How environmental factors affect craniofacial development through Sonic hedgehog signaling
Multifactorial environmental inhibition of Sonic hedgehog signaling: Impact of chemical interactions on pathway activity and craniofacial development
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in our environment might interfere with a key process that helps shape the face during development, which could lead to birth defects like clefts in the lip or palate, and it's aimed at helping families understand and prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10899712 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how various environmental chemicals can disrupt the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which is crucial for proper craniofacial development. By using advanced cell culture systems, the study aims to identify specific chemical interactions that may lead to birth defects such as orofacial clefts and holoprosencephaly. The research employs high-throughput screening methods to test a range of potential Shh inhibitors and their combined effects on cellular activity. The goal is to better understand the environmental contributions to these complex birth defects, which could inform prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents concerned about the risk of craniofacial birth defects due to environmental exposures.
Not a fit: Patients with craniofacial abnormalities not linked to environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for craniofacial birth defects caused by environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can significantly impact developmental pathways, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beames, Tyler George — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Beames, Tyler George
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.