Roles of intermediate filaments in nerve repair and sensory recovery
Official title: Roles Of Intermediate Filaments in Sensory and Motor Regeneration
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11527006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how specific neuron proteins help or hinder nerve fibers regrow after injury, with the aim of improving recovery of sensation and movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS149657-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11527006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with peripheral nerve injuries or conditions affecting motor and sensory nerves may be in the broader future reach of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without nerve injury or those not involved in regenerative pathways may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If you’ve ever experienced nerve injuries, this project looks at why some nerve fiber types heal better than others and how specific intermediate filaments like VIM and PRPH influence regeneration. Researchers will analyze data from injured nerves and test how these proteins affect healing in nerve cells. The study focuses on identifying cell-type–specific signals that promote or limit regrowth after sciatic nerve injury. Results could point to new targets to support better nerve repair in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to strategies that enhance nerve regeneration and reduce lasting sensory or motor deficits after injury.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that intermediate filaments influence nerve biology, with some evidence of roles in signaling and regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winckler, Bettina R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Winckler, Bettina R
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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.