Rescuing cleft lip and palate before birth using a mouse model
Official title: In utero rescue of cleft lip and palate in a humanized mouse model
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11015902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to prevent cleft lip and palate, which are common birth defects, by using special mice to learn more about the genes involved in face development, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help before a baby is born.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $435,364 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032740-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents with a family history of cleft lip and palate or those identified as at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with cleft lip and palate and have completed their treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to prevent cleft lip and palate, common birth defects, by using a humanized mouse model. The approach focuses on understanding the genetic factors involved in craniofacial development and how they can be manipulated to improve outcomes. By studying the effects of specific gene mutations, particularly in the TFAP2A gene, researchers aim to develop potential interventions that could be applied during pregnancy. This could lead to innovative therapies that address the underlying causes of these defects before birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventative strategies for cleft lip and palate, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using animal models to understand and potentially intervene in craniofacial development, making this approach both innovative and grounded in existing scientific knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Trevor J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Williams, Trevor J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Prenatal gene therapy approach to prevent cleft lip and palate in a human-like mouse model
The team is trying a prenatal gene-delivery approach in humanized mice to prevent cleft lip and palate linked to TFAP2A mutations, with the goal of helping babies born with those conditions.
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This study is testing if clear aligners can help expand the upper jaw in children aged 6-8 with cleft lip and palate.
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This study is trying to find out if high or low intensity speech therapy works better for children with cleft palate by talking to the kids, their caregivers, and speech therapists about their experiences.
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This study is testing whether doing all the necessary nose and gum repairs in one surgery is better than spreading them out over multiple surgeries for kids with cleft lip and palate.
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.