Understanding how zebrafish regenerate tendons

Mechanisms underlying adult tendon regeneration in the zebrafish

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11048308

This study is looking at how zebrafish heal their tendons to help us understand how to improve tendon repair in people, focusing on the role of certain signals and muscle activity in the healing process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048308 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms of tendon regeneration using zebrafish as a model organism. By studying how zebrafish can heal their tendons, the research aims to uncover cellular and molecular processes that could inform treatments for tendon injuries in humans. The project will explore the role of TGFβ signaling and muscle activity in tendon healing, providing insights into how these factors influence the regeneration process. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing tendon repair in adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with tendon injuries who are seeking advanced treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic tendon injuries that have already resulted in significant scar tissue formation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve tendon healing in humans, reducing recovery time and enhancing functional outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using zebrafish has shown promising results in understanding regeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for human applications.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.