Understanding brain connections after spinal cord injury
Official title: Global analysis of the supraspinal connectome after spinal cord injury
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11061114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells connect to the spinal cord after an injury, using special imaging to see how these cells work together during recovery, with the hope of finding better ways to help people heal from spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134230-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries who are not currently in rehabilitation or have chronic, unresponsive conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex network of neurons in the brain that connect to the spinal cord, particularly after a spinal cord injury. By using advanced 3D imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize and quantify the activity of different types of neurons that remain after injury. The researchers will analyze how these neurons function and interact, especially during recovery and rehabilitation. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies and therapies for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding brain-spinal connections, but this comprehensive whole-connectome approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blackmore, Murray G — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Blackmore, Murray G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
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-
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A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
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A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
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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.
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.