Targeting immune cells to prevent bleeding in brain malformations
Official title: Microglia/macrophages as target to prevent intracerebral hemorrhage in KRAS mutation-induced brain arteriovenous malformations
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11058472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells might affect the risk of bleeding in people with brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), and it aims to find new ways to help prevent these dangerous complications.
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 start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $351,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126415-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain arteriovenous malformations, particularly those with KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain arteriovenous malformations or those with different underlying causes of intracerebral hemorrhage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells, specifically microglia and macrophages, in the risk of bleeding associated with brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs). The study aims to understand how mutations in blood vessel cells can trigger inflammation that destabilizes these malformations, potentially leading to severe complications like intracerebral hemorrhage. By using a mouse model that mimics human bAVM conditions, researchers will explore new preventative strategies to reduce the risk of bleeding in affected patients. The approach combines advanced genetic techniques and immunological assessments to uncover the underlying mechanisms of bAVM-related inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening bleeding in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting immune cells in this context is novel, similar strategies in other inflammatory conditions have shown promise in previous research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Eunsu — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Park, Eunsu
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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.