Understanding how antifungal medications 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 babies during pregnancy, using special techniques to understand if they could cause birth defects, and it aims to find safer ways to test these drugs for future pregnancies.
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-11004708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential developmental risks associated with antifungal medications known as azoles, particularly during pregnancy. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and genome editing, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which azoles may lead to birth defects. The research employs alternative models, including zebrafish and human embryonic stem cells, to explore how these drugs disrupt critical signaling pathways involved in embryonic development. The goal is to establish safer testing methods for evaluating the toxicity of chemicals on developing embryos.
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 are not pregnant or do not have a history of exposure to azole medications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety guidelines for the use of antifungal medications during pregnancy, potentially reducing the risk of birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that alternative models can effectively reveal mechanisms of developmental toxicity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
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.