Understanding brain pericytes and their role in neurodegenerative diseases
Probing the heterogeneity of brain pericytes using new genetic tools
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11105873
This study is looking at special brain cells called pericytes that help keep blood vessels healthy, especially in people with Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, to learn how they change as we age and how they might affect our brain's health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11105873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of brain pericytes, which are specialized cells that support blood vessels in the brain, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By developing new genetic tools to identify and study these cells, the research aims to uncover their functions and how they change with age and disease. The approach includes creating specific genetic markers that can help differentiate brain pericytes from other cell types, allowing for a deeper understanding of their role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and their involvement in neurological disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related neurodegenerative conditions, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without age-related cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic tools being developed are novel, previous research has shown that understanding cell types like pericytes can lead to significant advancements in treating neurological disorders.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, ZHEN — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, ZHEN
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.
Conditions: age associated neurodegenerative disease, age associated neurodegenerative disorder, age dependent neurodegenerative disease, age dependent neurodegenerative disorder, age-driven neurodegenerative disorders