Stroke Research Led by Dr. Nicolas Bazan Receives NIH Grant
LSU Health New Orleans has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to propel pioneering research led by Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan. This initiative, titled “Neuroprotective lipid mediators target penumbra in experimental ischemic stroke,” marks a significant step forward in understanding and harnessing neuroprotective mechanisms against ischemic stroke.
Dr. Bazan, renowned for his contributions to neurology and ophthalmology as Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans, will spearhead the research alongside his team. The project also involves collaboration with Dr. Ludmila Belayev, a Professor of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery, who emphasized the significance of their experimental stroke model.
"The model of experimental stroke that we are using recapitulates stroke from the clinic by reproducing generation of ischemic stroke that allows to specifically uncover disease mechanisms,” said Dr. Belayev.
With ischemic stroke ranking among the leading causes of disability worldwide, the focus of their investigation will be on elovanoids (ELVs)—a novel class of lipid mediators discovered by Dr. Bazan.
The grant will facilitate comprehensive studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques, including MRI for precise brain structure assessment and cutting-edge molecular analyses and Spatially Resolved Transcriptomics using Visium and Xenium. These methods will unravel cell-specific responses to ELVs, potentially unveiling novel therapeutic avenues for stroke and other neurodegenerative conditions.
“This grant underscores LSU Health New Orleans’ leadership in neuroscience and Dr. Bazan’s transformative contributions to the field,” said Dr. Steve Nelson, Chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans. “His pioneering research not only enhances our understanding of stroke pathology but also holds promise for future therapeutic breakthroughs.”
Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Bazan has fostered a legacy of excellence at LSU Health New Orleans through mentorship of young scientists and the establishment of innovative programs like the Summer Undergraduate Neuroscience (SUN) Program.
His collaborative efforts with industry have also led to the formation of startup ventures aimed at translating research discoveries into clinical applications, reinforcing his commitment to advancing patient care.