Non-coding RNAs and brain tissue health in vascular-related memory loss
Long non-coding RNAs mediate white and grey matter integrity in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11290418
This project looks at whether certain long non-coding RNAs help protect white and gray matter in people with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290418 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by vascular-related memory problems, researchers will study molecules called long non-coding RNAs that may influence blood-vessel and brain tissue health. They will use laboratory models of chronic low blood flow to the brain and compare what happens when one key lncRNA (Malat1) is removed or boosted. The team will measure memory, white matter damage, and neuron loss to link molecular changes with brain injury. Results could point to new biological targets to protect the brain from vascular damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with vascular cognitive impairment, mixed vascular–Alzheimer changes, or who have cerebrovascular disease and related memory problems would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Those with purely non-vascular causes of cognitive impairment or seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic science project right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to therapies to slow or prevent brain tissue damage in vascular forms of dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal work from the team shows Malat1 changes affect cognition and white matter in models of chronic brain hypoperfusion, but targeting lncRNAs as a therapy is still an emerging and largely preclinical area.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YIN, KEJIE — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: YIN, KEJIE
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome