Understanding how astrocytes interact with the blood-brain barrier in stroke conditions
Official title: Deciphering Mechanisms of Astrocyte-BBB Interaction in Normal and Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10996144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help keep the protective barrier around the brain healthy, especially during a stroke, to find new ways to help the brain recover after such an event.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,149 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126287-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced an ischemic stroke or are at risk for such events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic strokes or other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is crucial for brain health. The study focuses on how these cells interact with blood vessel cells, especially during ischemic stroke, a condition where blood flow to the brain is reduced. By using genetically modified mice, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to BBB disruption and identify potential targets for treatment. This could help in developing therapies to protect the brain after a stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect the brain from damage during and after a stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding astrocyte functions and their role in brain health, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hyun Kyoung — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hyun Kyoung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
-
Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
-
Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke
Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.
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.