Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes the activation of a key nerve support cell called microglia. We recently discovered that microglia are important for spontaneous recovery of function after SCI, as they protect healthy spinal cord tissue from neighbouring injured and inflamed spinal tissue. In order to harness microglia biology and develop therapeutics for SCI, we need to understand the mechanisms for how microglia drive repair. Our data point toward one key microglial gene as being critical for microglia to exert their reparative and regenerative effects. This project will test the hypothesis that this gene promotes recovery of movement and repairs spinal tissue by coordinating inflammatory events in injured tissue. If successful, we will be able to develop therapeutics that specifically target this gene pathway to promote repair and recovery after SCI. This could improve the quality of life for people living with neurotrauma, and potentially other complex neurological conditions of the brain and spinal cord.
