# Mechanism of epidermal coordination during development and regeneration in zebrafish

> **NIH NIH K01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $104,029

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT
Coordination of cell behaviors is essential for growth in embryonic and juvenile animals, as well as during
regeneration of tissue lost by damage or disease. This is particularly challenging for stratified tissues, such as
skin, during rapid phases of growth in embryonic development and adult regeneration. Here, multiple cell layers
would have to communicate effectively and grow together to ensure stratification remains unaffected. How skin
cell layers behave and coordinate their growth when challenged with rapid expansion requires research
attention but has been limited by the availability of tools and platforms for quantitative live imaging. In
preliminary studies, we have developed tools to visualize and manipulate cell behaviors and signaling in
embryonic zebrafish epidermis, as well as a platform to perform quantitative live imaging of adult epidermis
during regeneration. To understand the mechanism of coordination between epidermal layers, we will: 1) test
the role of tissue tension and MAPK mediated mechanochemical feedback in regulating growth of embryonic
epidermis during axial elongation and 2) test the role of tissue geometry in coordinating epidermis growth
during adult regeneration following scale plucking and corneal abrasion. This comprehensive analysis of skin
growth during development and regeneration of complex tissues will inform strategies for control of repair in
human conditions of tissue damage or disease.
The project draws on 1) my previous training in cell and developmental biology, 2) live imaging technique I
have established to perform in toto imaging of embryonic and adult zebrafish tissues, 3) the quantitative skill
set I will acquire during my training to analyze this data and 4) training on spatial transcriptomics to define
signaling pathways activated during regeneration. For successful completion of these aims, I have assembled
a mentoring committee – Dr. Stefano Di Talia and Dr. Kenneth Poss, whose combined expertise in quantitative
biology, zebrafish genetics and regeneration biology will train me to become an expert on these topics. In
addition, the advice and input I will receive from my collaborators – Dr. Christoph Schmidt, Dr. Terry Lechler
and Dr. Brigid Hogan - on tissue mechanics, epithelial and skin biology and career development will further my
ability to achieve the goals of this project and help launch my independent research career. I am confident that
the additional training I will receive during this award will help me achieve my long-term goal of establishing a
high-quality research group as an independent investigator

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10812472
- **Project number:** 5K01AR082432-02
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Nitya Ramkumar
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $104,029
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10812472

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10812472, Mechanism of epidermal coordination during development and regeneration in zebrafish (5K01AR082432-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10812472. Licensed CC0.

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