Investigating how microRNAs can protect the brain after injury
Official title: Regulatory microRNAs-mediated cerebrovascular protection and traumatic braininjury
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10950300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules called microRNAs can help protect the brain after a traumatic brain injury, especially for service members and veterans, with the goal of finding better treatments to support recovery and prevent long-term problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005750-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and service personnel who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have a history of brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in service personnel and veterans, where current treatments are lacking. It examines the role of microRNAs in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is crucial for protecting the brain from damage following injury. By understanding how these small RNA molecules influence the BBB and related inflammatory responses, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent long-term neurological deficits. Patients may be involved in studies assessing the effects of these microRNAs on brain recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of microRNAs in neurological diseases is being explored, this specific approach to protecting the blood-brain barrier after TBI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Kejie — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Yin, Kejie
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.