Epigenetic Control of Regeneration Across Species and Life Stages
Official title: Epigenetic Control of Tissue Regeneration Across Species and Life Stages
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11426188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how gene control switches help tissues regrow after injury in various animals and humans to spur regenerative medicine advances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM165955-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults affected by tissue damage or aging-related regenerative decline who may benefit from future regenerative therapies stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research typically does not provide immediate benefit to patients, and translation may occur after further development.
What this research studies
This grant explores how gene enhancers react to injury and coordinate tissue regeneration across species and life stages. By comparing humans, fish, salamanders, and other models, researchers aim to identify universal and species-specific genetic cues that enable regrowth. The work uses molecular biology, genomics, and cross-species analyses to map regulatory elements that turn on pro-regenerative genes and how these elements differ from those active during development. The findings could reveal targets for therapies that boost healing and tissue restoration in people who have limited regenerative capacity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform new regenerative therapies and improve healing for patients with tissue injuries or degenerative conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that injury-responsive enhancers can drive pro-regenerative gene expression in some models, suggesting potential but requiring cross-species validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cigliola, Valentina — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Cigliola, Valentina
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.