Using blood-vessel signals to turn support cells into new brain cells after stroke
Endothelial Regulation of Astrocyte Trans-Differentiation in Stroke
This project aims to use messages from brain blood-vessel cells to reprogram support cells (astrocytes) into neuron precursors to help people recover after ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136495 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are looking at how cells that line brain blood vessels might send signals that convert nearby astrocytes into neuron-like cells after a stroke. In lab dishes they expose endothelial cells to low oxygen/glucose and collect tiny particles (microvesicles) that can reprogram astrocytes, and then test similar approaches in mice with focal cerebral ischemia. They use tools like endothelial-targeted viral delivery, genetic lineage tracing, and single-nucleus RNA sequencing to track which cells change and to identify key factors such as the transcription factor Ascl1. The team aims to understand the mechanism and test whether delivering those signals can improve recovery in animal models as a step toward future therapies for people who had a stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The approach is most relevant to adults who have experienced an ischemic (blockage) stroke and are seeking improved neurological recovery.
Not a fit: People with non-ischemic brain injuries (for example hemorrhagic stroke), very old or chronically damaged brains, or those unable to receive viral- or vector-based treatments may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that stimulate the brain to make replacement neurons from support cells and improve recovery after ischemic stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies have shown astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming is possible in cells and in mice, but translating these findings into safe and effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, Eng H. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lo, Eng H.
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 below.