Understanding how glial cells help repair damaged nerves
Official title: Mechanisms of glial detection of axonal injury and facilitation of axonal regeneration
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10861416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain support cells in the nervous system help repair damaged nerves after an injury, using tiny fly neurons to learn more about how these cells clear away debris and promote healing, which could eventually lead to better treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32NS136191-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with injuries unrelated to spinal cord axon damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glial cells in the regeneration of axons after injury, focusing on how these cells clear debris and support nerve repair. By using larval fly sensory neurons as a model, the study examines the mechanisms of glial recovery and their ability to facilitate axon regeneration through the release of specialized vesicles. The research aims to uncover the cellular processes involved in glial response to axonal injury, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from paralysis due to spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding glial cell functions in nerve repair, but this specific approach using larval fly models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rashid, Alina — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Rashid, Alina
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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.