Investigating the role of the complement system in brain inflammation after injury

The classical complement system in post-traumatic thalamic neuroinflammation

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10909038

This study is looking at how inflammation in a part of the brain called the thalamus affects people who have had a traumatic brain injury, especially in causing issues like epilepsy and sleep problems, and it aims to find out how a specific protein called C1q plays a role in this so we can develop better treatments for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909038 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how inflammation in the thalamus, a critical brain region, contributes to long-term problems following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study will explore the role of a specific protein, C1q, which may lead to complications like chronic epilepsy and sleep disturbances in TBI patients. Using advanced techniques such as genetic deletion and brain imaging, researchers aim to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind these effects. By identifying how C1q influences brain function, the research seeks to pave the way for potential new treatments for TBI-related conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are experiencing cognitive disturbances or sleep issues.

Not a fit: Patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that targeting inflammatory pathways in the brain can lead to improvements in outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries, suggesting that this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 2026-06-13 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.