The role of Slc25a1 in brain immune cell activation after traumatic brain injury
Official title: The Role of Slc25a1 in Acute Pro-inflammatory Activation of Microglia/Macrophages Post-Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11426288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a specific cell “gatekeeper” protein (Slc25a1) affects inflammatory brain cells after a traumatic brain injury, with the aim of finding ways to reduce long-term damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $474,321 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS150283-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have recently suffered a traumatic brain injury and meet study-specific criteria could be eligible for future trials or related sampling efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without post-injury inflammation or those not meeting eligibility criteria may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
After a traumatic brain injury, inflammatory brain cells called microglia and infiltrating macrophages can worsen damage. The study investigates how Slc25a1 regulates energy and metabolism in these cells and how that influences inflammation. By blocking or reducing Slc25a1 activity in model systems, researchers hope to shift cells from a harmful inflammatory state to a protective one, potentially preserving brain function. The work combines cellular and animal models to explore changes in metabolism, epigenetic marks, and neurodegeneration in the acute phase after injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that lessen brain damage and improve recovery after traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that targeting metabolic regulators can alter immune cell behavior and reduce inflammation in brain injury models.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ning — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ning
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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.