# SDR: Genomic analysis of blast tube induced TBI in mice

> **NIH VA I01** · VA NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · 2021 · —

## Abstract

Approximately 25% of the two million service personnel deployed since 2000 have reported
receiving a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The vast majority of these are mild, and, in the military,
due to exposure to blast waves from a variety of sources. Unfortunately, an effective treatment
is still needed, meanwhile Veterans cope with long-term effects of impaired brain processing
and neurodegeneration. A better understanding is needed to address the problems caused by
TBI. Genetic predispositions to neuronal damage susceptibility versus predispositions to
neuroprotective resilience and repair represent a understudied gap in our understanding of
how to best treat the brain following a TBI. Moreover, as therapeutic approaches become more
personalized, a robust understanding of the contributions of genetic background to TBI
resilience and recovery is essential in order to develop solutions for our affected Veterans We
will identify genes that affect the degree of blast-induced functional impairment and post-injury
recovery by studying a set of model mouse strains that encompass most all of the genetic
variations between laboratory strains. The injury model will utilize a well-established blast tube
system designed to mimic pressure waves experienced during a field explosive detonation. A
battery of behavioral tests will be performed at baseline prior to the injury and as long as 30
days after blast exposure to assess the role of genetics in recovery of functional outcomes,
including different aspects of memory performance, anxiety, motor coordination, startle
reactivity, and nesting. We will also compare TBI-induced region specific changes in markers
of neurodegeneration and alterations in gene expression. We will also include examinations of
other organs for blast-induced damage to see if the genetic factors influence the affects upon
non-neuronal tissue. This research represents a multi-level examination of how certain genes
influence blast-induced TBI and recovery. It will provide essential starting points for future
investigations to understand how these genes play roles in the post-injury outcomes, to
develop optimal models for blast studies, and to lead towards the definition of therapeutic
targets that could be modulated to eventually improve the health of Veterans with histories of
blast exposures.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10092813
- **Project number:** 5I01BX005015-02
- **Recipient organization:** VA NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Bruce A. Citron
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-01-01 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10092813

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10092813, SDR: Genomic analysis of blast tube induced TBI in mice (5I01BX005015-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10092813. Licensed CC0.

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