Understanding and treating craniosynostosis linked to genes and environment
Mechanisms and rescue of craniosynostosis associated with gene-environment interaction
This project looks into how genetic factors and environmental influences, like certain medications, contribute to craniosynostosis and aims to develop new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079473 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Craniosynostosis is a condition where a baby's skull bones fuse too early, often leading to intellectual disabilities. This research explores how specific genes and environmental factors, such as a mother's use of the antidepressant citalopram, might cause this condition. We are working to understand these interactions better. Our goal is to develop a new treatment using stem cells to help correct skull shape and improve brain function, offering a less invasive option than current surgeries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding the causes of craniosynostosis, which could eventually benefit infants and children diagnosed with this condition.
Not a fit: Patients whose craniosynostosis is not linked to the specific genetic or environmental factors being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a less invasive stem cell-based treatment that corrects skull deformities and improves brain development for children with craniosynostosis.
How similar studies have performed: Current treatments for craniosynostosis are primarily surgical, making this stem cell-based approach a novel and urgently needed therapeutic strategy.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jianfu — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jianfu
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.