Understanding how nerve cells can repair themselves after spinal cord injuries
Official title: Patch-based deep scRNA-Seq to understand axon repair in the mammalian spinal cord
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11261435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve cells in the spinal cord can heal after an injury, using cutting-edge technology to find out what helps them grow back, which could lead to new treatments for people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $17,950 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS139527-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced spinal cord injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind axon regeneration in the spinal cord following traumatic injuries. By utilizing advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technology, the team aims to identify molecular factors that influence the ability of nerve cells to regenerate. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how different types of neurons respond to injury, potentially leading to new therapies that enhance recovery. The study focuses on understanding the biological processes that govern nerve repair, which could pave the way for innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve nerve regeneration and recovery for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar single-cell sequencing approaches has shown promise in understanding nerve regeneration, indicating that this method could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Binhai — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Binhai
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.