How ion signals control fin regrowth and size in zebrafish
Ion signaling, cell transitions, and organ scaling during fin regeneration
This work looks at how electrical signals and cell behavior guide fin regrowth in zebrafish to learn how organs stop growing at the right size.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290859 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use adult zebrafish as a model to study how ion flows across cell membranes influence the cells that drive fin regeneration. They focus on a potassium channel called Kcnh2a and calcium–calcineurin signaling, and on a pool of fibroblast "niche" cells that sustain outgrowth. By studying mutant fish with overgrown fins and experimentally changing ion signaling, the team tracks how niche cells change state and when regrowth slows and stops. The goal is to reveal basic rules of organ scaling that could inform future approaches to tissue repair and bone disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a lab-based zebrafish project and does not enroll human patients.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments for bone disease or limb regrowth should not expect direct benefit because this is basic, early-stage animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological targets for improving tissue repair and treating bone growth disorders or abnormal organ growth.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked bioelectric signaling to growth control, but the specific role of Kcnh2a and niche fibroblasts in fin overgrowth represents a more recent and specific advance.
Where this research is happening
Eugene, United States
- University of Oregon — Eugene, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stankunas, Kryn — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Stankunas, Kryn
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.