Understanding how nerve cells grow and connect during development and after injury
Official title: Neuronal guidance landscape across development and regeneration
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11141398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how nerve cells grow and connect in order to help muscles work properly, using baby zebrafish to learn more about how nerves can heal after an injury, which could lead to better treatments for movement recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,197 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM130454-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with nerve injuries or conditions affecting nerve function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those whose nerve injuries are not amenable to regenerative therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how nerve cells, specifically axons, grow and connect to form functional neural circuits. It focuses on the guidance receptors that help direct axonal growth and the cues that influence this process during both development and regeneration after injury. Using a model of larval zebrafish, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that facilitate the correct targeting of axons to their muscle targets, which is crucial for recovery of movement. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to address gaps in knowledge about nerve regeneration and the differences in signaling between developing and regenerating tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for nerve regeneration and recovery from injuries, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding nerve regeneration, but this approach using zebrafish as a model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Lauren J — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Walker, Lauren J
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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.