Investigating the role of a protein in blood vessel function related to Alzheimer's disease

Role of Sox18 in neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11029187

This study is looking at how problems with blood vessels in the brain might affect Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on a protein called Sox18, to help find new ways to improve brain health for people living with Alzheimer's.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11029187 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how neurovascular dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer's disease. It examines the role of the Sox18 protein in the blood-brain barrier and how changes in blood vessel function may lead to the progression of Alzheimer's pathology. By analyzing blood vessels from patients with Alzheimer's and comparing them to healthy controls, the study aims to uncover molecular changes that affect blood flow and brain health. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving brain function in Alzheimer's patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood flow and reduce neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting neurovascular dysfunction can lead to improvements in Alzheimer's disease models, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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 Alzheimer disease dementia
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.