DYRK1A and facial development: finding the right balance to prevent birth defects
Official title: Dyrk1a, a Goldilocks protein in embryonic development
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11576157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how changing levels of the DYRK1A protein affect face formation in embryos and in cells from people with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2026 |
| Project end | August 6, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,520 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE034980-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11576157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are families or individuals with Down syndrome or DYRK1A-related syndromes, and researchers working with patient-derived cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without DYRK1A-related craniofacial involvement may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
DYRK1A dosage appears to influence facial development and cell processes like division and survival. The researchers will use a developmental frog model and human cells to see how excess or deficient DYRK1A changes the developing face and contributes to birth defects. They will test whether reducing senescence in cells or correcting DYRK1A levels can lessen craniofacial abnormalities. The study combines animal experiments with human-derived cells to understand mechanisms and potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to strategies to reduce birth defects and improve developmental outcomes for individuals affected by DYRK1A-related conditions and Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests DYRK1A dosage affects development, but direct intervention strategies are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickinson, Amanda Jane — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Dickinson, Amanda Jane
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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.