Understanding how age affects mitochondrial function in astrocytes after spinal cord injury
Official title: Understanding the age-dependent mitochondrial function in astrocytes after spinal cord injury via bi-directional manipulation of activity
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11384375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how aging changes mitochondria in brain-supporting cells after spinal cord injury and what that means for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128101-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury, particularly older adults, who could benefit from future targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage research may not yet translate to immediate treatments for all patients.
What this research studies
The project looks at how aging alters mitochondrial activity in astrocytes after spinal cord injury and how this impacts recovery. It uses age-appropriate models to test targeted ways to adjust mitochondrial function in a cell-specific manner. The goal is to identify strategies that improve healing without unintended effects from age differences. Results could guide age-tailored approaches to help people recover better after spinal cord injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform age-specific therapies to enhance recovery after spinal cord injury by optimizing mitochondrial function in astrocytes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show age-related mitochondrial changes influence injury outcomes, but results vary by cell type and age, making this approach novel and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hook, Michelle a — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hook, Michelle a
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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.