Chromatin controls in facial cartilage development
Official title: Functions of PRDM Histone Methyltransferases during Cartilage Development in the Craniofacial Skeleton
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11386724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how specific chromatin modifiers help craniofacial cartilage form properly, with potential implications for conditions like cleft lip/palate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $233,118 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DE031349-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly in this phase; findings may inform future patient-focused interventions.
✕Less likely to help
This grant does not involve enrolling patients or testing treatments in people at this time.
What this research studies
The project examines how epigenetic regulators Prdm3 and Prdm16 influence cartilage formation in the developing head, using zebrafish and mouse models. Researchers will map gene activity and chromatin changes during chondrocyte maturation and test how these factors interact with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The work aims to reveal how disruptions in these regulatory networks could lead to congenital craniofacial defects and identify potential targets for future therapies. The study uses molecular and genetic approaches to understand timing and localization of gene expression in developing facial cartilage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could guide strategies to prevent or treat craniofacial anomalies in babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows chromatin modifiers can influence skeletal development, supporting the potential for meaningful insights, though this exact pathway is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shull, Lomeli Carpio — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Shull, Lomeli Carpio
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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.