Understanding how nerves help body parts regrow
Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the nerve dependence of regeneration
This research explores how different types of cells work together with nerves to help animals regenerate lost body parts, using newts as a model.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many different types of cells, and how these cells interact determines how our tissues and organs function. This project aims to understand how these cell types, especially in connection with nerves, enable the amazing ability of some animals to regrow complex body parts. By studying newts, which are excellent at regeneration, we hope to uncover basic rules about how cells and nerves cooperate to rebuild tissues. This foundational knowledge could one day help us understand and improve healing processes in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not involve human participants or patient recruitment at this time.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into the biology of regeneration, potentially leading to new strategies for tissue repair and healing in humans in the distant future.
How similar studies have performed: While newts are well-known for their regenerative abilities, this project aims to further develop specific newt models to uncover new cellular and molecular details of how regeneration works.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tosches, Maria Antonietta — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Tosches, Maria Antonietta
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 below.