CHD7's role in how cells move and shape developing kidneys
Official title: CHD7-dependent regulation of migration and morphogenesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11618599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how CHD7 helps cells move and form organs during development, with potential implications for CHARGE syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $462,538 |
| NIH project number | 6R21HD122393-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11618599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with CHARGE syndrome or related CHD7-related disorders who could benefit from future translational insights or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CHD7/CHARGE-related conditions may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
CHARGE syndrome involves developmental defects tied to CHD7 mutations. The research uses a cross-species approach, studying CHD7’s effects in C. elegans and Xenopus laevis to uncover how kidney development might go awry. By looking at gene pathways and cell movements, the study aims to reveal mechanisms that could explain kidney and urinary tract abnormalities in CHARGE and related disorders. The findings could point to new angles for understanding and potentially guiding future therapies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights into how CHD7 controls organ formation could inform future strategies to prevent or mitigate kidney and other developmental defects in CHARGE syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in CHD7 and CHARGE-related pathways has advanced our understanding, but the kidney-specific mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yanowitz, Judith — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yanowitz, Judith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.