Understanding how cholesterol affects brain inflammation after injury in newborns
Official title: A critical role for microglial cholesterol 25-hydroxylase in regulating neuroinflammation following neonatal brain hypoxia-ischemia
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11066527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme might help reduce inflammation in the brains of newborns who didn't get enough oxygen, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat brain injuries in babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133533-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 11 years old who have experienced brain injuries due to hypoxia-ischemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of brain injury or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific enzyme, cholesterol 25-hydroxylase, in managing inflammation in the brains of newborns who have experienced a lack of oxygen. By studying how this enzyme affects the accumulation of cholesterol in brain cells called microglia, the researchers aim to uncover new ways to diagnose and treat brain injuries in infants. The approach involves using animal models to observe changes in microglial function and inflammation after brain injury. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce brain damage and improve recovery for newborns suffering from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in brain injury, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Xiangning — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Xiangning
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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.