Understanding how CD44 and immune signals affect neural stem cells after spinal cord injury
Official title: Investigating the role of CD44 and immune-neuro signaling mechanisms in neural stem cell responses after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11370006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how immune signals, including C1q, influence transplanted human neural stem cells after spinal cord injury to improve healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $453,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS123927-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with recent or chronic spinal cord injury who may be considered for stem cell-based therapeutic approaches in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for stem cell therapies or without spinal cord injury may not benefit from this basic mechanistic research.
What this research studies
Spinal cord injury often leaves lasting disability because damaged tissue doesn’t readily regenerate. The project looks at how immune system signals interact with transplanted human neural stem cells and how these interactions influence where the cells go and what they become in the injured spinal cord. By identifying signaling networks and mechanisms, the work aims to optimize stem cell transplantation and potentially enhance recovery. The team will combine laboratory experiments with in vivo studies to understand how C1q and related factors guide stem cell behavior after injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to improved stem cell therapies that promote tissue repair and better functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that immune signals like C1q can influence stem cell behavior, supporting the potential of this approach, though the exact mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Aileen J — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Aileen J
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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.