Understanding how age and immune cells affect spinal cord injury healing
The role of macrophage metabolism and age in recovery from spinal cord injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11111394
This project explores how aging and immune cell energy use affect healing after a spinal cord injury, especially since older individuals often face more challenges.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111394 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that inflammation and the body's immune cells, called macrophages, play a big part in how well someone recovers from a spinal cord injury, especially as they get older. This work aims to understand why these immune cells might stay in a harmful, pro-inflammatory state in older individuals after injury. We believe that changes in how these cells produce energy might be a key factor. By understanding these energy pathways, we hope to find new ways to encourage these immune cells to switch to a healing state and improve recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms, so it doesn't directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury, particularly older adults.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing spinal cord injury or those whose injury recovery is not significantly impacted by age-related inflammatory responses may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target immune cell energy to improve recovery for older adults with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observations from multiple laboratories have shown that inflammation and macrophage activation contribute to age-related spinal cord injury deficits, and that existing therapies can be age-dependent, suggesting a foundation for this new approach.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GENSEL, JOHN C — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: GENSEL, JOHN C
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.