Small molecule activators of Neurolysin to help stroke recovery
Official title: Development and Characterization of Small Molecule Activators of Peptidase Neurolysin for Stroke Therapy
Funded at Oakland University · NIH-11384683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing drug-like molecules that boost the brain’s natural protective enzyme, aiming to improve recovery after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oakland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $602,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS106879-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who have had a stroke or are at high risk and may benefit from therapies that enhance brain protection mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without stroke or with conditions unrelated to neuroprotective strategies may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and refining small molecule activators of the brain enzyme neurolysin (Nln) to enhance cerebroprotection after stroke. It builds on prior work to optimize potency and drug-like properties, so these compounds can be used as research tools and potential lead therapies. The team will test these activators in models relevant to stroke and assess their effects on brain protection and recovery processes. Results could guide future clinical efforts to translate these findings into treatments for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield new drug-like molecules that support brain protection and recovery after stroke, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies identified neurolysin as a key brain protective mechanism and informed lead compounds, supporting potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Oakland University
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karamyan, Vardan T. — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Karamyan, Vardan T.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
-
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.
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.