Targeting Ifi27l2a to improve recovery after stroke
Ifi27l2a as a therapeutic target for stroke
Working to block the gene Ifi27l2a to reduce harmful brain inflammation and help older adults recover better after stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332974 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at a gene called Ifi27l2a that makes the brain's immune cells (microglia) more inflammatory in older people after stroke. Researchers found this gene is higher in aged microglia and increases further after stroke using single-cell RNA analysis, and they also saw higher IFI27L2 levels in human stroke brain samples. They are testing what happens when they change this gene in cells and in mouse models to see if reducing its action limits harmful inflammation and improves recovery. If those lab and animal results are promising, the team could move toward treatments aimed at older stroke patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults who have recently experienced an ischemic stroke, especially those aged 65 and older.
Not a fit: People without stroke, very young stroke patients, or those with hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce damaging inflammation in the aging brain and improve recovery after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies targeting microglial inflammation have shown promise, but using Ifi27l2a as a therapeutic target is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Gab Seok — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kim, Gab Seok
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 below.