Investigating how serotonin receptors affect the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: 5HT3 receptors and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in ADRD
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11253669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain receptors in the brain might affect the protective barrier that keeps harmful substances out, which could help us understand and find new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $179,341 |
| NIH project number | 7R21NS130503-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11253669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders characterized by blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or those without blood-brain barrier dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of serotonin subtype 3 receptors (5HT3R) in the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) associated with Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The study aims to explore how changes in these receptors can lead to increased permeability of the BBB, which may contribute to inflammation and neuronal damage. By examining postmortem human brain tissues and mouse models, the researchers hope to identify mechanisms that disrupt the BBB and develop potential therapeutic targets to restore its function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood-brain barrier integrity and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalil Kaddoumi, Amal F — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Khalil Kaddoumi, Amal F
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.