Genetic and epigenetic clues in orofacial clefts
Official title: Functional analysis of genetic-epigenetic interplay in orofacial clefts
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11452344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how DNA methylation and genetic factors interact to influence the risk of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts in people and families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | July 8, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $311,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE035519-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with orofacial clefts and their family members, or people at risk due to genetic background, may benefit from insights generated by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without a personal or familial risk of OFCs are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how chemical changes to DNA, together with inherited genetic differences, may affect the development of cleft lips and palates. Using a small grant budget, the team will analyze methylation patterns near known risk genes and explore how these patterns relate to cleft types and penetrance. The study aims to build a clearer picture of how environment, genetics, and epigenetics come together in the risk for OFCs. Findings could point to new biomarkers or targets for prevention in at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of OFC risk and pave the way for earlier identification or personalized risk assessment for families affected by orofacial clefts.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence suggests differential methylation can influence OFC risk, but the overall contribution of epigenetics remains incompletely understood, making this area promising but not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrin, Aline L — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Petrin, Aline L
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.