Investigating how to repair brain blood vessel damage caused by COVID-19
Targeting cerebrovascular Wnt/beta-catenin signaling to reverse brain endothelial damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection
This study is looking at how COVID-19 can cause ongoing brain problems for some people and is exploring ways to fix the damage to the brain's blood vessels, especially focusing on how age plays a role and testing new treatments that might help improve thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-lasting neurological effects that some COVID-19 survivors experience, known as NeuroPASC. It aims to explore how damage to the blood-brain barrier contributes to these neurological issues and how a specific signaling pathway, Wnt/β-catenin, can be targeted to restore the integrity of brain blood vessels. The researchers will examine how age affects this process and will test potential therapies that could reverse blood-brain barrier damage and improve cognitive function in affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are experiencing neurological symptoms such as cognitive impairment or other related disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate neurological symptoms in COVID-19 survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for neurological recovery, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lutz, Sarah Elizabeth — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lutz, Sarah Elizabeth
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.