Investigating how environmental chemicals affect bone development through gene regulation
Analysis of environmentally-sensitive epigenetic machinery during osteogenic differentiation
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment during pregnancy might cause bone problems in babies, and it will use special cells to see how these chemicals affect tiny molecules that help bones grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to environmental chemicals during pregnancy can lead to skeletal birth defects. By using human embryonic stem cells, the team will explore how certain microRNAs, which are crucial for bone cell development, are affected by these toxicants. The study aims to identify specific microRNAs that are downregulated due to chemical exposure and to validate their roles in bone formation. This could help in understanding the mechanisms behind congenital skeletal abnormalities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive who may have been exposed to environmental chemicals.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or have no history of exposure to environmental chemicals may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for skeletal birth defects caused by environmental exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can influence gene expression and contribute to developmental defects, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparks, Nicole Renee — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Sparks, Nicole Renee
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.