Understanding how blood vessel cells develop the blood-brain barrier
Official title: Vascular mural cells in the development of the blood brain barrier
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10687558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,388,925 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MH136391-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic or sporadic vascular disorders affecting brain function, particularly those in developmental stages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established neurological conditions unrelated to vascular development may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.