Studying how Satb2 helps Gli3 control jaw development without a morphogen gradient
Official title: Acquiring tissue diversity without a gradient: investigating Satb2 as a mandible-specific mediator of Gli3 transcription
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11454823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice is exploring how Satb2 and Gli3 work together to control jaw development in a way that may not rely on a typical signaling gradient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $445,389 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE035695-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly in this stage; findings may eventually inform translational research for craniofacial conditions.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit during this basic science phase.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how Satb2 influences Gli3 transcription to determine mandible formation, using molecular techniques like CUT&RUN to map protein binding and gene activity. The project focuses on co-factor interactions that shape cell fate in the developing jaw, aiming to reveal new principles of tissue development. Results could point to new ideas for understanding jaw-related birth defects and how gene networks drive craniofacial morphology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform better understanding of craniofacial development and pave the way for future therapies targeting jaw malformations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that Gli3 interacts with co-factors to regulate transcription in the jaw, supporting potential relevance here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fish, Jennifer Leslie — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Fish, Jennifer Leslie
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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.