Stimulation-based strategies to build new spinal-cord connections and improve recovery after cervical injury
Official title: Stimulation-based strategies for forming new lesion-bridging circuitry and optimizing functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11378975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing optogenetic spinal stimulation, alone and with a peptide, to help people (represented by this plan with rat data) recover movement after cervical spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $426,757 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134713-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with cervical spinal cord injury in the future where similar therapies could be considered in translation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with injuries outside the cervical region or conditions not related to SCI may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on prior rat studies showing that optogenetic stimulation of the spinal cord can boost growth of nerves, blood vessels, and motor recovery after cervical injury. In rats with more severe injuries, the team will test whether more frequent stimulation (1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x per week) leads to better forelimb function. They will also test combining optogenetic stimulation with Intracellular Sigma Peptide to overcome barriers to nerve growth. The work aims to identify treatment strategies that can promote new circuit formation and functional recovery after severe spinal cord injury. The study is conducted in a preclinical model but is designed to inform future translational efforts for human cervical SCI patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could guide therapies to enhance motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous rat studies showed meaningful improvements with optogenetic stimulation, suggesting potential for translation with further optimization.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mondello, Sarah E. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mondello, Sarah E.
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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.