Understanding how small blood vessel diseases affect oxygen supply in the brain

Investigating the Microvascular Mechanisms of O2 Supply-Demand Mismatch in Small Vessel Disease using Novel High-Resolution Optical Imaging

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10831025

This study is looking at how problems with small blood vessels in the brain, especially in people with CADASIL, affect oxygen supply, using mice to help understand how these issues might lead to conditions like dementia.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10831025 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between small vessel diseases in the brain and oxygen supply issues, specifically focusing on a condition known as CADASIL. Using advanced optical imaging techniques, the study aims to measure oxygen levels, blood flow, and microvascular changes in a mouse model that mimics human disease. By observing these factors over time, researchers hope to uncover how dysfunction in small blood vessels contributes to oxygen supply-demand mismatches in the brain, which can lead to serious conditions like dementia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with CADASIL or other small vessel diseases affecting the brain.

Not a fit: Patients without small vessel diseases or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to conditions like CADASIL may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from small vessel diseases and related cognitive impairments.

How similar studies have performed: While this research explores a novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding microvascular dysfunction in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Brain DisordersEncephalon DiseasesIntracranial CNS DisordersIntracranial Central Nervous System DisordersBrain Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.