Improving breathing function after spinal cord injuries

Enhancing Respiratory Motor Function after Spinal Cord Injury

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11059868

This study is looking at how certain signals in the nervous system can help motor neurons that control breathing recover after a spinal cord injury, which could lead to better treatments for people who have trouble breathing because of such injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059868 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific signaling pathways in the nervous system can help improve the survival and function of motor neurons that control breathing after a spinal cord injury. By using established animal models of cervical spinal cord injury, the researchers will explore how these pathways can promote recovery of diaphragm muscle function. The study aims to understand the differences in how these pathways affect motor neurons of various sizes, which could lead to new treatments for patients with breathing difficulties due to spinal cord injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries and are facing challenges with respiratory function.

Not a fit: Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those without respiratory complications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve breathing function in patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing motor neuron function through similar signaling pathways, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.