Targeting C3 Activation to Protect Kids’ Brain Development After Early Mild TBIs
Official title: Targeting C3 Activation in Aberrant Synaptic Pruning and Maladaptive Plasticity Following Pediatric TBI
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11449593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how a specific immune signal (C3) affects brain wiring after early mild brain injuries in children and whether blocking it helps prevent long-term problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,341 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS147071-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be children who have suffered early-life mild traumatic brain injury and are at risk for developmental or behavioral challenges; future trials would determine eligibility.
✕Less likely to help
Children without ongoing or potential risk for prolonged developmental concerns may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
In young children, even mild brain injuries during a key development window can disrupt how brain circuits form. This project uses a mouse model to study how C3, part of the immune system, participates in abnormal synaptic pruning after injury and whether blocking C3 activity can protect connections in the frontal brain. By testing a drug that inhibits C3 activation, the researchers will look at changes in synapses and in behavior that reflect cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The goal is to connect molecular events to lasting brain function so future therapies can reduce long-term difficulties after pediatric brain injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to therapies that lessen cognitive and behavioral problems after pediatric brain injuries by normalizing immune-driven synaptic changes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animal models show that blocking C3 can protect synapses and improve outcomes after brain injury, supporting potential benefit in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albayram, Onder — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Albayram, Onder
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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.