Parthanatos (AIF/PARP-driven cell death) in stroke and other acquired brain injuries
Parthanatos, PAAN/MIF nuclease Activation in Ischemic Injury
This project looks at how a type of cell death called parthanatos harms brain cells after stroke and aims to find ways to prevent damage for people with acquired brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11331292 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, researchers are following the chain of events where excessive activation of PARP-1 leads to buildup of PAR polymer and causes AIF to move from mitochondria into the nucleus, producing large-scale DNA damage. They use laboratory cell systems and animal models of ischemic brain injury to map each step and to test interventions that block PAR formation, stop AIF nuclear entry, or inhibit downstream nucleases. Experiments measure how blocking these steps affects neuron survival, brain tissue damage after simulated stroke, and biochemical markers of the parthanatos pathway. Results are intended to guide development of drug targets that could later be tested in people who have had strokes or similar acute brain injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who recently experienced an ischemic stroke or other acute acquired brain injury, especially those in the early post-injury period, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with chronic, long-standing brain damage or non-ischemic conditions unrelated to the parthanatos mechanism may be unlikely to benefit from these targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that limit brain cell loss after stroke and improve recovery and long-term function.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking steps in the parthanatos pathway has protected neurons in multiple cell and animal studies, but these strategies have not yet been proven effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dawson, Ted M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Dawson, Ted M.
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.