Understanding how spinal cord injuries affect nerve function
Maladaptive Plasticity in Spinal Cord Injury: Cellular Mechanisms
This study is looking at how spinal cord injuries affect nerve function, trying to figure out what helps people recover well and what causes problems like pain and spasticity, so that we can find better treatments for those with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10870006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms behind spinal cord injuries (SCI) and how they lead to both beneficial and harmful changes in nerve function. The study focuses on understanding the conditions that promote positive recovery versus those that result in negative outcomes like spasticity and pain. By examining the effects of peripheral injuries and disuse on spinal cord plasticity, the research aims to identify ways to enhance recovery and limit complications. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for SCI.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury, particularly those with additional peripheral injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who do not have any peripheral injuries or complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance recovery and reduce complications for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding spinal cord plasticity, but this specific approach to studying maladaptive plasticity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Adam R — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Adam R
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 below.