Role of Proton-Sensing Receptors in Brain Injury with Shock
Official title: Investigating the Role of Proton-Sensing G Protein Coupled Receptors in Trauma and Hemorrhagic Shock
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11350253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how proton-sensing receptors on brain blood vessels affect outcomes after traumatic brain injury with hemorrhagic shock, to find ways to protect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $200,613 |
| NIH project number | 1K08GM164635-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with acute traumatic brain injury who may experience hemorrhagic shock and acidosis, and whose condition could be studied in future translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain injury or those not experiencing acidosis or shock may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how acid buildup after severe injury changes the brain’s blood vessels through specific receptors. Using a mouse model that mimics human injury, the team will examine receptor activity, endothelial barrier function, and brain swelling after trauma and shock. The goal is to understand whether blocking or modulating these receptors could reduce brain edema and improve recovery. Results could guide new therapies for patients with traumatic brain injury who also experience bleeding and low blood pressure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to protect the brain after severe injury and hemorrhagic shock, potentially reducing edema and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse data suggest endothelial changes with shock and brain injury, supporting potential translation to human studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niziolek, Grace Martin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Niziolek, Grace Martin
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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.