Helping Nerves Regrow After Spinal Cord Injury
Nonpeptide Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Spinal Cord Repair
This research looks for new ways to help damaged nerves in the spinal cord heal and reconnect after an injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City College of New York NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Spinal cord injuries can cause severe problems like paralysis because the nerves don't heal well on their own. Currently, there are no medicines that can reverse this nerve damage. Our team is exploring a new approach using special small molecules that might encourage nerve growth factors to help the spinal cord regenerate. We've found some promising compounds that can help damaged nerve cells regrow in lab tests, and some are already approved for other conditions. This work aims to find new drug targets to help people recover from spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who currently have limited treatment options for nerve regeneration would be the ultimate beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without spinal cord injuries or those whose conditions are not related to nerve damage and regeneration would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications that help restore movement and sensation for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While animal models suggest boosting nerve growth factors can help, this specific strategy using synthetic small molecules to achieve that boost is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- City College of New York — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Undieh, Ashiwel S — City College of New York
- Study coordinator: Undieh, Ashiwel S
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.