Investigating how pericyte KATP channels affect small vessel disease in the brain

Pericyte KATP channel hyperactivity in cerebral small vessel disease

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10917115

This study is looking at how certain brain cells called pericytes, which help keep blood vessels healthy, are affected by a gene mutation linked to CADASIL, a condition that can cause problems with blood flow and brain function, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatment for patients dealing with this disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10917115 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of pericytes, a type of cell that supports blood vessels in the brain, in cerebral small vessel disease, particularly CADASIL. The study examines how mutations in the NOTCH3 gene affect these cells and lead to problems with blood flow and brain function. By exploring the KATP channels in pericytes, the research aims to uncover new insights into how these channels regulate blood flow and contribute to conditions like ischemic stroke and vascular dementia. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and potential new treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with CADASIL or other forms of cerebral small vessel disease.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cerebral small vessel disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from cerebral small vessel disease and related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of pericytes in other vascular conditions has been studied, this specific investigation into KATP channels in pericytes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Conditions Arterial DisorderBinswanger Disease
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.