Understanding how brain injuries affect blood stem cells and Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Hematopoietic stem cell dysfunction in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10995373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by exploring changes in important immune cells, and it's aimed at helping people who have had brain injuries find ways to protect their long-term health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139434-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or do not have a risk of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) by focusing on how TBI affects hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for immune function. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that link acute TBI to chronic neurodegeneration and increased AD risk. By examining changes in HSC function following TBI, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies to protect patients from the long-term effects of brain injuries. This interdisciplinary approach combines insights from neurology and immunology to address a significant gap in understanding these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating Alzheimer's disease in individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between TBI and AD is recognized, this specific investigation into HSC dysfunction is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corella, Sofia — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Corella, Sofia
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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.