Joint NC NM4R and AR3T Neuromodulation and Regenerative Rehabilitation Funding Program

NC NM4R and AR3T logos

Joint NC NM4R and AR3T Pilot Funding Program

Offered 2021

Neuromodulation and Regenerative Rehabilitation Pilot Grants

The 2021 Joint Pilot Funding Program grant was awarded to Koyal Garg, Ph.D, of Saint Louis University,

Overview

Topics: stem cells, biomaterials, bioengineering, neuromodulation, cellular therapeutics, mechanotransduction, mechanosensitive biomarkers, microtissue systems, animal models, gene therapy, neurogenesis, imaging

The rehabilitation research community will benefit from the development of novel lines of research that use combined neuromodulatory and regenerative medicine approaches to optimize functional outcomes. Of particular interest is the underlying mechanisms by which neuromodulation may affect the behavior of endogenous and/or donor stem cells.

To this end, two NIH/NCMRR-funded resource centers, the National Center of Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation (NC NM4R) and the Alliance for Regenerative Rehabilitation Research and Training (AR3T), are collaborated to offer this unique pilot funding opportunity to support researchers in the development of innovative, interdisciplinary research that combines neuromodulation and technologies that promote regeneration. The project must include both a regenerative medicine component and a neuromodulation component. One $40,000 grant was awarded.

This funding program was offered in 2021.  Please subscribe to our mailing list for information on upcoming funding opportunities and other offerings.

Award Info

Congratulations to Dr. Koyal Garg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University, for being awarded a Neuromodulation & Regenerative Rehabilitation Pilot Grant to carry out the proposal, "Combined Application of Regenerative and Rehabilitative Therapies to Enhance Muscle Mass and Function Following Volumetric Muscle Loss."

Traumatic injuries such as volumetric muscle loss (VML) can dysregulate regenerative responses, causing impaired function and permanent disability. This proposal will integrate previously optimized regenerative and rehabilitative technologies to accelerate functional recovery of muscle tissue following trauma. Readily translatable technologies being investigated in this proposal could significantly improve the quality of life in VML injured patients.