# Investigating the role of notochord segmentation in spine morphogenesis

> **NIH NIH F31** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $32,724

## Abstract

Abstract: 
 The  spine  is  a  segmented  axial  structure  comprised  of  alternating  vertebral  bodies  (centra)  and 
intervertebral discs (IVDs). The current model of spine patterning hinges upon segmentation of the embryonic 
paraxial  mesoderm  (PM)  and  its  subsequent  re-­segmentation  and  condensation  around  the  notochord  to 
produce the characteristic alternating pattern of centra and IVDs. While mutations in segmentation genes 
are  known  to  cause  spine  defects,  whether  this  machinery  primarily  affects  patterning  of  the  PM,  the 
notochord, or both remains unknown. Thus, a complete understanding of how PM-­derived cells migrate to 
the notochord to produce sharp vertebral segments separated by regular gaps remains unresolved. 
 Using  a  zebrafish  model,  we  will  follow  a  comprehensive  approach  combining  live  imaging, 
transcriptomics  and  genetic  manipulations  to  dissect  the  role  of  the  notochord  in  the  specification  of 
vertebral  segments  and  IVDs.  Understanding  the  cellular  and  molecular  mechanisms  acting  in  the 
notochord during spine segmentation will provide a more complete understanding of vertebral patterning.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9977919
- **Project number:** 5F31AR070641-03
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan E Wopat
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $32,724
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9977919

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9977919, Investigating the role of notochord segmentation in spine morphogenesis (5F31AR070641-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9977919. Licensed CC0.

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