Improving breathing after neck-level spinal cord injury
Enhancing Respiratory Motor Function after Spinal Cord Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11323046
This project looks at whether boosting a natural growth signal called BDNF can help the nerve cells that control the diaphragm recover breathing after a cervical (neck) spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team studies how BDNF/TrkB signaling affects phrenic motor neurons that drive the diaphragm using well-established lab models of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. They will examine both nerve cell survival and changes at the connections between nerves and the diaphragm muscle, and measure diaphragm motor unit function. Work is done in controlled laboratory experiments using C2 hemisection and C4 contusion injury models to mimic incomplete neck injuries. Results are intended to point toward therapies that could one day improve breathing for people with partial spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with incomplete cervical (neck) spinal cord injuries who have partial diaphragm weakness or breathing difficulties would be the likely candidates for related future therapies.
Not a fit: Those with complete high cervical injuries that fully disconnect the breathing nerve pathways, or people whose breathing problems are due to non-spinal-cord lung disease, are unlikely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide new treatments to strengthen diaphragm function and reduce breathing problems after cervical spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown BDNF/TrkB can support motor neuron survival and plasticity in animal models, but translating these findings into proven breathing improvements in people remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIECK, GARY C. — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: SIECK, GARY C.
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.