Improving limb regeneration using gene therapy techniques
Official title: Gene therapy methods for enhancing limb regeneration based on conserved transcriptional programs
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11074673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how gene therapy can help the body heal and grow back limbs, inspired by how some fish and amphibians regenerate their body parts, with the goal of helping people who have lost limbs or suffered serious injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $804,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115266-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced limb loss or significant limb injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to limb regeneration or those who are not candidates for gene therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gene therapy can enhance the body's ability to regenerate limbs by studying the regenerative processes in certain fish and amphibians. The team aims to identify specific genes and regulatory sequences that control tissue regeneration and apply this knowledge to develop viral gene therapy methods that can promote healing in humans. By focusing on the molecular factors involved in limb regeneration, the research seeks to improve outcomes for patients who have experienced limb loss or injury. The approach includes using engineered viral vectors to deliver pro-regenerative factors directly to injury sites in mammalian models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve limb regeneration and healing for patients with amputations or severe injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using gene therapy for tissue regeneration, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, David Andrew — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Brown, David Andrew
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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.