Understanding Brain Swelling After Stroke
Aquaporin-4 regulation by NCX1 in post-ischemic brain swelling
This project looks at how certain proteins in the brain contribute to swelling after a stroke, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144250 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After a stroke, the brain can swell, which is a serious complication that can worsen outcomes. Our bodies have special water channels called Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and other proteins like NCX1 that play a role in how water moves in and out of brain cells. This research aims to understand exactly how these proteins work together in the brain's support cells, called astrocytes, to cause swelling after a stroke. By uncovering these detailed mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for medicines that could reduce dangerous brain swelling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are at risk for or experiencing brain swelling could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with brain conditions unrelated to ischemic stroke or brain swelling may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce dangerous brain swelling in patients who have experienced a stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous discoveries have hinted at the importance of AQP4 in brain swelling, and new preliminary data supports the proposed mechanisms, but this specific pathway in living organisms after stroke is a novel focus.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simard, J. Marc — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Simard, J. Marc
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.