Understanding Birth Defects in Ciliopathy Conditions

Mechanisms of ciliopathy associated structural birth defects

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11184258

This research aims to better understand how problems with cilia, tiny cell structures, lead to birth defects in people with ciliopathy conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11184258 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies have tiny structures called cilia that are crucial for development, and when they don't work correctly, they can cause a wide range of birth defects and health issues. This project will look at changes in the genes that make cilia proteins, using information from patient databases and samples. We will then test these genetic changes in the lab to see how they affect cilia function and contribute to the birth defects seen in ciliopathy patients. This work helps us uncover the root causes of these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding the genetic causes of ciliopathy conditions, particularly those involving structural birth defects.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by ciliopathy conditions or related birth defects would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of ciliopathy birth defects, potentially paving the way for new ways to diagnose or treat these complex conditions in the future.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon existing knowledge and tools developed in related centers, extending previous work to identify and characterize specific genetic variants.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.