Understanding how specific cells in the brain develop their unique properties
Official title: Development of Tissue-Specific Properties in Central Nervous System Mural Cells
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11057566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in the brain that help keep it healthy, and it hopes to find out how these cells work and change, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, so that we can discover new ways to help people with brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $69,500 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS134680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of mural cells in the central nervous system, which play crucial roles in maintaining brain health and function. By examining how these cells develop their specialized properties, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate their function in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The approach involves analyzing gene expression and signaling pathways to understand how these cells contribute to brain health and respond to neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mural cells in brain health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gastfriend, Benjamin Domenic — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gastfriend, Benjamin Domenic
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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.