How alcohol disrupts early jaw development through Bmp-PCP signaling
An ethanol-sensitive, Bmp-PCP dependent pathway regulating endoderm cell behaviors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11332513
This project looks at how alcohol changes key cell signals that shape the developing jaw in embryos, to help people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11332513 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use zebrafish embryos and genetic mutants to see how alcohol interferes with Bmp and PCP signaling pathways that guide cell movements, polarity, and adhesion during early jaw formation. The team watches living embryos with high-resolution imaging, manipulates genes in the Bmp and PCP pathways, and measures molecules like E-cadherin and actin that control cell shape and contacts. Findings from mouse liver studies also guide experiments testing whether alcohol reduces Bmp receptor function. Together these approaches aim to pinpoint how ethanol makes embryos more likely to develop jaw defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical laboratory research rather than a clinical trial, so it is most relevant to people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and pregnant people concerned about alcohol exposure.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments for existing jaw defects or other clinical care needs will not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why some pregnancies produce jaw defects from alcohol exposure and point to molecular targets for future prevention or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies in zebrafish and mice have shown that ethanol can reduce Bmp signaling and cause craniofacial defects, so this work builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LOVELY, CHARLES BENJAMIN — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: LOVELY, CHARLES BENJAMIN
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 below.