Understanding how specific brain cells affect blood flow in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The Role of Pericytes in Brain Hypoperfusion in Alzheimer's Disease Development
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11014431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called pericytes help control blood flow and protect the brain in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to support brain health for those living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081807-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early symptoms of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of pericytes, specialized cells in the brain, in regulating blood flow and maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to understand how dysfunction in these cells contributes to decreased cerebral blood flow, which is an early symptom of Alzheimer's. Researchers will analyze brain tissue from Alzheimer's patients to assess levels of a specific transcription factor, Fli-1, and its impact on pericyte health and function. By exploring the mechanisms behind pericyte apoptosis and the effects of amyloid-beta, this research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving brain health in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by targeting pericyte dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of pericytes in Alzheimer's is an emerging field, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding their function, indicating potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Hongkuan — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Fan, Hongkuan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.