# Identifying mechanisms of coordinated outgrowth during zebrafish fin regeneration

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF OREGON · 2021 · $66,390

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
This project will provide Dr. Victor Lewis with postdoctoral research training in vertebrate developmental
genetics and genomics to prepare for a career as an academic principal investigator. The applicant will follow a
multi-faceted research and training plan at the University of Oregon under supervision of lead sponsor Dr. Kryn
Stankunas with additional mentoring from co-sponsor Dr. John Postlethwait. A fundamental goal of
developmental biology is to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms synchronizing cell behaviors across
lineages for complex organ regeneration. Zebrafish fins perfectly recapitulate their original form following
resection, making them a striking example of and tractable research model for appendage regeneration. An
injury-induced de-differentiated but organized mass of cells called the blastema produces replacement fin cells
and directs regenerative outgrowth. Fin outgrowth then depends on spatially segregated proliferation and
differentiation activities that progressively restore organized tissue, including ray bones integrated with stump
tissue. The major signaling pathways, the signal-producing and responding cells, and their general roles (e.g.
growth vs. differentiation) are becoming appreciated. However, how signals enable spatiotemporally
coordinated actions across cell types remains largely mysterious. Empowered by new single cell
transcriptomics, Dr. Lewis will test a novel hypothesis that a regulated mesenchymal to epithelial-like cell state
transition forms the outgrowth-promoting population of the distal blastema. He will also test a hypothesis how
systemic factors coordinate osteoblast differentiation with fin outgrowth. Finally, Dr. Lewis will map the cell-type
specific regulatory landscape of fin regeneration by integrating sophisticated single cell technologies with
chemical genetics providing acute pathway inhibition. Collectively, this proposal will explore and characterize
innovative models and mechanisms for coordinated outgrowth during appendage regeneration. Broadly, these
insights will impact design of regenerative medicine approaches and provide a framework to understand
appendage injury repair. Dr. Lewis’s training plan will broaden single-cell sequencing and technical research
skills, 2) improve writing and communication skills, 3) develop skills as a mentor and teacher, and 4) engage in
professional development activities to build skills to succeed as a principal investigator. The UO, Institute of
Molecular Biology, and UO’s internationally known zebrafish research community provide facilities, equipment,
and intellectual environment ideally aligned with Dr Lewis’s postdoctoral research and training goals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10315962
- **Project number:** 1F32GM140712-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
- **Principal Investigator:** Victor Maxwell Lewis
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $66,390
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10315962

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10315962, Identifying mechanisms of coordinated outgrowth during zebrafish fin regeneration (1F32GM140712-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10315962. Licensed CC0.

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