Understanding how zebrafish regenerate their appendages
Official title: Regulation of Appendage Regeneration in Zebrafish
Funded at Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. · NIH-11093373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zebrafish can regrow their fins after losing them, hoping to find out what genes and molecules help with this amazing healing process, which could one day help people with injuries too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,145 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD105033-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in advancements in regenerative therapies, particularly those with conditions affecting limb regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to tissue regeneration or those who do not have limb injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the remarkable ability of zebrafish to regenerate amputated appendages. By studying the formation of a blastema, which contains progenitor cells necessary for regeneration, the researchers aim to uncover the genetic and molecular factors that drive this process. The study utilizes advanced techniques to identify DNA sequences and transcription factors that are activated during tissue regeneration, providing insights that could be applicable to other species, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, potentially improving healing and regeneration in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding regeneration in model organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.