Role of Astrocytes in Degeneration of the Neurovascular Unit in AD/ADRDs (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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The neurovascular unit involves multiple pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration. Astrocytes, due to their overlapping roles regulating the blood brain barrier, neuronal health and response to degenerating cells, are uniquely positioned to be therapeutic targets. Astrocytes are a fundamental component of the neurovascular unit and are known to play a role in regulating the blood brain barrier and APOE signaling. However, the mechanistic role of astrocytes for the neurovascular unit in health and disease, including in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and across the spectrum of AD/ADRD diagnoses, is largely unknown, and represents a gap area and an opportunity for research investment. This initiative would represent the first targeted initiative on the fundamental role of astrocytes in AD/ADRD at the NIH.

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