Helping nerves regrow to restore erectile function after injury
Targeting the microtubule cytoskeleton to promote cavernous nerve regeneration and erectile function after injury
This project looks at how to help nerves regrow and improve erectile function for men who have nerve damage, often after prostate surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring a new way to help nerves heal and grow back after they've been damaged, which often happens during prostate surgery. Our previous work found a protein called FL2 that can stop nerve growth, and when we reduced it in lab models, nerves grew back faster. This approach could lead to better recovery of erectile function by encouraging nerve cells and other important cells to move to the injury site and repair the damage. We are using both lab-based and animal models to understand how this process works.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit men experiencing erectile dysfunction due to cavernous nerve damage, typically following radical prostatectomy.
Not a fit: Patients whose erectile dysfunction is not caused by cavernous nerve injury would likely not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help men regain erectile function after nerve injury, such as from prostatectomy.
How similar studies have performed: Initial lab and rodent model results have shown promising nerve regeneration and improved function by targeting the FL2 protein.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Kelvin P — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Davies, Kelvin P
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.