparing molecular mechanisms across species, the research aims to uncover new insights that could improve drug delivery to the brain and enhance treatment options for neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from advancements in therapies targeting BBB dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood-brain barrier dysfunction may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neurological conditions by enhancing drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on the blood-brain barrier in certain model organisms, this approach of comparing glial and endothelial barriers across diverse species is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daneman, Richard — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Daneman, Richard
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.