The genetic origins of vertebrate evolutionary novelties: how fins became limbs
Official title: The genetic origins of vertebrate evolutionary novelties: the fin-to-limb transformation
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11331506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term project from Rutgers aims to uncover the genetic roots of major vertebrate changes, like fins turning into limbs, to better understand human congenital conditions linked to development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $421,171 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM164108-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11331506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this is an evolutionary and basic science grant without a direct patient recruitment component.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit is anticipated from this basic science project.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on identifying the genetic and molecular steps that create new body parts during evolution, with a special look at how digits in limbs emerged from fins. The work uses genetic analyses and developmental biology to map how ancestral traits become novel structures with integrated muscles and nerves. By studying digit evolution in tetrapods, the researchers hope to reveal mechanisms that could illuminate human congenital developmental issues. The project spans three interconnected studies and seeks to link ancient genetic programs to modern anatomical innovations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining fundamental knowledge about how developmental genes shape body plans could inform future understanding of human congenital disorders and developmental biology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified genetic pathways involved in limb development and digit formation, supporting the feasibility of these approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakamura, Tetsuya — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Nakamura, Tetsuya
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.