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 to 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,” stated 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.

For more information about Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan’s research and LSU Health New Orleans’ visit lsuhsc.edu.

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About LSU Health New Orleans

LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment   and cure disease.