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, using special cells to see how tiny molecules called microRNAs are affected and how they help form bone cells; the goal is to find ways to prevent these issues for future pregnancies.
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-11165532 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. The team uses human embryonic stem cells to study how certain small RNA molecules, known as microRNAs, are affected by these chemicals and how they influence the development of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. By profiling these microRNAs and their target genes, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these defects and validate their findings in living organisms. This work could provide insights into preventing birth defects linked to environmental exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive who 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 factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can significantly impact gene expression and development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.