MIAMI PROJECT RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS

The broad scope of research carried out at The Miami Project has focused on answering questions that help define human spinal cord injury and reveal strategies for the repair of damaged spinal tissue.  The team has also made advances in knowledge that have improved the current care of people with SCI.  Over the last two decades, The Miami Project has made claim to several scientific achievements.

Pioneered the concept of a multidisciplinary approach to SCI research; assembled the most comprehensive team of researchers to address the multifaceted problems of spinal cord injury.

First to build a state-of-the art SCI research facility that under one roof houses the tools and technology that in the hands of researchers will provide advances to find a cure.

Established the largest collection of postmortem human spinal cord tissue in the Western Hemisphere. Pioneering anatomical observations and physiological recordings have revolutionized the understanding of human injury. 

Designed novel experimental strategies including mild lowering of body temperature (hypothermia) to limit secondary damage following SCI. Promising effects with Interleukin-10, and the inactivation of NFkappaB are also under investigation.

First to demonstrate that adult human central nervous system neurons can regenerate when provided with a supportive cellular environment.

Discovered that the adult nervous system has a remarkable capacity to accept and integrate transplants of neuronal cell lines. Demonstrated that embryonic neurons can reconnect to muscle and restore its function in animals.

Initiated studies to explore whether neural precursor cells or stem cells can be developed and stimulated to mature into different types of nervous system cells.

First to establish optimal laboratory methods to isolate and expand human Schwann cells in culture from adult peripheral nerves – which represent critical steps for the use of autologous Schwann cells grafts for neural repair. 

First to demonstrate remarkable improvement in walking function in animals using an innovative treatment that combined Schwann cell grafts with the administration of a cell messenger molecule (cyclic AMP) and the drug, rolipram.

First to conceive and develop a novel intraoperative monitoring technique that makes spine surgery safer. The technique is now used nation-wide and reduces the risk of paralysis during pedicle screw placement surgery.   

First to provide evidence that humans possess specialized nerve circuitry that influences walking and could possibly be enhanced by rehabilitation training. These observations contributed to the development of body weight support gait training. Miami Project investigators are currently adding to the body of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of this rehabilitative training.

First to show that grip strength and sensory/motor function can be improved in people with chronic SCI by using a task practice based therapy that influences the neural circuitry for controlling arms and hands.

Completed extensive testing of a computer-driven Parastep® 1 assisted-walking system. Showed its ability to enhance cardiovascular and conditioning effects and provided supporting evidence for approval by Medicare to reimburse for the device.

Provided evidence that electrically-stimulated exercise positively influences cardiopulmonary function and strengthens the immune system in paralyzed people.

First to offer proof that poor sperm motility in men with SCI is a result of organ dysfunction. New knowledge and assistive reproductive procedures have afforded the opportunity for men with SCI to father biological children. Recent Miami Project findings reveal the possibility of a rational treatment for the infertility.

Created bioengineered cell line transplants that show promise in the treatment of chronic SCI pain.

Developed new strategies for the multidisciplinary evaluation of SCI pain. The comprehensive state-of-the-art approach targets pathological, physiological, psychological and social aspects of pain in order to tailor individual treatment strategies. This combination of methods will be useful in evaluating the outcomes of spinal cord injury clinical trials.