Understanding how nerve cells can regenerate after injury during development

Molecular regulation over the decline in long-distance corticospinal axon regenerative ability during development

NIH-funded research Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-11005036

This study is looking at how nerve cells in the spinal cord can heal and grow back after being injured, especially how this ability changes as we grow up, with the hope of finding better ways to help people recover from paralysis caused by strokes or other conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWinifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (White Plains, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005036 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the ability of corticospinal neurons to regenerate their axons after injury, focusing on how this ability changes from childhood to adulthood. By using a novel microsurgical technique, the researchers aim to assess the conditions that support long-distance axon regeneration without disrupting the spinal environment. The study seeks to identify the critical developmental stages when the regenerative capacity declines, which could lead to new strategies for enhancing recovery from paralysis caused by conditions like stroke or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who have experienced paralysis due to conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 21 years old or those with irreversible nerve damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from paralysis by enhancing nerve regeneration.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown some success in understanding nerve regeneration, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

White Plains, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.