Understanding how muscle precursor cells move and find their way in the body
Official title: Motility and Guidance Signals Control Migration of Muscle Precursors
Funded at University of Maine Orono · NIH-11080322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals help muscle cells move and grow in the body, using zebrafish embryos to learn more about how muscles form, which could help us understand muscle-related conditions better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maine Orono NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orono, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $264,095 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM144265-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting muscle development or regeneration, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed musculature or those not experiencing muscle-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the signals that control the movement of muscle precursor cells, which are essential for forming muscles in the body. Using zebrafish embryos as a model, the study aims to identify the cues that activate these cells' motility and guide them to their destinations. The researchers will utilize advanced genetic tools to observe and manipulate these processes, providing insights into how muscle patterns are established during development. This work could enhance our understanding of muscle formation and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating muscle-related diseases and injuries by improving our understanding of muscle development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using zebrafish as a model for studying muscle development has shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both valid and valuable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maine Orono
Orono, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Talbot, Jared Coffin — University of Maine Orono
- Study coordinator: Talbot, Jared Coffin
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.