How genes and growth shape the bones and features of the face
Genetic and developmental mechanisms that underlie craniofacial (co)variation
Researchers are looking at how genes and physical forces during development change facial bone shape to help people with craniofacial differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231251 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how genetic signals and the physical environment work together over time to shape the face. The team uses 3-D imaging and modeling, molecular tools like ATAC‑seq to study gene regulation, and comparative lab models to trace how feedback between tissues guides growth. By linking gene activity to changes in facial geometry, they aim to explain why faces vary and how disruptions cause defects. The work focuses on basic biological mechanisms that could point toward better diagnosis or future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with congenital or developmental craniofacial differences, facial bone anomalies, or syndromes affecting facial shape would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without craniofacial conditions or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify genes and pathways that explain facial shape differences and point to new diagnostic markers or targets for therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have identified genes involved in early craniofacial patterning and used 3‑D imaging and ATAC‑seq successfully, but applying these methods to long-term variation and feedback mechanisms is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albertson, Craig — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Albertson, Craig
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.