Role of ApoE in keeping the brain’s protective barrier strong
Official title: Role Of Apolipoprotein E In Maintaining the Blood Brain Barrier Integrity
Funded at California State University Long Beach · NIH-11374966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how the apolipoprotein E (apoE) protein helps safeguard the brain’s barrier against leaks, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Long Beach NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140312-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for or affected by Alzheimer’s disease, especially those with APOE ε4 genetic risk.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors related to APOE or without interest in barrier-related dementia research may be less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how different forms of apoE (apoE3 vs apoE4) support the blood-brain barrier by supplying cholesterol to the barrier’s tight junctions in brain tiny vessels. They will use lab models of brain endothelial cells, sometimes with star-shaped astrocytes, to see how apoE-containing particles influence barrier integrity under aging-like stress. The work uses fluorescent cholesterol to track how cholesterol moves to the barrier and whether the apoE form changes this process. By comparing apoE3 and apoE4 effects, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that may explain higher AD risk with apoE4 and how aging impacts barrier health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform strategies to protect the brain barrier and reduce AD risk in people carrying apoE4.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animals and cell models suggest apoE’s role in barrier integrity, but this work will test human-relevant cell models to clarify mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
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California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayanaswami, Vasanthy — California State University Long Beach
- Study coordinator: Narayanaswami, Vasanthy
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.