Understanding how alcohol affects cell behavior during jaw development
Official title: An ethanol-sensitive, Bmp-PCP dependent pathway regulating endoderm cell behaviors
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11087611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how alcohol affects the growth of the jaw in baby fish and how genes play a role in this process, hoping to find helpful information for preventing and treating issues related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $502,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031043-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or those with a family history of alcohol-related developmental issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of alcohol exposure or related developmental concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of ethanol on the development of the jaw in embryos, particularly focusing on how genetic factors influence these processes. Using zebrafish as a model, the study examines the role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Bmp) and Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling pathways in regulating cell movements and adhesion during jaw formation. By understanding these cellular interactions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind developmental defects associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for conditions related to alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of developmental defects caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using zebrafish models to study developmental defects, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lovely, Charles Benjamin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Lovely, Charles Benjamin
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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.