Understanding how frogs regenerate damaged nerve cells
Official title: Live imaging-based molecular dissection of a successful vertebrate RGC axonal regeneration program
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11027654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how frogs can heal their nerve cells after injury, focusing on a specific type of cell in their eyes, and aims to uncover the genes and immune responses that help with this healing, which could one day help us find new treatments for nerve damage in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,008 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with nerve damage or degeneration, particularly those who are 21 years or older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-axonal injuries or conditions unrelated to nerve regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind nerve cell regeneration in frogs, specifically focusing on how the frog Xenopus laevis can recover from injuries to its retinal ganglion cells. By using a new surgical model and live imaging techniques, the researchers aim to identify key genetic pathways involved in this regeneration process. The study explores how certain genes, like Dlk and Sarm1, contribute to the healing of damaged axons and the role of immune cells in this process. The findings could provide insights that may eventually lead to new therapies for nerve damage in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in treatments for nerve injuries, potentially improving recovery outcomes for patients with similar conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding nerve regeneration in animal models, but this specific approach using frogs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsh-Armstrong, Nicholas R — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Marsh-Armstrong, Nicholas R
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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.