Turning scar-forming support cells into neurons to repair spinal cord injuries
Official title: Converting the glial scar to neurons repairs the injured neural circuits for functional recovery following spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11393167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a cell-reprogramming approach to make support cells into new nerve cells to help people with spinal cord injuries regain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $329,532 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131489-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced a spinal cord injury with loss of motor or sensory function could be considered relevant candidates for future clinical steps.
✕Less likely to help
People without spinal cord injury or whose injuries are incompatible with local reprogramming (for example, damage too extensive or medically unstable) would likely not benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using a factor called SOX2 to reprogram certain support cells (NG2 glia) in the injured spinal cord into new neurons. They aim to reduce the inhibitory astrocyte scar and encourage axons and surviving neurons to reconnect and transmit signals. The work involves laboratory and preclinical experiments using injured adult spinal cords, advanced 3D imaging, and tests of movement and nerve signaling. The team will measure whether the new neurons integrate into circuits and lead to functional improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore lost nerve connections and improve movement and sensation after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Related SOX2-based reprogramming work has produced new neurons and partial functional recovery in animal models, but it has not yet been proven effective in people.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Wei — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Wu, Wei
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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.