Blocking harmful calcium entry in spinal cord nerve and immune cells
The role of SOCE in microglia and secondary degeneration after SCI
This work looks at whether blocking excessive calcium entry (SOCE) in spinal cord nerve and immune cells can reduce further damage and help people recover after spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models to switch off key SOCE proteins specifically in spinal neurons or microglia and then cause a controlled spinal cord injury to observe effects. They will use advanced imaging (including two-photon microscopy), measure inflammation and axon health, and track functional recovery with motor and sensory tests. The team will compare animals with and without these SOCE components to see if blocking SOCE prevents ‘bystander’ axon degeneration and reduces harmful cytokine release. If the lab results are promising, the findings could guide development of drugs or trials aimed at limiting secondary damage after human spinal cord injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent (acute) spinal cord injuries who are at risk for secondary degeneration would be the most likely candidates for future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: Those with long-standing (chronic) spinal cord injuries where secondary degeneration has already stabilized may be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that limit secondary spinal cord damage and improve motor and sensory recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to block external calcium sources have not improved recovery, so targeting SOCE is a newer, promising lab-based approach with supportive preliminary animal data but no proven human benefit yet.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stirling, David Paul — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Stirling, David Paul
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.