Helping spinal cord nerves regrow by changing support-cell metabolism
Official title: Glial metabolic status regulates axon regeneration in the central nervous system
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11308325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether changing how brain and spinal support cells use energy can help nerve fibers grow back after spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $559,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126541-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury, especially those willing to donate tissue or participate in future clinical trials, would be the most relevant candidates for related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without central nervous system injuries, or those with conditions limited to peripheral nerves, are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
If you have a spinal cord injury, this work focuses on the supporting glial cells around damaged nerves and how their metabolic state affects nerve regrowth. Researchers will use laboratory and animal experiments to change glial cell metabolism and track whether injured axons can regenerate. The goal is to find biological targets that could be turned into treatments to restore movement or sensation. Findings would guide future human studies or therapies rather than offer an immediate treatment today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new therapies that help nerve fibers regrow and improve movement and sensation after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Some animal studies targeting glial cells or metabolic pathways have shown promise for axon regrowth, but this specific metabolic approach is relatively new and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Yuanquan — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Song, Yuanquan
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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.