# Dissecting spinal interneuron circuits to augment neurological recovery in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM)

> **NIH NIH R01** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 2024 · $23,111

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT:
This is an application for a Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research for the parent
grant, “Dissecting spinal interneuron circuits to augment neurological recovery in Degenerative Cervical
Myelopathy (DCM)” (R01NS134644). DCM is a debilitating neurological condition caused by progressive
compression of the spinal cord, resulting in a wide range of devastating symptoms like loss of fine motor function,
compromised gait, sensory impairment, and chronic pain. The primary goal of the parent grant is to understand
and define the neural circuitry affected by DCM to develop strategies that improve patient functional outcomes.
The aims of the parent grant examine the anatomical and functional role of Dorsal type-3 interneurons (dI3 INs)
on forelimb function and plasticity in DCM and recovery. This diversity supplement request is for Ms. Allison
Brezinski, a highly qualified and ambitious PhD candidate whose long-term goal is to become an independent
neuroscience investigator. The research aims of this supplement examining dI3 interneurons in the role of
respiratory ability in DCM expand on the research within the parent grant and will provide Ms. Brezinski an
invaluable opportunity to lead and execute an independent research project. The training and experience
provided will hone her leadership skills while also expanding her expertise in neural circuits and neurological
disorders. Under this supplement, Ms. Brezinski will have full access to the co-investigators of the multi-
institutional parent grant to develop her networking skills and expand her scientific network for future
collaborations. Altogether, the award and completion of this supplement will be a crucial step in Ms. Brezinski’s
career and support her goal of becoming an independent academic researcher.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11088648
- **Project number:** 3R01NS134644-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Kajana Satkunendrarajah
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $23,111
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2024-03-01 → 2026-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11088648

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11088648, Dissecting spinal interneuron circuits to augment neurological recovery in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) (3R01NS134644-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11088648. Licensed CC0.

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