Understanding how cell connections affect palate formation
Official title: Determining the role of cell-cell adhesions in palate closure
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10903205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the mouth work together during pregnancy to help form the palate properly, and it hopes to find ways to help people with cleft palate by understanding what goes wrong in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,218 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE033915-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cleft palate or those at risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any craniofacial abnormalities or those not affected by cleft palate may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific signaling mechanisms in the oral tissues that are crucial for the proper closure of the palate during embryonic development. By focusing on the interactions between different cell types, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in these connections can lead to conditions like cleft palate. The research employs advanced techniques in cell and developmental biology to explore the roles of specific proteins involved in cell adhesion. Insights gained from this work could lead to improved genetic therapies for individuals affected by cleft palate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options and preventive strategies for cleft palate, a common birth defect.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell adhesion mechanisms related to craniofacial development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Juliet Stanton — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: King, Juliet Stanton
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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.