Investigating how a tiny fish brain can regenerate nervous system functions
Official title: The world’s smallest vertebrate brain: A new model for nervous system function and regeneration research
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10865952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny fish to learn how some animals can heal their nervous systems after injuries, which could help us find new ways to treat brain injuries and diseases in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $135,864 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115278-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with acquired brain injuries or neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to nervous system injuries or regeneration may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind nervous system regeneration by studying Danionella cerebrum, a small and transparent fish with the smallest vertebrate brain. The project aims to create a detailed atlas of the fish's brain and body at the single-cell level, which will help identify how certain vertebrates can regenerate their nervous systems after injury. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis, the research seeks to uncover the differences in regeneration capabilities between this fish and humans. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for brain injuries and diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine for patients with brain injuries or neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms for studying regeneration, but this specific approach with Danionella cerebrum is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atabay, Kutay Deniz — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Atabay, Kutay Deniz
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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.