Understanding how blood vessel cells develop the blood-brain barrier
Vascular mural cells in the development of the blood brain barrier
This study is looking at special cells in the brain that help form blood vessels and protect the brain, to better understand how they work and how they might affect brain health, which could lead to new treatments for brain-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10687558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mural cells, which are essential components of blood vessels in the brain, in the development of the blood-brain barrier. By using advanced techniques like Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify different types of mural cells and their functions during brain development. This research is particularly focused on understanding how these cells interact with other brain cells and how they may influence neurological health. The findings could provide insights into the impact of vascular disorders on brain function and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic or sporadic vascular disorders affecting brain function, particularly those in developmental stages.
Not a fit: Patients with established neurological conditions unrelated to vascular development may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders related to blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding blood-brain barrier dynamics, but this specific focus on mural cells in human development is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crouch, Elizabeth Erin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Crouch, Elizabeth Erin
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.