Understanding how finger tips can regenerate after injury
Official title: Mechanisms of Skeletal Morphogenesis During Digit Tip Regeneration
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11042253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes help mice regrow their finger tips, which could teach us more about healing and possibly lead to new treatments for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD105203-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced amputations or severe injuries affecting their fingers or toes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to tissue regeneration or those who have not experienced digit injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regeneration of digit tips in mice, aiming to uncover how certain genes influence tissue healing and development. By creating a specialized mouse model and using induced pluripotent stem cells, the study will explore the role of specific regulatory genes, particularly HoxA cluster genes, in the regeneration process. The research will involve manipulating gene expression and observing the effects on bone and tissue regeneration, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance tissue regeneration in humans after injuries or surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tissue regeneration through genetic manipulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qu, Feini — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Qu, Feini
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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.