Understanding how zebrafish develop their spinal columns
Official title: The systems developmental biology of zebrafish body elongation
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10991044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zebrafish develop their spinal columns to help us understand birth defects like scoliosis and spina bifida in humans, using a mix of genetics and imaging to see how cells work together during growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,081 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148348-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of spinal birth defects or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed spinal structures and no history of spinal birth defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the developmental biology and biomechanics of spinal column formation in zebrafish, which serve as a model for human development. By combining genetics, live imaging, and computational modeling, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind birth defects like scoliosis and spina bifida. The team will analyze how cells interact and behave during the critical process of body elongation, focusing on the stability of cell states and the influence of mechanical signals on cell movement. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide insights into the fundamental principles of embryonic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the causes of spinal birth defects and inform potential therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using zebrafish as models for studying developmental biology and related birth defects.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holley, Scott a — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Holley, Scott a
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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.