TWIST1 and its regulatory pathway in craniofacial bone development
Official title: Function of TWIST1 and its dependent-regulatory pathway in craniofacial bone development.
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11565776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in humans and animals looks at how TWIST1 and IRF6 control skull and facial bone formation, which could point to new ways to prevent birth defects like cleft lip/palate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2026 |
| Project end | August 23, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE036303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11565776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk for craniofacial birth defects or families with a history of syndromic cleft lip/palate.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial conditions or without a risk of such birth defects may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how the gene TWIST1 interacts with IRF6 to shape craniofacial development, using embryonic models to understand the genetic signals that guide bone and tissue formation in the face. By pinpointing where TWIST1 binds to IRF6 regions and how this affects development, researchers hope to reveal targets for preventing or mitigating birth defects. The work also includes studying how these interactions influence neural crest cells and craniofacial bones in mouse models, with an emphasis on translating findings toward human risk assessment and potential therapies. Overall, the aim is to connect genetic regulation with visible craniofacial outcomes so future interventions could reduce congenital anomalies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk prediction for craniofacial birth defects and pave the way for targeted therapies or preventive strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models show TWIST1-IRF6 interactions affect craniofacial development, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fakhouri, Walid D. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Fakhouri, Walid D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.