Improving healing of scarred vocal cords
Characterization and treatment of the scarred vocal fold
This work looks at whether bone marrow‑derived immune cells change healing after vocal cord injuries and could lead to better treatments for people with scarred vocal cords.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300947 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will track bone marrow‑derived monocyte‑lineage cells to see how they move into normal and injured vocal cord tissue. They will test how those cells affect inflammation and the development of scar tissue using molecular and cellular measurements. In a humanized rat model they will neutralize these cells and measure effects on voice function. The goal is to understand whether altering these cells can prevent or reduce vocal fold scarring and guide future patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent vocal fold injuries or established vocal fold scarring who have trouble speaking would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this research.
Not a fit: People whose voice problems are caused by nerve disorders, structural changes unrelated to the mucosal surface, or other non‑scarring causes are less likely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce vocal fold scarring and help preserve or restore people's voices.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work suggests migratory monocyte‑lineage cells influence wound healing, but applying cell‑targeting approaches to prevent vocal fold scarring is new and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welham, Nathan — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Welham, Nathan
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.