Understanding Brain-Spinal Cord Connections for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
The Primate Corticospinal Connectome and Transcriptome
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11125852
This research explores how brain cells connect to the spinal cord to help people regain movement after a spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on a special pathway from the brain to the spinal cord for voluntary movement, and this pathway is often damaged in spinal cord injuries. We've seen in animal models that nerve fibers can regrow into special stem cell grafts placed at the injury site. These regrown fibers then form new connections, creating a bridge across the injury and helping to restore movement. This work aims to understand how these nerve cells change after injury in primates, which is a key step toward developing new treatments for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients living with spinal cord injuries who hope to improve their motor control.
Not a fit: Patients without spinal cord injuries or those not seeking to restore motor function would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help people with spinal cord injuries regain lost movement and function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown promising nerve regeneration and functional improvement in mice, rats, and monkeys using similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TUSZYNSKI, MARK H. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: TUSZYNSKI, MARK H.
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 below.