Investigating nerve changes after brain and spinal cord injuries
Official title: Maladaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Synapse Following Central Nervous System Injury
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11055299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how injuries like strokes and spinal cord injuries affect the way nerves connect to muscles, and it’s exploring whether a special protein called BDNF can help improve these connections to support recovery for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,946 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS126298-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke or spinal cord injury and are facing challenges with muscle control and movement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with injuries or conditions unrelated to the central nervous system, such as peripheral nerve injuries without CNS involvement, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how injuries to the central nervous system, such as strokes and spinal cord injuries, affect the connections between nerves and muscles. It aims to explore the changes in the peripheral nervous system that occur after these injuries, particularly how motor units, which control muscle movement, are impacted. The study will also investigate the potential of using brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to improve the health of these nerve connections in animal models. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to enhance recovery and rehabilitation for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve muscle function and recovery for patients after strokes or spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding nerve changes after CNS injuries, but this specific approach targeting NMJ remodeling with BDNF is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balch, Maria Helen Harley — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Balch, Maria Helen Harley
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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.