Metabolic changes in reactive astrocytes after brain stroke and how they help repair
Official title: Novel mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming of reactive astrocytes and brain repair after focal cerebral ischemia
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11385354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how brain support cells called astrocytes change their metabolism after a stroke to help repair the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $601,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138748-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients or individuals with acquired brain injury or stroke who could benefit from future translation of these findings; initial work is preclinical
✕Less likely to help
Current patients without access to new therapies arising from these findings may not directly benefit during early stages of the project
What this research studies
After a focal brain ischemia (stroke), astrocytes become reactive and shift their metabolism to support tissue repair. The study uses advanced imaging and cell culture models to map these metabolic changes and understand how NAMPT and NAD+ pathways contribute to recovery. By linking metabolic reprogramming to brain repair processes, the work aims to identify targets that could enhance healing after stroke. This could eventually guide new therapies that support recovery in people who have had a stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially identifying new ways to promote brain repair after stroke, which could improve functional recovery for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that reactive astrocytes change metabolism after brain injury and that metabolic pathways influence repair, supporting potential for positive outcomes with similar approaches
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Shinghua — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Ding, Shinghua
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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.