# Nonpeptide Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Spinal Cord Repair

> **NIH NIH R16** · CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK · 2022 · $157,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with deficits in sensory and motor function, including complete
paralysis in severe cases. Severe SCI is currently incurable as there are no medications that can reverse the
injury-related nerve tissue damage. Indeed, unlike peripheral tissues that can heal and regain function
following lacerations and contusive injuries, the spinal cord is notoriously resistant to regrowth or replacement
of neural connections with the brain after injury. The overall goal of this research is to increase understanding
of neuroregenerative mechanisms and uncover novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of SCI.
Experiments in animal models suggest that boosting the biological activity of nerve growth factors in the spinal
cord can nudge the tissue toward a program of regeneration. We have developed a strategy that could deliver
such boost using synthetic small molecule compounds. Following rational selection and screening of several
small-molecule compounds, we found several members to potently promote the regrowth of damaged nerve
cells in a tissue culture model. Some of these compounds are being used as approved drugs for other
disorders, and all six compounds are capable of crossing into the CNS from the bloodstream. The shared
biochemical properties of the compounds allowed to develop a unifying hypothesis that links the actions of
these nonpeptide neurotrophic compounds to the pathways of growth factor signaling and regenerative effects.
We believe that the logical next step is to clarify the mechanism by which these compounds work. Completion
of the experiments proposed in this project will generate results that should advance such understanding.
Thereafter, we will use the knowledge gained to begin to work toward repurposing existing medications or
designing new compounds that would promote nerve cell regrowth and repair damaged nerve connections to
treat SCI patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10412502
- **Project number:** 1R16NS129675-01
- **Recipient organization:** CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
- **Principal Investigator:** ASHIWEL S UNDIEH
- **Activity code:** R16 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $157,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10412502

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10412502, Nonpeptide Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Spinal Cord Repair (1R16NS129675-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10412502. Licensed CC0.

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