Investigating spinal cord injuries using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Multi-parametric MRI and PET imaging of rat spinal cord injury
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11067730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the body changes after a spinal cord injury, using special imaging tools to see things like inflammation and cell health, so we can better understand how to help the spinal cord heal and find new treatments for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $30,135 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS135949-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-spinal cord related injuries or conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex physiological and molecular changes that occur after spinal cord injuries (SCI) using advanced imaging techniques like multi-parametric MRI and PET. By examining various factors such as neuroinflammation and cell death, the study aims to identify how these changes affect spinal cord regeneration. The approach includes detailed imaging to assess myelin concentration, axonal integrity, and metabolic changes, which could provide insights into the healing process and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating spinal cord injuries and enhancing recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using advanced imaging techniques in spinal cord injury has shown promising results, indicating the potential for significant advancements in understanding and treating these injuries.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mu, Chaoqi Chase — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Mu, Chaoqi Chase
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
This project studies how spine injuries change brain circuits and whether targeted rehabilitation helps restore precise forelimb movement.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
-
From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
-
Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
-
Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.