Magnetic resonance imaging-guided transcriptomic analysis of spinal cord neurodegeneration and demyelination in multiple sclerosis

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded The Cleveland Clinic Foundation a $999,566 project grant effective November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028, under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420). The award supports a three-year research initiative focused on magnetic resonance imaging-guided transcriptomic analysis of spinal cord neurodegeneration and demyelination in multiple sclerosis. This project represents a hypothesis-driven biomedical research effort designed to advance understanding of neurological disease mechanisms and develop innovative medical solutions relevant to military health priorities and broader public health objectives.

The research will be conducted at Cleveland Clinic's facility in Cleveland, Ohio, and is expected to deliver translational research outputs including biomarker discovery, transcriptomic analysis methodologies, and enhanced understanding of spinal cord pathology in multiple sclerosis. The project aligns with the Military Medical Research and Development program's emphasis on neuroscience and advanced biomedical research conducted through a competitive two-tier peer and programmatic review process. Cleveland Clinic's substantial federal research portfolio and established partnerships with the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health demonstrate organizational capability to successfully execute federally-funded biomedical research initiatives.