Visualizing nerve damage and recovery after injury

In vivo Visualization of Delayed Wallerian Degeneration in Peripheral Nerve Injury

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11063211

This study is looking at how injuries to your nerves affect your body and is trying to find new ways to see how they heal, especially by focusing on a protein that helps us understand nerve damage, with the hope of discovering better treatments to help you recover faster.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063211 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how peripheral nerve injuries affect the body and explores new ways to visualize the healing process. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand the molecular changes that occur after nerve damage, particularly focusing on a protein called SARM1 that plays a crucial role in nerve degeneration. The goal is to identify potential treatments that could enhance nerve recovery and improve outcomes for patients with severe injuries. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research that could lead to better surgical interventions and therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe peripheral nerve injuries requiring surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with mild nerve injuries or those who do not require surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery strategies for patients with severe peripheral nerve injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding nerve degeneration and recovery, but this specific approach using advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.