Promoting spinal cord repair by targeting FL2 protein
Official title: Promoting tissue repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury by targeting the microtubule regulatory protein Fidgetin-like 2.
Funded at Microcures, INC. · NIH-11330231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing program is testing a tiny therapy that targets a specific brain/spinal cord protein to help people recover movement after a spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microcures, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,898 |
| NIH project number | 5R41NS137941-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute spinal cord injury who could be eligible for future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People with injuries outside the studied window or with conditions not responsive to FL2 targeting may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a nanoparticle system to deliver a small interfering RNA against FL2, a protein that normally slows nerve growth. In rat injury models, removing FL2 locally has improved movement after spinal cord damage, and the team will test similar approach in larger animal groups. The study will apply the treatment onto the spinal dura or via intrathecal injection and measure whether hindlimb function, bladder control, and other recovery improve. If proof of feasibility is shown, the work could inform future studies aiming to translate this therapy to human patients with spinal cord injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enhance nerve regrowth and functional recovery after spinal cord injury, potentially restoring movement and autonomic function.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in rats showed improved locomotor recovery after FL2 depletion.
Where this research is happening
-
Microcures, INC.
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Lisa Ann — Microcures, INC.
- Study coordinator: Baker, Lisa Ann
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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.