Controlled PTEN reduction to help spinal cord nerves regrow after injury
Official title: Regulated PTEN expression to overcome barriers to corticospinal tract regeneration after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11394619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is testing a way to safely reduce a growth-inhibiting protein (PTEN) in adults with spinal cord injury to help the nerves in the spinal cord regrow and restore movement.
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 start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132773-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury who could be eligible for a cord-regeneration therapy using AAV-delivered PTEN modulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose injuries are not compatible with the specific timing or delivery method, or who have contraindications to AAV-based therapies, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to deliver a therapy using a virus-based system to tune PTEN levels in the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury. Researchers will study when and how long PTEN should be reduced to promote regrowth without causing harm, and how this interacts with other approaches that digest scar-related molecules. The work will focus on translating these concepts to improve functional recovery in adults with SCI. The study plans careful monitoring of potential side effects and long-term outcomes in a controlled setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve natural nerve regrowth and potentially restore some motor function after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that controlled PTEN modulation can promote axon growth, with ongoing studies evaluating long-term outcomes and safety.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metcalfe, Mariajose — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Metcalfe, Mariajose
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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.