Role of a cholesterol enzyme and its metabolite in ischemic stroke
Official title: The role of cholesterol metabolic enzyme CYP46A1 and its metabolite 24S-hydroxycholesterol in ischemic stroke.
Funded at Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11365940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Morehouse School of Medicine will explore how a cholesterol‑related enzyme and its metabolite affect brain injury after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $355,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128018-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for ischemic stroke or those who have experienced an ischemic stroke, in whom future therapies targeting CYP46A1/24S‑HC might be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ischemic stroke or without involvement of brain injury pathways related to cholesterol metabolism may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses cell and animal stroke models to see if activating the enzyme CYP46A1 increases a brain-related metabolite (24S‑HC) and worsens stroke damage through NMDA receptor pathways. Researchers will combine in vitro experiments, in vivo stroke models, electrophysiology, and calcium imaging to understand the mechanism. The work aims to map the signaling cascade from CYP46A1 activation to neuronal injury after ischemia. Findings could identify new targets to limit brain damage after stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new ways to prevent or lessen brain injury after ischemia by targeting the cholesterol metabolism pathway.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown links between cholesterol metabolism and neural injury, but this project tests a specific enzyme–metabolite interaction in stroke, which is a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leng, Tiandong — Morehouse School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Leng, Tiandong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
-
Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
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How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke
Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.
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.