Improving breathing after spinal cord injuries
Official title: Combinatorial approach to restore breathing after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11058407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe better by using special cells in the nervous system and combining that with breathing exercises, so if you have a cervical spinal cord injury, you might be able to join in and see if these methods can improve your breathing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | March 19, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS137256-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults over 21 years old who have experienced cervical spinal cord injuries resulting in respiratory deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those without respiratory deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to restore breathing in individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those affecting the cervical region. It aims to enhance the natural ability of the nervous system to repair itself by reprogramming specific cells called astrocytes, which support nerve function. The study will also explore how combining this cellular intervention with respiratory training can further improve breathing outcomes. Patients may participate in interventions designed to promote nerve growth and rehabilitation techniques to assess their effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve breathing for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited approaches to enhancing respiratory function after spinal cord injuries, this combinatorial strategy of astrocyte reprogramming and rehabilitation is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Meifan — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Chen, Meifan
Related research
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Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.