Causes of poor growth in Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair
Evaluating causes for failure to thrive in a Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH) patients using NSLH vertebrate model
Researchers are using zebrafish models to find why children with Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair have trouble gaining weight and growing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses zebrafish that carry the same SHOC2 gene changes found in Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair to look at early gut development and metabolism. Because zebrafish embryos are transparent and develop quickly, researchers can watch how digestive organs form and test how metabolic differences affect growth. The team aims to link specific gene changes to problems with feeding, nutrient use, or gut maturation that lead to failure to thrive in young children. Results could suggest straightforward interventions, such as dietary supplements, that might improve weight gain and development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (especially infants and toddlers) diagnosed with Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair who have slow weight gain or growth delays would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without NSLAH or those whose growth problems are caused by unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to nutritional supplements or other simple treatments to help children with NSLAH gain weight and grow better.
How similar studies have performed: Animal-model work has previously led to nutritional or metabolic interventions for related genetic disorders, but applying this approach to NSLAH is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galperin, Emilia — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Galperin, Emilia
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 below.