Restoring ependymal integrity to help prevent posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm babies
Official title: Restoration of ependymal integrity reduces posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm neonates
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11346021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team is testing a way to protect and repair the brain’s fluid-transport lining in very preterm infants who have bleeding in the brain, to reduce the risk of hydrocephalus and related problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $557,654 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136615-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346021 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Preterm infants at risk of IVH and hydrocephalus, or individuals (including relevant models) relevant to the ependymal differentiation pathway.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without IVH or hydrocephalus risk or those not aligned with the specific mechanistic targets may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how early brain bleeding damages the ependyma, a lining that helps move cerebrospinal fluid. By understanding and promoting the multiciliated cells that line the brain ventricles, the study aims to limit fluid buildup and inflammation that contribute to hydrocephalus. The work combines animal models and human-relevant biology to map the pathways that control ependymal development and response after IVH, with the goal of identifying targets to preserve or restore this barrier. If successful, the approach could lead to therapies that reduce brain injury and improve cognitive outcomes for preterm infants. Participation would involve research activities in a neonatal or animal-model setting as appropriate to the work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to treatments that prevent or lessen hydrocephalus and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that ependymal integrity and ciliary function influence CSF flow and hydrocephalus in models, supporting the potential for translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ballabh, Praveen — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ballabh, Praveen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving brain fluid flow in premature infants with bleeding issues
This study is looking at how to help premature babies who have had bleeding in the brain by finding ways to fix important cells that help manage fluid in their brains, with the hope of reducing problems and improving their health.
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Targeting the brain’s fluid system to treat post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
This grant explores a new approach to treating post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus by studying how the brain’s fluid system and immune cells manage CSF after a brain bleed.
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Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
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Endoscopic versus Shunt Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Infants
A study compares two treatments for hydrocephalus in infants to see which keeps babies cognitively on par with the standard shunt treatment.
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Endoscopic treatment versus shunt for hydrocephalus in infants
This project tests whether a shunt-free endoscopic procedure can be as good as traditional shunting for babies with hydrocephalus.
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Endoscopic treatment vs shunt for infant hydrocephalus
Infants with hydrocephalus may be treated with a shunt or a shunt-free procedure called ETV+CPC, and this study compares the two to see if the shunt-free option can keep cognitive outcomes similar.
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.