Understanding how a protein affects facial development and birth defects
Official title: Roles of p120-catenin in craniofacial development and disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10947714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called p120-catenin affects the development of facial features and conditions like cleft lip, using mice to see how changes in a specific gene can lead to these issues, with the hope of finding new ways to help kids with these birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $178,848 |
| NIH project number | 1K01DE033989-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are affected by craniofacial abnormalities, particularly those with cleft lip.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with craniofacial conditions not related to genetic mutations in the CTNND1 gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of p120-catenin, a protein crucial for cell adhesion, in the development of craniofacial structures and associated birth defects like cleft lip. Using advanced gene-editing techniques in mice, the study aims to uncover how mutations in the CTNND1 gene lead to these abnormalities. By observing the dynamics of cellular interactions and forces during lip fusion, researchers hope to identify the molecular mechanisms that contribute to craniofacial development. This work could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating these conditions in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating craniofacial birth defects in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the genetic basis of craniofacial abnormalities, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teng, Camilla Sue — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Teng, Camilla Sue
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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.