March 19, 2024
Pedersen Lab awarded CDMRP grant from DoD
The Pedersen lab has been awarded a $5M Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Consortium grant from the Department of Defense (TP230352) titled “The Role of Genetic Risk Factors and Immune Response on NVU Function in post-TBI Cognitive Impairment.” This is a collaboration between The Scintillon Research Institute, San Diego (Lead PI: Irene Munk Pedersen, Ph.D.), and our colleagues at Johns Hopkins University (PI: Jessica Gill, Ph.D.), Columbia University (PIs: Dritan Agalliu, Ph.D. & Adam Brickman Ph.D.) and Boston University (PI: Michael Alosco, Ph.D. & Ann McKee M.D.).
Figure 1. Cartoon outline of proposed studies.
This program will examine the role of persistent dysfunction of the neurovascular unit (NVU) on the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated cognitive impairment.
We will do so by leveraging both translational and clinical approaches by using already accrued clinical and imaging data, as well as blood samples from service members and veterans (SMVs). Together, the four synergistic studies will use a combination of transcriptomic, histological, and imaging-based approaches, with stem cell-derived human 3D NVU culture models and neuronal- and microglia-derived extracellular vesicles (exosomes) to understand central processes related to the NVU in living individuals (Figure 1). The program fosters an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that promises to make significant strides in our understanding and treatment of NVU dysfunction in post TBI-associated pathology, including cognitive impairments.