Understanding how to help tissues heal and regenerate after damage

Genetic regulation of tissue regeneration

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11061209

This study is looking at how our bodies heal after injuries or illnesses by using fruit flies to learn more about the genes that help with tissue repair, so we can find better ways to help people recover.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061209 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind tissue regeneration, particularly how the body responds to damage from trauma or chronic illness. The Smith-Bolton lab uses innovative techniques to induce tissue damage in multiple animal models, specifically Drosophila, to explore genetic factors that influence healing. By isolating regenerating tissues, they employ high-throughput genomic methods to uncover the molecular pathways that control regeneration. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how to promote effective tissue repair and regeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that result in tissue damage, such as those recovering from trauma or chronic illnesses.

Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-regenerative conditions or those not experiencing tissue damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve healing processes for patients suffering from tissue damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tissue regeneration, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, 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.
Conditions Candidate Disease Gene
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.