Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) awarded the University of Colorado-Denver a Project Grant of $634,658 on February 15, 2026, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to investigate the interaction between systemic endothelial glycocalyx fragility and brain dysfunction in aged sepsis survivors. The research project, with a completion date of November 30, 2030, addresses a critical public health challenge affecting older patients who experience prolonged or permanent cognitive impairment following sepsis. The study examines pathologic organ crosstalk between the systemic vasculature and brain, with particular focus on how the degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx—a heparan sulfate-rich layer lining blood vessels—releases biologically active fragments that selectively deposit in the hippocampus and impair cognitive outcomes. The research capitalizes on preliminary findings indicating that circulating heparan sulfate levels are significantly elevated in older sepsis patients compared to younger populations.

The deliverables under this award will include original biomedical research findings addressing age-related disease mechanisms and potential interventions to prevent or mitigate post-septic cognitive dysfunction in older adults. As a comprehensive research university with demonstrated expertise in translational research and clinical investigations, the University of Colorado-Denver will conduct the scientific investigations, maintain required financial and programmatic records, and disseminate research outcomes consistent with National Institutes of Health requirements for project periods extending up to five years.