Understanding EphA1/A2 proteins and the Blood Brain Barrier in Alzheimer's
Role of EphA1/A2 domain-domain and -membrane interactions for receptor specificity and Blood Brain Barrier dysfunction
This research aims to understand how certain proteins called Eph receptors affect the brain's protective barrier, which could help us learn more about Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179438 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains are protected by a 'blood-brain barrier' that keeps harmful substances out. In conditions like Alzheimer's disease, this barrier can become leaky or dysfunctional. This project focuses on specific proteins, Eph receptors, which play a role in how cells move and stick together, and how blood vessels form. We want to uncover the exact ways these Eph proteins work, both on their own and with other parts of the cell, to understand their connection to the blood-brain barrier's health. By figuring out these basic mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to address the barrier problems seen in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly, but future clinical applications would target individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for neurodegenerative conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative conditions would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's disease and potentially new strategies to protect the brain's barrier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Eph receptors are involved in blood-brain barrier issues and neurodegenerative diseases, and our preliminary work has identified new aspects of their function.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buck, Matthias — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Buck, Matthias
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.