Understanding how Wnt signaling affects blood-brain and blood-retina barriers
Official title: Mechanisms of Wnt ligand specific signaling in the development of blood-retina barrier and blood-brain barrier
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10939943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Norrin helps keep the protective barriers in your brain and eyes healthy, which could lead to better treatments for eye and brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036415-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with retinal diseases or neurological conditions linked to blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated ocular or neurological conditions that do not involve the blood-brain or blood-retina barriers may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Wnt signaling, specifically through the Norrin protein, in the development and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-retina barrier (BRB). By examining how Norrin interacts with specific receptors and co-receptors, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments for retinal diseases and conditions affecting the brain. The research utilizes animal models to observe the effects of genetic modifications on vascular development and barrier integrity. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how disruptions in these signaling pathways contribute to various neurological and ocular conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating retinal diseases and conditions that compromise the blood-brain barrier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Wnt signaling pathways, indicating potential for success in this area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xiaochun — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Xiaochun
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.