Understanding how sensory cells regenerate after nerve damage in zebrafish

Mechanisms of sensory hair cell reinnervation following lateral line cranial nerve damage in Danio rerio

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11086072

This study is looking at how zebrafish can regrow their hearing cells and nerves after injury, with the hope that understanding this process can help find new ways to treat hearing loss in people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11086072 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the regeneration of sensory hair cells and their associated nerve fibers in zebrafish, a model organism for studying nerve regeneration. By examining the molecular signals that guide the growth of these nerves after injury, the study aims to uncover how these processes can be harnessed to restore hearing. The research involves isolating hair cells at various time points following nerve damage to analyze the changes in molecular cues that promote nerve growth and reinnervation. This approach could provide insights into potential therapies for hearing loss in humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals suffering from sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the auditory nerve.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss caused by non-sensorineural factors, such as conductive hearing loss or structural abnormalities, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for sensorineural hearing loss by promoting nerve regeneration in the inner ear.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in zebrafish and other model organisms have shown promising results in understanding nerve regeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.