Understanding how zebrafish can regenerate their spinal cords
Official title: Defining the Robustness of Zebrafish Spinal Cord Regeneration
Funded at Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. · NIH-11135794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zebrafish can heal their spinal cords after an injury, with the hope of finding new ways to help people recover from spinal cord injuries too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $270,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD116006-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete and irreversible spinal cord damage who are beyond the point of potential recovery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the remarkable ability of zebrafish to regenerate their spinal cords after injury, which allows them to recover motor functions. The study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable this regeneration, focusing on how certain cells in zebrafish form a bridge to connect severed spinal cord ends and promote nerve growth. By comparing zebrafish to mammals, the research seeks to identify strategies that could enhance spinal cord healing in humans. The approach combines biological, engineering, and electrostimulatory techniques to explore potential therapies for spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking therapies that restore movement and sensation in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in regenerative approaches using zebrafish models, indicating potential for similar breakthroughs in mammalian spinal cord healing.
Where this research is happening
-
Morgridge Institute for Research, INC.
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poss, Kenneth D — Morgridge Institute for Research, INC.
- Study coordinator: Poss, Kenneth D
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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.