Promoting nerve regeneration to improve erectile function after injury
Official title: Targeting the microtubule cytoskeleton to promote cavernous nerve regeneration and erectile function after injury
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10915052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2) affects the healing of nerves that are important for erections, and it's testing whether lowering FL2 can help these nerves grow back faster and improve blood flow after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136889-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced erectile dysfunction due to cavernous nerve injury, particularly following prostate surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with erectile dysfunction not related to nerve injury or those with other underlying health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting a specific protein, Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2), can enhance the regeneration of cavernous nerves, which are crucial for erectile function. By using rodent models, the study aims to understand how reducing FL2 can accelerate nerve growth and improve blood flow to the penis after surgical injuries. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and animal testing to explore the mechanisms behind nerve regeneration and the role of various supporting cells in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for erectile dysfunction resulting from nerve damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in nerve regeneration using similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Kelvin P — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Davies, Kelvin P
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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.