How NOX4 affects muscle healing after spinal cord injury
Official title: Influence of NOX4 activity on muscle fibrosis after spinal cord injury
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11013851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called NOX4 affects muscle healing after a spinal cord injury, and it aims to find out if blocking this enzyme can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve movement for people recovering from such injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004903-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are facing challenges related to muscle fibrosis and rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries who do not exhibit muscle fibrosis or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of NOX4, an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species, in the development of muscle fibrosis following spinal cord injury (SCI). By using a rat model that mimics the muscle impairment seen in humans with severe SCI, the study aims to explore how inhibiting NOX4 can potentially reduce muscle fibrosis and improve muscle function. The approach includes both genetic and pharmacologic methods to inhibit NOX4, which may lead to better rehabilitation outcomes for patients with SCI. The findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for muscle recovery after injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve muscle recovery and function in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with NOX4 inhibition in other muscle-related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Otzel, Dana M — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Otzel, Dana M
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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.