How fibronectin affects the growth of skull bones.
Official title: Substrate-mediated collective cell migration incalvarial bone expansion and disease.
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11136879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called fibronectin affects the growth of skull bones, which could help us understand conditions like craniosynostosis that change the shape of the skull, and it aims to find new ways to treat these issues for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,333 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032670-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital skull abnormalities, such as craniosynostosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital skull defects or those not affected by cranial growth disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fibronectin, a protein that helps cells adhere to their surroundings, in the growth and development of skull bones. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how changes in fibronectin levels can impact the migration and expansion of bone-forming cells, known as osteoblasts, during skull development. The study will explore how these processes relate to congenital defects like craniosynostosis, which affects the shape and structure of the skull. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for congenital skull defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular migration and its implications for bone growth, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atit, Radhika P — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Atit, Radhika P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Estrogen signaling and how the intestinal lining protects against injury
A study at Case Western Reserve University looks at how estrogen receptors in the gut lining help protect against intestinal injury and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Diabetes: Long-term effects of intensive glucose control on complications
A long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how keeping blood sugar close to normal affects eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and quality of life outcomes over many years.
-
Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study follow-up
This long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how early intensive glucose control affects complications and quality of life over many years.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
-
PopCASE: A user-friendly tool to link cancer data for communities and researchers
Aimed at improving population cancer research, PopCASE helps connect patient cancer data with community information to inform better care and outreach.
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.