TrkB’s role in SCI-related bladder cell death and overactivity
Official title: Role of TrkB in SCI-induced apoptosis and detrusor overactivity
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11446086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a brain-derived nerve receptor (TrkB) on specific bladder cells may die after spinal cord injury, contributing to urge to urinate problems, to find ways to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $734,999 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144109-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with spinal cord injury experiencing detrusor overactivity or bladder dysfunction may be able to participate in related patient-facing trials in the future.
✕Less likely to help
The study itself does not enroll patients, and findings may not directly benefit all individuals with bladder issues not related to SCI.
What this research studies
This project looks at why detrusor PDGFRα+ cells die after spinal cord injury and how that affects bladder overactivity. The team will identify whether Trk receptors, especially TrkB, are involved in the apoptosis of these bladder cells. They will use multiple techniques to confirm which cells are dying and how TrkB expression impacts cell survival in the detrusor muscle. The findings could point to new targets to reduce involuntary bladder contractions and improve bladder function after SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to treatments that protect bladder cells after spinal injury and lessen detrusor overactivity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked PDGFRα+ cell loss and altered SK channel activity to detrusor overactivity, supporting a plausible path to benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Sang Don — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Koh, Sang Don
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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.