Understanding how immune cells affect nerve recovery after injury
Official title: Microglial Activity on Injured Motoneurons
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11232651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the nervous system help nerve cells recover after injuries, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like ALS and help people heal from nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $500 |
| NIH project number | 3F31NS130993-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11232651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced peripheral nerve injuries or are affected by motoneuron diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who have not experienced nerve injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the nervous system, in the recovery of motoneurons after peripheral nerve injuries. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize how these cells interact with injured motoneurons and how these interactions influence the fate of the neurons, whether they survive or die. The research will also explore the signaling mechanisms that regulate these interactions, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Patients may benefit from insights gained into improving recovery from nerve injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance nerve recovery and improve outcomes for patients with nerve injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microglial behavior in nerve injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pottorf, Tana — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Pottorf, Tana
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.