How lizard cells help heal cartilage injuries
Official title: Investigating macrophage assisted reprogramming of lizard fibroblasts during appendage regeneration
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10998300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain cells in lizards help heal cartilage and how they work with immune cells to do this, with the hope that what we learn can lead to better treatments for people with cartilage injuries or osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,574 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM151835-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from osteoarthritis or cartilage injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-degenerative joint conditions or those who do not have cartilage injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lizard fibroblasts, which can regenerate cartilage, are assisted by macrophages during the healing process. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved in this regeneration, the research aims to identify potential targets for improving cartilage repair in humans. The approach includes analyzing gene activation in fibroblasts and understanding how these cells can differentiate into new tissue. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better treatments for cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance cartilage regeneration in patients with osteoarthritis and other cartilage injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using regenerative medicine approaches from non-mammalian species, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gamble, Darian — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gamble, Darian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
RNA dysregulation in a rare childhood brain disorder (PCH1b)
Researchers are studying a rare genetic brain disease in young children to understand how RNA processing goes wrong and leads to damage in the cerebellum and brainstem.
-
Studying how diverse signals come from similar molecules at glutamatergic synapses
A project at a university explores how synapses in the brain create different signals from a shared set of molecules, using a fruit-fly model to understand how this could relate to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
-
How brain chemicals may influence tau clumps in Alzheimer’s disease
A study from USC explores how certain brain chemicals might influence the clumping of tau protein related to Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to identify factors that could affect disease progression.
-
GLP-1 medicines and brain health: real-world clues about dementia risk
A nationwide study will follow adults 21 and older using GLP-1 medicines to see how these drugs relate to memory, thinking, and dementia risk in real life.
-
Male pesticide exposure and reproductive health through epigenetics
This project looks at how a man’s exposure to pesticides might affect his fertility and the health of his future children through changes in DNA.
-
Global effort to harmonize fMRI findings in psychiatry
A large, international effort will standardize how brain MRI data are collected and analyzed in people with various mental health conditions to improve consistency and discovery.
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.