Investigating how nerve signaling affects bone loss after spinal cord injury
Sympathetic signaling as a candidate mechanism underlying bone loss after spinal cord injury
This study is looking at how spinal cord injuries can lead to bone loss and is testing how certain nerve signals might affect this process, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with spinal cord injuries keep their bones healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind bone loss in individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). It focuses on the role of sympathetic nerve signaling and how changes in this signaling may contribute to osteoporosis following SCI. Using a rodent model, the study will manipulate levels of norepinephrine to observe its effects on bone density. The goal is to better understand the biological processes at play and identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing bone loss in affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are at risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not suffered a spinal cord injury or those with pre-existing conditions unrelated to SCI may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce bone loss in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of investigating sympathetic signaling in relation to bone loss is relatively novel, previous studies have shown that understanding nerve signaling can lead to breakthroughs in treating osteoporosis.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bryan, Jessica — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bryan, Jessica
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.