Understanding the different types of cells that support blood vessels
Official title: Developmental origins of pericyte heterogeneity
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11001180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells called pericytes that help keep blood vessels healthy, especially in the brain, to understand how losing these cells might lead to brain diseases, with the hope of finding ways to protect or fix blood vessel function for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,055,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL171534-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for neurodegenerative diseases or those with existing conditions that may involve blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to vascular health or neurodegeneration may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the various types of pericytes, which are specialized cells that support blood vessels, particularly in the brain. By examining how these cells differ across various organs and their roles in maintaining blood-brain barrier function, the research aims to uncover how pericyte loss may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The approach involves studying the cellular and molecular characteristics of pericytes in different capillary beds, which are crucial for organ-specific functions. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to protect or restore blood vessel function in the brain and other organs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting pericyte function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of vascular cells like pericytes can lead to significant advancements in treating vascular-related diseases, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Nathan D — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Nathan D
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.