Understanding how spinal cord injuries affect brain communication

Brain-wide transcriptional profiling after spinal cord injury

['FUNDING_R21'] · MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10827193

This study is looking at how spinal cord injuries affect the way the brain and spinal cord communicate, which can cause problems with movement and feeling, and it's using mice to learn more about how certain brain cells respond to injury and how a specific protein might help them heal.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMARQUETTE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10827193 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to various functional challenges such as loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic functions. Using a mouse model, the researchers will analyze gene expression patterns in different types of neurons after spinal cord injury to understand how these cells respond to damage. They will also explore the effects of a specific transcription factor, Sox11, on neuron repair and survival. This comprehensive profiling aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms involved in spinal cord injury recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are facing challenges related to movement, sensation, or autonomic functions.

Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who are not experiencing significant functional deficits may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve recovery and function for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding cellular responses to spinal cord injuries, but this specific approach using advanced sequencing technologies is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

MILWAUKEE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.