How glial cells affect nerve regeneration in the brain and spinal cord
Official title: Glial metabolic status regulates axon regeneration in the central nervous system
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11071986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called glial cells affect the healing of damaged nerves in people with spinal cord injuries, with the hope of finding new ways to help them recover better.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $512,301 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126541-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are dealing with paralysis or significant motor dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord injuries or those who have not experienced any form of axonal damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glial cells in the central nervous system and how their metabolic status influences the ability of damaged axons to regenerate. By examining the interactions between neurons and glial cells, the study aims to identify new therapeutic pathways that could enhance nerve regeneration following spinal cord injuries. The approach involves analyzing the biochemical environment created by glial cells and its impact on neuronal growth. Patients with spinal cord injuries may benefit from insights gained through this research, potentially leading to new treatments that improve recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in treatments that promote nerve regeneration and recovery for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of glial cells in nerve regeneration, but this specific approach is exploring novel pathways that have not been extensively tested.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
-
A decentralized, post-incarceration program to help people living with or at risk for HIV
A patient-facing program called DEST2nation aims to help people recently released from jail or prison stay on HIV treatment (ART) and prevention (PrEP) by coordinating care, housing, and support services through peers and community organizations.
-
Healer-initiated HIV testing to bridge gaps in South Africa
This project tests whether traditional healers can offer HIV counseling and testing to people who don’t usually get tested, to link more individuals to care.
-
How childhood nutrition affects health, thinking, and life outcomes by middle age
This project compares people who got extra nutrition as children with those who did not to understand differences in health, thinking, and life outcomes in middle age.
-
HER2 in breast cancer among diverse communities
This project looks at genetic and molecular factors linked to HER2-positive breast cancer in women from Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous American, African, and other diverse backgrounds.
-
Diet, mating, and aging: how reproduction and eating shape aging in humans and flies
Aging and healthspan may be influenced by how diet and reproductive timing interact, and this project will explore that connection in humans and fruit flies.
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.