How early development shapes adult body features and tissue maintenance
Developmental origins and homeostatic mechanisms underlying adult phenotypes
Researchers are using zebrafish to learn how genes and cells create adult body patterns and how that knowledge could help people with birth defects, aging problems, or cancers such as melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327322 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has a birth defect, a pigment disorder, or melanoma, this work uses zebrafish because their transparent skin makes cell behaviors easy to watch. Scientists change genes and watch pigment cells form and arrange themselves to see how early development leads to adult body features. They compare related fish species and use imaging and genetic tools to link specific gene activities to the shapes and maintenance of tissues. The findings aim to connect these basic mechanisms to human conditions like neural-crest related craniofacial defects, age-related tissue decline, and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited pigment disorders, neural crest–related birth defects (for example craniofacial anomalies), melanoma, or those interested in research on aging and tissue regeneration would find this research most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neural crest biology or pigmentation, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genes and cell behaviors that underlie birth defects, pigmentation disorders, and some cancers, guiding future diagnostics or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Zebrafish genetics and live-imaging have a strong track record of revealing developmental mechanisms relevant to human birth defects and cancer, so this builds on well-established methods.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parichy, David M — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Parichy, David M
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.