Understanding how antifungal drugs affect embryo development
Delineating mechanisms underlying azole-induced developmental toxicity using single cell transcriptomic approaches, genome editing tools, and alternative models
This study is looking into how antifungal medications called azoles might affect the development of babies during pregnancy, using different models to understand how these drugs could cause birth defects, so we can find better ways to test for safety without using animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249456 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the developmental risks associated with antifungal agents known as azoles, particularly during pregnancy. It aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these drugs may cause congenital malformations in embryos using advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and genome editing tools. The study utilizes alternative models, including rat embryo cultures, zebrafish, and human embryonic stem cells, to explore how azoles disrupt key biological signaling pathways involved in development. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve testing methods for chemical hazards without relying on animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant who have been exposed to azole antifungal medications.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to azole antifungal agents or are not pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer use of antifungal medications during pregnancy and better understanding of their developmental impacts.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that alternative models can effectively reveal mechanisms of developmental toxicity, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Joshua Frederick — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Joshua Frederick
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.