Year 2

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, yet it has limited treatment options. Stem cell therapy offers a novel therapeutic strategy for stroke, and several clinical trials are underway. We are investigating the mechanisms by which stem cells enhance recovery in preclinical animal models of stroke. In the second year of this award we have found that within a week of transplanting our stem cells into the stroke-injured brain they modify brain activity in specific cortical layers. Effects on inflammation are also evident. We are making progress investigating how these stem cell-induced changes relate to cell-induced functional recovery.