BREATHE member, Dr. Sabhya Rana, was recently awarded a K99/R00 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to develop a non-invasive stimulation approach to enhance respiratory function following cervical spinal cord injuries. The K99/R00 program enables a mentored postdoctoral researcher to more rapidly transition into a stable independent research position. Through this prestigious award, Dr. Rana’s research will focus on respiratory complications from cervical spinal cord injuries, a major cause of death and disability in these patients. Her project addresses the need for better rehabilitation therapies, as current treatments often fail to restore full respiratory function. She will test a new approach combining transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) with ampakine drugs to improve breathing. This study aims to see if the combination can safely trigger neuroplasticity, helping the spinal cord form new connections. The ultimate goal is to develop effective therapies that improve the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries.Dr. Rana will be co-mentored by Dr. David Fuller and Dr. Emily Fox on the K phase of her grant. Her consulting team comprises of experts in the field of spinal neuromodulation (Dr. Erica Dale, Dr. John H. Martin, and Dr. Chet Moritz).
As Dr. Fuller remarked: “This award will accomplish two things. First, the funding will enable Dr. Rana to continue developing her highly novel and translationally important work on electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Second, the K99 award will enable Dr. Rana to transition into an independent researcher directing her own laboratory. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Rana as part of the BREATHE center, and we know she is destined for great things!”