Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Pennsylvania received a $703,249 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853), effective June 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. This award supports a comprehensive research initiative integrating large-scale proteomics and genomics to advance the biological characterization and risk prediction of ischemic stroke. The project will conduct proteomic analysis of 6,432 distinct plasma proteins across 2,000 participants from the Regards cohort, utilizing aptamer-based binding technology to identify novel protein biomarkers and biological pathways associated with stroke risk. The research will employ artificial intelligence algorithms to evaluate three-dimensional protein structures for potential drug-binding pockets and conduct virtual docking experiments to identify small molecule therapeutic candidates targeting causal proteins identified through combined proteomic-genomic analysis.

Key deliverables include the development of protein-based risk prediction models with improved discrimination over existing clinical tools, identification of protein biomarkers and biological pathways underlying ischemic stroke etiology, and nomination of novel therapeutic targets for stroke prevention. The University of Pennsylvania will validate significant findings through the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort to enhance generalizability and clinical applicability of the research outcomes.