ORAI Channels and Brain Blood Flow in Aging
Official title: ORAI Channels and Neurovascular Coupling: Effects of Aging
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11447232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how age-related changes in ORAI channels affect brain blood flow and neurovascular signaling in people with Alzheimer's-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $560,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG097446-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with aging-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease dementia who may contribute blood or imaging data and be considered for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s-related conditions or aging-related cognitive decline may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
As we age, the brain’s tiny blood vessels and their calcium signals may not work as well, which can affect how blood reaches active brain areas. This project investigates ORAI1, ORAI2, and ORAI3 channels in brain capillary cells and how they control calcium entry and the blood vessel response, especially in aging and Alzheimer-related conditions. Using data from the University of Rochester, researchers will map how these channels influence neurovascular coupling and whether aging alters this process. The results could highlight new targets to preserve brain blood flow and cognitive function in dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to protect brain blood flow and potentially slow cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in animals and humans suggest ORAI channels play a role in brain calcium signaling and blood flow, but aging-related effects in Alzheimer’s contexts are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earley, Scott — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Earley, Scott
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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.