The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research (NJCSCR) awarded more than $1.67 million to New Jersey institutions and scientists in the initial round of 2007 spinal cord research grants. These grants are issued twice annually to encourage original spinal cord studies in the Garden State and expand the state's status as an international leader in medical research.

"New Jersey is dedicated to investing in innovative and advanced spinal cord injury research not only to continue our state's leading position in the field, but also to identify treatments and cures to alleviate the devastating effects of spinal cord injury," said Governor Jon S. Corzine.  "Through continued support of stem cell and other new fields of inquiry, the Commission on Spinal Cord Research is driving efforts that will deliver the next generation of cures for the people of New Jersey and the world."

"The Commission has provided nearly $20 million to spinal cord research in just six years, and we are seeing advances in the science of spinal cord injury treatment in each grant cycle," said Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D.  "Over the next few years we expect these grantees to move their research into cutting edge trials for the more than 6000 New Jerseyans suffering from spinal cord injuries."

The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord research was created in 2000 with the mission to stimulate original spinal cord research in New Jersey and recruit new scientists to the field through the funding of research projects and fellowships at qualifying institutions throughout the state.  The NJCSCR offers a wide range of grant opportunities including: one-and two-year individual research grants; post-doctoral and graduate fellowships; one-time grants to support start-up costs for spinal cord research facilities in New Jersey; and five-year chair grants supporting New Jersey Commission Professorships for spinal cord research. 

"Each year advances in spinal cord research move closer to clinical trials.  The work of the commission is more important than ever in providing vital resources to New Jersey’s highly qualified investigators,”  remarked John Del Colle, Chairman of the commission.  “Commission grants attract both new and established scientists to the field, seeking cures and new means of treating secondary conditions."

To apply for future research grants, access grant applications, find out application deadlines, and to obtain additional information on the New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research, visit the NJCSCR website at http://www.state.nj.us/health/spinalcord/.  Written inquiries can be directed to: The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research, PO Box 360, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.  For telephone inquiries, please call 609-292-4055.

The following is a complete list of all Cycle 2007 B grant recipients:

FELLOWSHIP GRANT

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – Cynthia Camarillo

Rutgers, The State University, W.M. Keck Center

Fellowship Grant

Award:  $100,000

Proposal Title:  Pre-Differentiation of Therapeutic Stem Cells Using Micro RNAs

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH GRANT

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – John Li, Ph.D.

Rutgers, The State University, Biomedical Engineering

Individual Research Grant

Award:  $159,500

Proposal Title:  Rapid Non-Invasive Oxygen Monitoring in Cerebrospinal Injury

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – Noshir Langrana, Ph.D.

Rutgers, The State University, Biomedical Engineering

Individual Research Grant

Award:  $321,439

Proposal Title:  Bifunctional DNA Hydrogel to Promote Spinal Cord Regeneration

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – Gail Forrest, Ph.D.

Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation,

Individual Research Grant

Award:  $388,309

Proposal Title:  Stand Retraining and FES for SCI

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – Tracy D. Parker & Moriah l. Szpara

Princeton University,

Individual Research Grant

Award:  $362,313

Proposal Title:  Elucidating Alpha-Herpesvirus interactions with host neurons

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR – William Wadsworth, Ph.D.

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robt. Wood Johnson Medical School

Individual Research Grant

Award:  $331,112

Proposal Title:  Molecular Mechanisms of UNC-6/Netrin Axon Branching

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