Investigating calcium entry's role in nerve damage after spinal cord injury
Official title: The role of SOCE in microglia and secondary degeneration after SCI
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11001949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called store-operated calcium entry affects nerve and immune cells after spinal cord injuries, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve recovery for people who have experienced these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $414,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129987-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are facing challenges related to nerve damage and recovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries that are too severe or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) affects nerve cells and immune cells called microglia after spinal cord injuries. By using specific genetic modifications, the study aims to determine how SOCE contributes to secondary degeneration of nerve tissue, which can worsen recovery. The researchers will explore the mechanisms behind calcium overload and its impact on inflammation and nerve function, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for improving recovery after spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve recovery and neurological outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of calcium in nerve injury is established, the specific focus on SOCE in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stirling, David Paul — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Stirling, David Paul
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.