Reprogramming blood vessel cells to help prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease and hypertension
Official title: Reprogramming endothelial cells to prevent and treat Alzheimer disease (AD) and Hypertension
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11103308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels might help us understand and improve Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure, with the hope of finding new ways to boost brain health and blood flow for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085331-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk for or currently experiencing Alzheimer's disease or hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cardiovascular issues or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of vascular endothelial cells in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and hypertension. It aims to understand how these cells can be reprogrammed to improve blood flow and reduce the impact of misfolded proteins associated with AD. By examining the relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline, the study seeks to identify new therapeutic approaches that could enhance patient outcomes. The methodology includes analyzing human and rodent vascular tissues to explore the mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction and its connection to AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between cardiovascular health and Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wenceslau, Camilla Ferreira — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Wenceslau, Camilla Ferreira
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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.