Targeted BDNF delivery and its effects on walking and spasticity after spinal cord injury
Crucial spinal circuit changes that mediate locomotor benefits and deficits following combined therapies after spinal cord injury
Researchers are testing whether delivering a growth protein called BDNF into the injured spinal cord using a harmless virus can improve stepping but might also cause unwanted muscle tightness for people with severe spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11246253 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by spinal cord injury, the team uses a harmless virus (AAV) to carry BDNF below a spinal lesion in animal models and watches how nerve circuits and walking change. They map different areas of the spinal cord to see where added growth boosts walking versus where it causes hyperreflexia and spasticity. The researchers also combine this viral therapy with other treatments to find a balance that improves stepping without long-term negative effects. Results in animals are intended to guide safer, more effective approaches for future treatments in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe thoracic spinal cord injuries who have lost voluntary leg control and are interested in future experimental therapies would be the eventual candidates for related clinical translation.
Not a fit: People with non-spinal mobility issues, very mild spinal injuries, or those seeking immediate human treatments will not directly benefit from this preclinical animal-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that restore better stepping after spinal cord injury while reducing long-term spasticity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work with AAV-BDNF has improved weight-supported stepping in some rats and mice but has also produced hyperreflexia in others, and translating these findings to humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Kimberly J — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Kimberly J
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.