Investigating genetic and environmental factors in craniofacial birth defects
Official title: Comparative toxicogenomics to determine conserved genetic and environmental interactions in craniofacial birth defects
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10824292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and environmental factors, like certain toxins, work together to cause craniofacial birth defects, using zebrafish and mice to help find ways to prevent these issues and support families affected by them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $105,537 |
| NIH project number | 5K99ES034471-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10824292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of craniofacial birth defects or those who are pregnant and concerned about environmental exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of craniofacial birth defects or are not exposed to relevant environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental exposures that contribute to craniofacial birth defects. By using advanced bioinformatics and high-throughput analysis techniques, the study will explore how different toxicants and genetic variations can affect embryo development in model organisms like zebrafish and mice. The goal is to identify specific gene-environment interactions that may lead to these birth defects, ultimately providing insights that could help in prevention and risk communication for affected families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and risk assessments for craniofacial birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar genetic and environmental interaction approaches to understand other birth defects, indicating potential for this study's success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Everson, Joshua L — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Everson, Joshua L
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.