# Model Systems of Mammalian Regeneration

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2020 · $368,979

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Since I launched my independent research program in 2013, we have focused at the intersection of mechanics
and biomedicine. Specifically, I am interested in the mechanobiological feedback loop between cells and matrix
mechanics wherein mechanical properties of matrix drive cell behavior which in turn modify tissue-level matrix
properties. I have long been interested in the effects of the mechanical microenvironment on cell function, but
the focus of my independent work has shifted to stromal cells and fibrosis. Fibrosis accompanies many acute
and chronic diseases and is the cause of >40% of deaths in the U.S. Fibrotic processes often increase the
effective stiffness of tissue in addition to traditional histological metrics.
My vision for is to build model systems of mammalian regeneration, to identify mechanisms of cell contractility,
and to target downstream effectors that control fibroproliferative cell function. To accomplish these goals, I am
leveraging a novel model of mammalian regeneration, the African Spiny Mouse. The African Spiny Mouse
(Acomys) can regenerate normal matrix after injury, with minimal scar tissue after many types of trauma,
including full-thickness cuts, burns, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, and muscle necrosis.
Unfortunately, what enables this adult mouse’s with this remarkable ability to regenerate normal matrix is
currently poorly understood. The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award will enable me and my
collaborators to determine the mechanisms of normal matrix regeneration in Acomys.
My specific five-year goals are to (i) utilize engineered in vitro platforms to identify Rho GTPase
pathways that may be altered in Acomys and leverage those mechanisms to minimize fibrosis in
normal fibroblasts; (ii) utilize immunocompromised mice that have been transplanted with Acomys
cells or tissues to investigate recruitment and activation of macrophages to sites of
injury/regeneration; and (iii) create Acomys induced pluripotent stem cells for future use as in vitro
and chimeric animal model systems. To complement these research objectives, I will continue
teaching, mentoring, professional service, and community engagement to promote research and
translation at the intersection of engineering and biomedicine.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9986793
- **Project number:** 5R35GM128831-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Chelsey Savannah Simmons
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $368,979
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9986793

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9986793, Model Systems of Mammalian Regeneration (5R35GM128831-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9986793. Licensed CC0.

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