Autophagy in spinal cord injury and its effect on aging brain health
Official title: The Function and Mechanisms of Autophagy in Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11384098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how the process of autophagy affects brain aging and dementia risk in people who have had spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2016 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $748,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS094527-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury, particularly those at risk for cognitive decline or dementia, may be eligible depending on study design.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients without SCI or those not meeting age or health criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
As a patient, you would be part of a study that looks at how spinal cord injury may influence brain aging and the development of Alzheimer’s-related changes over time. Researchers will examine brain tissue and clinical data to understand the role of the autophagy-lysosomal system in protecting neurons after SCI and how aging might worsen these effects. The goal is to identify early intervention points that could reduce cognitive decline and risk of dementia for individuals with SCI. While the project is science-focused, its findings could lead to new strategies for preserving brain health in people with spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to prevention or delay of dementia symptoms in people with spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows links between autophagy, brain aging, and neurodegenerative changes, but this project may clarify these relationships specifically in SCI populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Junfang — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wu, Junfang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.