MEDICINE Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are investigating whether gene therapy immediately following a spinal-cord injury could prevent paralysis. After such injuries, the Abcc8 gene ramps up the activity of a protein called SUR1. Under ordinary circumstances, SUR1 regulates the flow of insulin. SUR1 goes into overdrive at the site of an injury, killing nerve tissue and blood vessels to prevent cell death. The response can cause more harm than good in the case of extreme injury. The researchers recently discovered that the diabetes drug glyburide suppresses the Abcc8 gene if it is administered to rats and mice immediately after a spinal-cord injury. Putting the brakes on SUR1 increases the chances of recovery. Researchers are now planning clinical trials in people with spinal-cord injuries.