How protein pathways affect susceptibility to environmental pollutants causing facial defects

Protein methylation pathways that control genetic susceptibility to environmental pollutants in the occurrence of craniofacial defects

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10851968

This study is looking at how genes and the environment can cause craniofacial defects like cleft palate, focusing on a protein called PRMT1 that helps control gene activity and protect against harmful substances, with the hope that understanding this better will lead to improved ways to prevent and treat these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10851968 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how genetic and environmental factors contribute to craniofacial defects, such as cleft palate. It focuses on a specific protein, PRMT1, which plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and protecting against environmental toxins. Using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and bioinformatics, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which PRMT1 influences craniofacial development and how it interacts with harmful substances. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of the causes of these defects, potentially leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of craniofacial defects or those who have been exposed to environmental toxins.

Not a fit: Patients without any craniofacial defects or those not exposed to relevant environmental factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing craniofacial defects caused by environmental pollutants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding gene-environment interactions in developmental defects, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.