New approaches to help nerves regrow after spinal cord injury
Identifying novel regenerative treatments for CNS injury in adult mammals
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · NIH-11164613
Looking at whether blocking a gene called ZNF362 together with targeting cell scaffold proteins helps adult spinal cord nerves regrow and restore function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work aims to boost nerve regrowth after spinal cord injury by combining two strategies: blocking the transcription factor ZNF362 and inhibiting non-muscle myosin IIA/B, which controls the cell's structural scaffold. Researchers are testing engineered peptides and genetic approaches in adult rodent models to see if axons extend past injury sites and improve movement. The team uses conditional knockout mice and molecular tools to measure axon regrowth and functional recovery. Results would guide whether these combined tactics could move toward treatments for people with spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with spinal cord injury who are interested in regenerative treatment options would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: People without spinal cord or central nervous system injuries, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to therapies that restore nerve connections and improve movement or sensation after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches that modify cytoskeletal signaling or specific genes have aided nerve regrowth in animal studies, but none have yet become proven treatments for people.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, SHUXIN — TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- Study coordinator: LI, SHUXIN
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.
Conditions: CNS Injury