Protecting tiny blood vessels from radiation by supporting mitochondria
Official title: Leveraging mitochondrial function to combat radiation therapy-induced microvascular disease
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11126563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking for ways to protect small blood vessels and brain function in people who get radiation therapy by helping cells' mitochondria work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2010 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX000163-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People receiving radiation therapy—especially to the brain or head and including veterans treated at VA centers—would be the likely candidates for related protective approaches.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not receiving radiation therapy or who already have long-standing, irreversible vascular or cognitive damage are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
The team will study how radiation damages the lining of small blood vessels by injuring mitochondria and creating long-term oxidative stress. They will seek treatments given around the time of radiation that keep mitochondria healthy and prevent vessel and blood–brain barrier injury. Work includes laboratory models and human-relevant analyses to map the steps from mitochondrial injury to cognitive problems. Findings are meant to guide future tests of protective therapies in clinical settings, especially for veterans treated with radiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower long-term blood vessel damage and reduce cognitive decline after radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies support the idea that targeting mitochondria can reduce radiation damage, but clinical success is currently limited and the approach remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
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Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grumbach, Isabella Maria — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Grumbach, Isabella Maria
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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.