A research team led by Dr. Ranjan Gupta, professor and chair of orthopedic surgery, has received a five-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to examine whether cells that form a protective sheath around nerves, called Schwann cells, can activate changes in connective tissue that limit the effects of chronic nerve compression injuries. Such injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and spinal nerve root stenosis. The researchers – who include Christine Gall, Dr. Tahseen Mozaffar and Oswald Steward from the School of Medicine – hope study results will lead to therapies for the millions who suffer from chronic nerve injuries.