Targeting BRB Dysfunction in MS to Protect Vision
Official title: Targeting Blood Retinal Barrier Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center · NIH-11412829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how blood-retinal barrier problems contribute to vision loss in people with multiple sclerosis and to find new targets for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD001251-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with multiple sclerosis at risk of or experiencing vision-related symptoms, particularly those with BRB-related pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MS or without vision-related BRB issues may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will use genetic and drug-based methods in established models to study how BRB dysfunction drives inflammation and neuron damage in MS. It focuses on the interactions between microglia, endothelial cells, and neurons to uncover how BRB breakdown occurs early in disease. By identifying signals like SMOX, acrolein, and Galectin-3 that link BRB failure to inflammation, the work seeks to point to new therapeutic targets. The findings should give clinicians and patients a clearer path toward preserving vision and reducing MS-related disability. The study is anchored in an MS-relevant model and aims to translate mechanistic insights into potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent vision loss in MS and slow overall disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in MS models has linked BRB dysfunction to inflammation and neural damage, with promising targets emerging from related pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayanan, Priya — Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Narayanan, Priya
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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.