Anti-inflammatory stem cell repair for degenerating spinal discs
Anti-inflammatory Cell Based Repair of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
This project looks at whether anti-inflammatory bone marrow stem cells can help heal painful, degenerated spinal discs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11390844 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are working to improve stem cell treatments that could repair worn spinal discs rather than only masking pain. They use bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and study how anti-inflammatory immune cells (macrophages) and realistic hydrostatic pressure from spinal loading change the cells' ability to reduce inflammation and rebuild disc tissue. Experiments combine disc cells, stem cells, and macrophages in controlled lab models and apply mechanical loading, and the team also tests approaches in animal models of disc degeneration. The goal is to find conditions or treatments that help the transplanted cells survive the harsh disc environment and better restore structure and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with symptomatic degenerative intervertebral disc disease (discogenic back pain) who have not had lasting relief from standard conservative treatments could be the likely candidates for future trials stemming from this research.
Not a fit: People whose back pain is due to non-disc causes (for example nerve compression, fracture, or infection) or those with very advanced, structurally collapsed discs requiring surgery are less likely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to stem cell-based treatments that reduce disc inflammation, restore disc structure, and relieve chronic back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Small clinical and animal studies of mesenchymal stem cells for disc degeneration have reported some improvements in disc height and pain, but results have been variable and better methods are still needed.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chahine, Nadeen O. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chahine, Nadeen O.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.