Tiny RNAs and mitochondrial health in protecting the brain's blood–brain barrier after stroke
MicroRNAs, Mitochondria and the Blood-Brain Barrier - Therapeutic Targets for Stroke
This project looks at whether lowering a small RNA called miR-34a and improving mitochondrial energy in blood vessel cells can help protect the brain's blood–brain barrier in older adults 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-11235944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will measure levels of specific microRNAs and mitochondrial proteins in blood and cerebrovascular cells taken from older stroke patients and from aged stroke mice. In cells and animal models they will raise or lower miR-34a and examine effects on mitochondrial function, a protein called LETM1, and leakage across the blood–brain barrier. The team will compare findings from mouse experiments with human plasma and autopsy tissue to link laboratory results to patient biology. The overall approach mixes patient samples, cell-based tests, and animal experiments to identify targets that could prevent barrier breakdown and hemorrhagic complications after stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults (around 65+) who have recently had a stroke and can provide blood samples or consent for use of clinical samples.
Not a fit: People without stroke, or those whose conditions do not involve blood–brain barrier or mitochondrial dysfunction, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce blood–brain barrier damage and bleeding after stroke in older adults, improving recovery and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab and patient-sample findings have already linked miR-34a to mitochondrial problems and barrier disruption, so this work builds on encouraging but still early evidence.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Xuefang Sophie — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Ren, Xuefang Sophie
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.