How common antifungal azoles may affect embryo development
Delineating mechanisms underlying azole-induced developmental toxicity using single cell transcriptomic approaches, genome editing tools, and alternative models
This project looks at whether exposure to azole antifungal chemicals can disrupt early development and lead to birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11254916 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab models — rat embryos grown outside the womb, zebrafish embryos, and human embryonic stem cells — to see how azole exposure changes gene activity during development. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing to identify which genes are altered in individual cells and CRISPR gene editing to test the roles of specific genes. The team aims to connect molecular changes caused by azoles to the birth defect patterns seen in vertebrate models and to determine whether those changes mimic excess retinoic acid signaling. Findings will be used to build better, animal-free laboratory tests for screening chemicals that might harm developing pregnancies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or concerned about exposure to antifungal azoles would find the study results most relevant.
Not a fit: This project does not offer clinical treatment or direct medical care, so individuals seeking immediate therapy or medical advice will not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify azoles that pose developmental risks and improve chemical screening to help prevent birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown azoles can cause developmental defects, but applying single-cell sequencing and CRISPR in alternative and human cell models is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Joshua Frederick — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Joshua Frederick
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.