Traumatic brain injury affects nerve connections in the brain.

TBI leads to degeneration of afferent neuronal projections

NIH-funded research Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11012875

This study is looking at how a moderate traumatic brain injury affects important nerve connections in the brain that help with thinking and memory, using mice to learn about both the short-term and long-term effects of the injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to degeneration of nerve connections, particularly focusing on the afferent axons from basal forebrain cholinergic neurons that are crucial for cognitive functions. By using a mouse model of moderate TBI, the study aims to understand the immediate and long-term effects of brain injury on these nerve projections. The researchers will explore the signaling mechanisms that may contribute to the degeneration of these axons and how changes in the brain's environment after injury affect neuronal survival and function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are showing cognitive deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments not related to traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to protect and restore cognitive functions in patients with traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal degeneration following brain injuries, but this specific focus on afferent axons is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Newark, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injuryAlzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.