Targeting TFEB to help repair long nerve gaps using patient’s own cells
Official title: Targeting TFEB to promote bridge Schwann cell function in peripheral nerve gap repair
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11454461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant aims to boost the body’s own repair cells to improve repair of long nerve gaps in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS147269-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with traumatic peripheral nerve injuries involving nerve gaps who may be candidates for autograft or acellular conduit approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-nerve injuries or minor nerve damage not involving gaps may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on peripheral nerve injuries where nerve gaps are hard to heal. It looks at using the patient’s own cells and encouraging support cells called bridge Schwann cells to migrate, survive, and support regrowth. The researchers study TFEB, a protein that helps cells adapt to stress and move, to see if it can boost these repair cells in a challenging, low-nutrient environment. If successful, this could improve outcomes after nerve injuries and reduce the need for donor nerve tissue. The study will use preliminary data to test ideas in a controlled setting over about two years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better nerve regrowth and function after injuries, potentially with less need for donor nerves.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests TFEB participates in Schwann cell behavior and cellular stress responses, supporting potential benefits, though this specific approach is investigational.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Haesun a — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Kim, Haesun a
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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.