# The role of extracellular matrix in Myelomeningocele

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2021 · $346,719

## Abstract

Project Summary
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most severe form of Spina Bifida, which results in significant and life-long
neurological disabilities, impaired quality of life, and difficult medical management. Despite the huge clinical
impact, currently available prenatal therapeutic methods are limited. In MMC, the spinal cord is exposed to the
amniotic cavity through openings in the overlying vertebrae and skin resulting in progressive spinal cord
damage during gestation. To prevent secondary damage to the spinal cord, surgical in utero closure of the
MMC defect has been undertaken. However, the surgical procedures alone remain inadequate for restoration
of neurological function. Therefore interventions to either aid prenatal surgical closure or act independently to
minimize secondary pathology are required to reduce disabilities associated with MMC. Here, we propose to
investigate the role of extracellular matrix components in pathological progression and development of prenatal
treatment for MMC. In aim 1, we will evaluate the role of excessive deposition of chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycans (CSPGs), a key component of the extracellular matrix in development of spinal cord damage
and determine the efficacy of CSPG degradation in reducing the MMC-associated pathology and improvement
of neurological function in a retinoic acid-induced rat model of MMC. Since it is well established that the
opening of the overlying tissue contributes to spinal cord pathology, in aim 2, we will determine whether
digestion of CSPGs at the MMC site combined with administration of hyaluronic acid (HA) and/or
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), will synergistically enhance repair of the MMC defects. Advancements in
the treatment of MMC would ultimately reduce the burden on children and their families and improve their
health and welfare.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10250366
- **Project number:** 5R01NS109064-04
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Barbara Krynska
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $346,719
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10250366

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10250366, The role of extracellular matrix in Myelomeningocele (5R01NS109064-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10250366. Licensed CC0.

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