Understanding how a specific cell pathway helps regrow hearing cells in fish
Official title: Wnt pathway mutations alter hair cell regeneration in the zebrafish fish lateral line
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11163334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a natural process in zebrafish helps them regrow cells important for hearing and balance, which could one day help people with hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM146690-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve human participants, but its findings are relevant to anyone experiencing hearing loss or balance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatments or clinical trials for hearing loss will not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Many people experience permanent hearing loss because mammals, including humans, cannot regrow the special cells in the inner ear that detect sound and balance. However, certain aquatic animals like zebrafish can naturally regenerate these 'hair cells' after they are damaged. This project aims to understand the specific genetic signals, particularly a pathway called Wnt, that control this amazing ability in zebrafish. By studying these genetic mechanisms, we hope to uncover new ways to encourage hair cell regeneration in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into hair cell regeneration, potentially leading to new treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using medications has suggested the Wnt pathway is important for hair cell regeneration, and this project aims to genetically confirm its role.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgraw, Hillary Faye — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Mcgraw, Hillary Faye
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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.