Transplanting Lab-Grown Human Neurons to Help cervical spinal cord injuries
Official title: Transplantation of Human iPSC Neurons for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11297537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether transplanting lab-made human neurons into the neck portion of the spinal cord can improve arm and hand function after injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 6, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $586,866 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS141234-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11297537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who could benefit from future cellular therapies, pending safety and efficacy in further studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cervical SCI or those whose condition is not compatible with cellular transplantation approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a stem cell–derived deep cortical neuron population to be transplanted into a rat model of cervical spinal cord injury. The team will look at how well these cells survive, connect with existing neurons, and influence movement-related outcomes after a defined developmental stage (Day 35) in animals. They will also perform behavioral testing to gauge functional recovery related to arm and hand use. If successful, this work could guide future cellular therapies to restore upper-limb function for people with cervical SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients with cervical spinal cord injuries may gain improved arm and hand function and greater independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in related cell-transplant strategies have shown partial integration and functional signals in animal models, but human translation remains investigational.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plant, Giles — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Plant, Giles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
-
Spinal Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Breathing After Cervical Cord Injury
A non-invasive therapy using gentle electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe better.
-
Combining breathing therapies to help restore breathing after neck-level spinal cord injury
This project will see whether brief bursts of low oxygen combined with breathing exercises or exercise can help people with chronic neck spinal cord injuries breathe better.
-
Neural repair for chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury with NgR blockade plus rehab
Aiming to help adults with long-standing incomplete cervical spinal cord injury improve movement and function by blocking a specific nerve signal pathway and adding targeted rehabilitation.
-
Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
-
Improving breathing recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
This study is looking at new ways to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe better by combining special breathing exercises with short periods of low oxygen, aiming to boost their recovery and strengthen their breathing muscles.
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.