Brain circuit changes that help recovery after stroke

Cortical Circuits Underlying Functional Recovery Following Stroke

['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · NIH-11332522

Researchers are using advanced imaging and light-based control in mice to learn how specific brain cell types help restore function after stroke.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11332522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project watches how specific brain circuits change after a stroke using high-resolution two-photon microscopy and optogenetics in mice. Scientists will follow the same neurons over time and selectively turn certain cell types on or off to see which ones support recovery of movement and behavior. The goal is to map which neurons and circuit changes are most important for regaining function. That knowledge could point toward therapies that target those cells more precisely.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who have had a stroke and continue to have motor or functional deficits would be most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by this work.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those without a history of stroke would not directly benefit from this basic animal research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new, more precise treatments that improve recovery after stroke by targeting the neurons and circuits that drive repair.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies using imaging and optogenetics have revealed how brain circuits reorganize after stroke, but translating cell-type-specific interventions into human therapies is still an early and developing area.

Where this research is happening

CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.