BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control facial bone development
Official title: Cohesin independent co-function of BRD4 and NIPBL in regulating chromatin and transcription factor genome occupancy
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11607784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice and cell models will explore how BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control how genes are turned on in facial development, which could clarify causes of craniofacial disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | September 2, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,216 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE036269-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with craniofacial disorders linked to enhancer regulation or Cornelia de Lange syndrome where BRD4 or NIPBL pathways are implicated (through samples or future trials).
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project uses animal and cell models and does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
What this research studies
This project looks at how two important factors, BRD4 and NIPBL, cooperate to regulate enhancers that control gene activity in cranial neural crest cells, the cells needed for facial bones and cartilage. Using mouse and cell culture models, researchers will map where BRD4 and NIPBL bind and how they affect osteoblast differentiation and facial bone formation. The work will involve genomics approaches to compare the two factors’ roles and identify shared mechanisms that influence craniofacial development. Findings could reveal new targets or pathways relevant to craniofacial disorders tied to enhancer regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding BRD4 and NIPBL cooperation could lead to new insights into craniofacial disorders and potential future strategies for diagnosis or therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed BRD4’s role in regulating enhancers and osteoblast differentiation; this study extends that to NIPBL and cranial neural crest cells.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shpargel, Karl Bryan — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Shpargel, Karl Bryan
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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.