Investigating how Piezo1 ion channels affect blood flow in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Brain capillary Piezo1 ion channels and blood flow regulation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-10834269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific channel in tiny blood vessels in the brain affects blood flow in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find ways to improve blood supply to help those who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082193-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Piezo1 ion channels in brain capillaries influence blood flow regulation in Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to explore the impaired ability of these capillaries to sense the metabolic needs of neurons, which is crucial for maintaining adequate blood supply. By using mouse models, researchers will assess the role of Piezo1 channels in capillary function and blood flow, with the hope of identifying ways to enhance blood flow in affected individuals. The methodology includes innovative electrophysiological and molecular techniques to evaluate the expression and function of these channels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving blood flow in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, potentially alleviating some symptoms of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting Piezo1 channels in Alzheimer's is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bracko, Oliver — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Bracko, Oliver
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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.