How maternal vitamin A affects the risk and severity of cleft lip and palate in embryos
Official title: Impact of maternal dietary vitamin A on risk and severity of cleft lip/palate in genetically sensitized embryos
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11160761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mother's vitamin A intake during pregnancy might affect the chances and seriousness of cleft lip and palate in babies who are genetically at risk, using mice to learn more about how nutrition can help prevent or lessen this common birth defect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $336,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113989-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with a family history of cleft lip and palate or those who are genetically predisposed to this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without a family history of cleft lip and palate may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a mother's dietary intake of vitamin A may influence the risk and severity of cleft lip and palate (CL/P) in genetically predisposed embryos. By using established mouse models, the study aims to understand the relationship between maternal nutrition and the development of this common birth defect. The researchers will explore how vitamin A might modify genetic susceptibility and potentially correct issues in embryos before birth. This could provide insights into preventing or mitigating the severity of CL/P in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations for pregnant women, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of cleft lip and palate in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that maternal nutrition can influence the risk of birth defects, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Timothy Chilton — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Cox, Timothy Chilton
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.