How estrogen affects spinal cord cells to help with breathing recovery
Official title: Estrogen modulation of spinal cord microglia for respiratory neuroplasticity
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10995580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low estrogen levels affect certain brain cells that help with inflammation and healing, especially after injuries like strokes or spinal cord damage, to find new ways to help people recover better from respiratory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | September 12, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,686 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL175931-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries or strokes, particularly those experiencing respiratory difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable respiratory function and no history of neurological injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how estrogen levels influence the behavior of spinal cord cells called microglia, which play a role in inflammation and neuroplasticity. The study focuses on understanding how low estrogen and inflammation can hinder the brain's ability to adapt and recover from injuries like spinal cord damage or stroke. By examining the changes in inflammatory markers in the spinal cord of female rats, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that could enhance respiratory recovery through targeted interventions. This could lead to new approaches for improving recovery in patients with respiratory issues following neurological injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance recovery from respiratory problems caused by neurological injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of hormones in neuroplasticity can lead to significant advancements in recovery strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunlap-Smith, Azaline I — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Dunlap-Smith, Azaline I
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.