# Investigation of Terminal Schwann Cell Function in Homeostasis and Injury

> **NIH NIH K08** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $179,333

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Peripheral nerve injuries are devastating and can result in functional loss, deformity, and paralysis. Clinical
outcome is related to the period of target muscle denervation, with poor functional results after prolonged
denervation. After a period of 12-18 months after complete nerve injury, integration between nerve and muscle
is no longer possible. Strategies to protect the muscle target during the denervation period would improve
outcomes after motor nerve injury and may allow integration between nerve and muscle beyond the 18 month
window.
 Terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) are the glial cells located at the neuromuscular junction, or at the muscle
target. These cells have been relatively understudied compared to other Schwann cells. In this proposal we will
utilize genetic and morphologic techniques in multiple in vivo models to identify the contributions of tSCs to
synaptic function and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) reinnervation, and we will assess the relationship of Vegf
to the tSC response to nerve injury. In addition, we will identify unique genetic markers of tSCs, which will further
propel the tools available to study tSCs. The data generated from this proposal will fuel an innovative area of
tSC investigation that may provide novel information for translational applications to peripheral motor nerve
injuries.
 During the four-year period of support provided by the mentored career development award, Dr. Snyder-
Warwick will advance her scientific investigation skills through mentored research, formal coursework, seminars,
and group discussions. Her assembled team of expert mentors within the academically generous and
exceptional scientific environment at Washington University will enable successful completion of her project and
career goals. The training provided by the K08 award will foster her career goal of becoming a successful,
independent, academic surgeon-scientist with a focus on peripheral nerve reconstruction. The data generated
from the proposed studies will provide a sound foundation for transition to independent investigation and R-level
NIH funding.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9893933
- **Project number:** 5K08NS096232-04
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $179,333
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-04-01 → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9893933

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9893933, Investigation of Terminal Schwann Cell Function in Homeostasis and Injury (5K08NS096232-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9893933. Licensed CC0.

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