Examining cervical spine issues in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, and VI
Official title: Assessment of cervical spinal pathology in patients with MPS I, II and VI
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10949962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems in the neck area of the spine can affect people with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and cause issues with their nerves, using MRI scans to see how these changes happen over time and how they relate to symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS139000-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, or VI.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of mucopolysaccharidosis or unrelated spinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cervical spine abnormalities in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) can lead to spinal cord compression and neurological problems. By using MRI scans, the study aims to identify changes in the cervical spinal cord's structure and microstructure that may predict the risk of myelopathy. The researchers will compare MRI data from MPS patients with healthy individuals to understand the progression of cervical spine damage over time. The goal is to establish a clearer link between spinal cord changes and clinical symptoms in MPS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of cervical spine issues in MPS patients, potentially preventing irreversible neurological damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using MRI to assess spinal cord conditions, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights for MPS patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labounek, Rene — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Labounek, Rene
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.