Understanding how the blood-brain barrier communicates with the bloodstream

Molecular tools to decipher communication across the blood-brain barrier

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10919185

This study is looking at how the brain's protective barrier works and how it talks to proteins and immune cells, which could help find better ways to deliver treatments for brain disorders and keep our brains healthy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10919185 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream but also complicates the treatment of brain disorders. The researchers aim to uncover how proteins and immune cells communicate across the BBB, potentially revealing new pathways for drug delivery and brain health maintenance. By developing innovative methods to track blood plasma proteins, they hope to identify specific routes that facilitate this communication. This could lead to a better understanding of brain function and new strategies for treating neurological conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be affected by brain disorders or are interested in the mechanisms of brain health.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to brain health or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for various brain disorders by enhancing drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding blood-brain barrier communication, but this approach aims to explore novel pathways that have not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.