From Genes to Community: Understanding Birth Clefts and Supporting Families
Official title: Bench to the Community: Multi-Omics Approach to Discovery and Community-led Implementation Science
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11533000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-omics study from bench to community to find genetic risk factors for cleft lip/palate and use those findings to support families and caregivers in Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,260,295 |
| NIH project number | 2R56DE028300-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11533000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 with orofacial clefts and their families, particularly in African populations.
✕Less likely to help
Families without an affected child or those outside the target communities may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how genetic factors contribute to orofacial clefts and how those findings can be used in real communities. It uses advanced genetic and data analyses to identify risk variants, then studies how these variants affect development. It also partners with community gatekeepers and mental health professionals to improve support for caregivers in diverse African populations. The work aims to translate scientific discoveries into practical community-wide strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families affected by orofacial clefts could receive better-informed care and culturally sensitive support programs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous multi-omics studies have identified genetic factors in craniofacial conditions, but this project expands to community implementation in diverse African populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butali, Azeez — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Butali, Azeez
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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.