Understanding how mammal digit tips regenerate after amputation
Official title: Composite tissue patterning in mammalian digit tip regeneration
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11064772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the tips of fingers and toes can grow back after being cut off, focusing on the special cells that help rebuild them, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies can heal and regenerate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $750,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115260-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced digit tip amputations and are interested in regenerative medicine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with amputations of other body parts or those who do not have the capacity for regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex process of how digit tips in mammals, including humans, can regenerate after being amputated. It focuses on the role of a structure called the 'blastema', which is formed by various cell types that work together to rebuild the digit tip. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that guide the organization and shaping of this tissue during regeneration, particularly how signals from the nail epithelium influence this process. By comparing mammalian regeneration to embryonic limb development, the research seeks to identify unique patterns and cues that facilitate successful tissue regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance or enable limb regeneration in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been success in understanding limb regeneration in non-mammalian models, this research explores novel mechanisms specific to mammalian digit regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehoczky, Jessica a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lehoczky, Jessica a
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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.