Genetic signals that let spinal cords regrow
Molecular genetic mechanisms of spontaneous spinal cord regeneration
Researchers are learning which genes allow zebrafish to regrow spinal cords so the knowledge might one day help people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309620 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses small zebrafish that can naturally regrow spinal cords to learn how nerve fibers (axons) rebuild after injury. Scientists use a precise laser to cut single axons and then watch them regrow in living animals to measure growth rates and behavior at single-axon resolution. The team has identified a gene called celsr3 as important and observed that some axons speed up their growth after crossing the injury site. The work aims to find molecular switches that could later be targeted to promote repair in humans with spinal cord injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although no patients are enrolled in this laboratory work, people with spinal cord injuries would be the eventual candidates for therapies derived from these findings.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical work in zebrafish, individuals will not receive any direct treatment or medical benefit from this grant at present.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the molecular mechanisms found in zebrafish can be translated to humans, they could point to new targets for therapies that improve spinal cord repair and recovery after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Zebrafish and other regenerative species have shown robust spinal cord regrowth in past studies, but translating those successes into mammalian or human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granato, Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Granato, Michael
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 below.