Understanding how transplanted neurons can help recover hand function after spinal cord injury
Dissecting Connectivity and Function of Transplanted Interneurons in the Injured Spinal Cord
This study is looking at how transplanting special brain cells into the injured neck area of mice can help improve hand movement, with the hope that it could lead to better treatments for people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of transplanting neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into the injured cervical spinal cord to restore hand function. By studying a mouse model of spinal cord injury, the researchers aim to understand how different types of transplanted neurons integrate into the damaged neural circuitry. The approach involves varying the characteristics of the transplanted neurons to see how they affect recovery and functional outcomes. This could lead to more effective therapies for individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who are experiencing loss of hand function.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those with complete neurological recovery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve hand function for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown modest improvements in function with similar approaches, but this research aims to deepen understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dulin, Jennifer N — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Dulin, Jennifer N
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.