2026 Research Grant Spotlight

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is proud to support groundbreaking research aimed at improving outcomes for patients and ultimately preventing ruptures. Each week, we’ll highlight one of our 2026 funded researchers and provide a brief overview of their project and its potential impact on patients, families, and the future of care.

Hiroki Kobayashi, MD, PhD

Barrow Neurological Institute

Role of Periostin-Expressing Activated Fibroblasts in Intracranial Aneurysm Development

The purpose of this project is to understand whether a protein called periostin helps brain aneurysms form and worsen. Our preliminary data suggest that a specific group of activated cells, called periostin-expressing activated fibroblasts, is increased in brain aneurysm tissue. These cells may promote inflammation and weaken the blood vessel wall by changing the structure around the vessel. In this project, we will test whether removing periostin-expressing cells or blocking periostin with an antibody can reduce aneurysm formation in a mouse model. We will also study where these periostin-expressing cells come from. In simple terms, we want to know whether periostin is one of the drivers of brain aneurysm development and whether targeting it could become a new treatment strategy.

This project is funded by the New York City Marathon Chair of Research