Evaluating how cleft lip repair scars affect facial growth in small animals
Official title: Small animal model for evaluating the impacts of cleft lip repairing scar on craniofacial growth and development
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10642519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how scars from cleft lip surgery affect the growth of the face in small animals, so we can learn how to improve treatments for kids with cleft lip and palate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $325,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE030400-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10642519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children diagnosed with cleft lip and palate who may undergo surgical repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cleft lip who are not candidates for surgical intervention or those with other unrelated congenital anomalies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of scarring from cleft lip repair on the growth and development of facial structures in small animal models. By creating a more accurate model that mimics human conditions, the study aims to better understand how early surgical interventions impact craniofacial development. The researchers will utilize innovative techniques to assess tissue regeneration and the long-term effects of scarring, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for children with cleft lip and palate. The findings may provide insights into better surgical practices and regenerative therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques and treatments that enhance facial growth and development in children with cleft lip.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on cleft lip repair, this approach using small animal models for craniofacial growth assessment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Chenshuang — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Li, Chenshuang
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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.