Understanding how zebrafish fins regenerate and control their size
Official title: Ion signaling, cell transitions, and organ scaling during fin regeneration
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11039980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zebrafish can regrow their fins and what signals in their cells help control this process, which could help us understand how to improve healing and growth in human organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,729 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM149999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to tissue regeneration or congenital abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-regenerative conditions or those unrelated to organ size control may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind organ growth and regeneration using zebrafish fins as a model. It focuses on how bioelectric signals, particularly ion flows across cell membranes, influence the size and shape of regenerating tissues. By examining the role of specific ion channels and signaling pathways, the study aims to uncover how these factors contribute to the regeneration process and the maintenance of organ size. The findings could provide insights into congenital abnormalities and tissue repair in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving tissue regeneration and addressing congenital abnormalities in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using zebrafish for studying organ scaling is well-established, the exact mechanisms being explored in this research are novel and could provide new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stankunas, Kryn — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Stankunas, Kryn
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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.