Investigating the role of brain endothelial cilia in maintaining blood vessel stability

Basolateral brain endothelial cilia and its role in promoting vascular stability

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11119191

This study is looking at tiny hair-like structures on the sides of blood vessels in the brain to see how they help brain cells communicate and keep blood vessels healthy, which could be important for people with conditions affecting brain blood flow.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11119191 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the presence of cilia on the basolateral side of brain blood vessels and their potential role in communication with surrounding cells to maintain vascular stability. The study hypothesizes that these cilia are crucial for signaling between endothelial cells and pericytes, which are important for the health of blood vessels. By examining the interactions at the cellular level, the research aims to understand how these signals contribute to the stability of the vascular system in the brain. The methodology includes evaluating specific signaling molecules and their effects on endothelial cell behavior in a controlled laboratory setting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting brain blood vessels or those at risk for vascular instability.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to vascular stability or those without brain vascular issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating vascular-related diseases in the brain.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on basolateral cilia in brain endothelial cells is novel, similar research has shown promising results in understanding vascular stability through cellular communication.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.