PRDM paralogs and craniofacial cartilage development
Official title: Functions of PRDM paralogs in craniofacial cartilage development
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11352896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mouse models will explore how PRDM3 and PRDM16 help craniofacial cartilage form, aiming to understand congenital birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | June 4, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $305,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE036059-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11352896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with congenital craniofacial abnormalities or families affected by birth defects involving facial bones and cartilage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial developmental issues may not directly benefit from these basic mechanistic studies.
What this research studies
This project looks at cartilage cells that come from neural crest cells and how they grow into the cartilage that shapes the face. By studying two chromatin modifiers, PRDM3 and PRDM16, researchers will see how their interaction affects cartilage formation and the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling needed for proper skull development. The work uses mouse genetics to modify these genes and observe the effects on Meckel’s cartilage and subsequent jaw bone formation. Findings could reveal why some craniofacial defects occur and point toward avenues for preventing or mitigating them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Discoveries could lead to new insights into preventing or treating craniofacial birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse studies show PRDM3/PRDM16 influence facial cartilage development, suggesting a viable path for this line of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shull, Lomeli Carpio — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Shull, Lomeli Carpio
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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.