Public atlas of craniosynostosis imaging and genetics
Human Craniosynostosis Atlas (HuCA) : Standardizing & Establishing a Public Repository for Genomic and Imaging data
['FUNDING_R21'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11195108
This project will build a publicly available collection of low-dose CT, multi-contrast MRI, and genetic data to help understand craniosynostosis in infants and children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195108 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You or your child would contribute standardized head CT or multi-contrast MRI scans and a genetic sample so data from many hospitals can be combined. The team will create low-dose CT protocols and harmonized imaging and genomic standards to make scans and DNA comparable across sites. Collected data will be deposited in the NIH NIDCR FaceBase biorepository to form the Human Craniosynostosis Atlas (HuCA) for researchers worldwide. Over time this atlas aims to clarify how different genetic changes relate to head shape and brain effects in craniosynostosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (especially infants under one year) diagnosed with craniosynostosis who can undergo standardized head imaging and provide a genetic sample are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without craniosynostosis, those unable to undergo imaging, or those unwilling to provide genetic samples would not directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the atlas could help doctors recognize different forms of craniosynostosis earlier and guide more tailored surgical planning and follow-up.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller clinical series and datasets exist, but an openly shared, combined imaging-and-genomics atlas for craniosynostosis is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NEWTON, ALLEN T — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: NEWTON, ALLEN T
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury