Investigating how specific enzymes affect facial bone development in zebrafish
Official title: Understanding the role of Hdacs in zebrafish craniofacial development
Funded at University of South Carolina at Aiken · NIH-10937131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes affect the growth of facial features by using zebrafish, which can help us understand why some babies are born with facial differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Aiken NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aiken, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,499 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154790-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with craniofacial malformations or genetic conditions associated with abnormal facial development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial malformations or those not affected by related genetic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of histone deacetylases (Hdacs) in the development of craniofacial structures using zebrafish as a model organism. By observing the stages of jaw formation and the migration of specific cells, researchers aim to understand the genetic and cellular mechanisms that lead to normal and abnormal facial development. The study utilizes advanced genetic techniques to manipulate and analyze the function of Hdacs, which are known to influence the development of facial bones and cartilage. Insights gained from this research could help identify the causes of various birth defects related to craniofacial malformations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for craniofacial birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that studying genetic mechanisms in zebrafish can yield valuable insights into human developmental disorders, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of South Carolina at Aiken
Aiken, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delaurier, April F — University of South Carolina at Aiken
- Study coordinator: Delaurier, April F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how Hdacs shape facial development in zebrafish
A zebrafish study aims to uncover how histone-deacetylase enzymes control facial bone and cartilage formation to inform birth defect research.
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How HDAC proteins affect face and skull formation
Researchers are looking at how HDAC proteins control early face and skull formation to help explain birth defects like cleft palate and other craniofacial differences.
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.