Investigating genetic and environmental factors in facial development abnormalities.
Official title: Epigenotype- Genotype -Phenotype interactions in facial development
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10987717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and the environment might cause cleft lip and palate in a special mouse model, which could help us understand these conditions better and improve ways to prevent and treat them in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,602 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE033444-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of cleft lip and palate or those who have experienced these conditions themselves.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic predisposition or those who do not have cleft lip or palate may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate (CL/P) using a specific mouse model. By examining DNA methylation and gene expression in embryos, the study aims to understand how these factors influence the presence or absence of facial birth defects. The researchers will focus on identifying specific genes and their roles in the development of CL/P, which could lead to insights applicable to human conditions. This work may pave the way for future studies that could improve prevention and treatment strategies for these congenital abnormalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for preventing cleft lip and palate in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding genetic and epigenetic contributions to congenital abnormalities, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Rebecca Michelle — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Green, Rebecca Michelle
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.