Understanding how nerve damage and recovery occur using zebrafish models
Official title: Mechanisms of Peripheral Nerve Injury and Recovery in a Zebrafish Demyelination Model
Funded at Kenyon College · NIH-11043803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body help nerves heal after injury, using zebrafish to see how these cells respond when nerves are damaged, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kenyon College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gambier, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,424 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS141049-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from demyelinating neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome or other related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-demyelinating nerve conditions or those without nerve injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind nerve injury and recovery, focusing on Schwann cells that support nerve function. Using a unique zebrafish model, researchers will chemically induce nerve damage to observe how Schwann cells respond and repair themselves over time. The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes involved in demyelination and remyelination, which are crucial for developing new therapies for conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome. By visualizing these processes in living organisms, the research hopes to provide insights into improving nerve repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance nerve recovery and repair in patients with demyelinating diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific zebrafish model is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding nerve repair mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Kenyon College
Gambier, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petersen, Sarah — Kenyon College
- Study coordinator: Petersen, Sarah
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.