Understanding how stem cells respond after spinal cord injury
Investigating the role of CD44 and immune-neuro signaling mechanisms in neural stem cell responses after spinal cord injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11134567
This project explores how transplanted human neural stem cells interact with the body's immune system to improve recovery after a spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134567 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Spinal cord injuries can cause lasting problems because the damaged tissue doesn't heal well. We are looking at how human neural stem cells, which have shown promise in treatments, behave once they are placed into the injured spinal cord. Specifically, we want to understand how the immune system's signals, like a protein called C1q, guide these stem cells to the injury site and influence what kind of cells they become. By understanding these interactions, we hope to make stem cell therapies more effective for people with spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who might be candidates for future stem cell therapies could potentially benefit from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to spinal cord injury or stem cell therapies would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved stem cell transplantation strategies that better repair spinal cord damage and restore movement for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings from this team have shown that blocking a specific immune protein can improve spinal cord repair and recovery in models, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANDERSON, AILEEN J — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: ANDERSON, AILEEN J
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.