How spinal cord neurons could help people regain standing after spinal cord injury
The role of propriospinal neurons in the recovery of posture after spinal cord injury
This project looks at whether specific spinal cord neurons can help people with spinal cord injuries stand and keep their balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies propriospinal (V3) neurons that connect widely to limb and trunk muscles using experiments in mice and cats. They record how these neurons fire before and after spinal cord injury and use targeted activation to see if turning them on produces standing. Researchers will map the neurons' inputs and outputs to understand how they control extensor muscles and posture. Findings are intended to point toward new approaches that could be tested in people with spinal cord injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with spinal cord injury who have lost the ability to stand or have major problems with postural control would be most relevant for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with balance problems caused by brain disorders rather than spinal cord injury, or whose injuries completely sever the spinal circuits needed for these neurons, may not benefit from approaches based on this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that restore standing and postural control for people with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that activating these propriospinal neurons can produce standing in mice, but translating this approach to humans is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heckman, Charles — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Heckman, Charles
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.