Encouraging New Nerve Cell Growth in Adults
PAX6-induced adult neurogenesis
This project explores how a special protein called PAX6 might help grow new nerve cells from other cells in the spinal cord, hoping to help people with nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have master regulators that control cell development, including in the nervous system. This project focuses on a protein called PAX6, which is known to guide the formation of nerve cells. We've found that PAX6 can encourage the growth of new nerve cells from existing support cells in the adult spinal cord. We believe this process could be a new way to help the nervous system heal after injuries. We are working to understand exactly how PAX6 creates these new nerve cells and if they can improve function after trauma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with traumatic neural injuries in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without neural injuries or those seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for repairing nerve damage and improving recovery after spinal cord injuries or other neurological trauma.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of inducing neurogenesis is an active area of research, PAX6's specific role in converting glial cells into new neurons in the adult spinal cord represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Chun-Li — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Chun-Li
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.