Understanding How Cells Build the Face and Skull
Control of Mammalian Craniofacial Morphogenesis by the ESCRT Machinery
This work explores how tiny cell machinery helps shape the face and skull during development, aiming to understand the causes of birth defects.
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-11193540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on special cell machinery, called ESCRT, to manage signaling molecules that guide development. When this machinery doesn't work correctly, it can lead to problems in how the face and skull form. We are using a specific mouse model with a genetic change in the ESCRT machinery to observe how these defects occur. By studying these mice, we hope to uncover the precise cellular processes that go wrong, particularly in the early stages of development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help individuals affected by craniofacial birth defects in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without craniofacial birth defects or related developmental conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the causes of craniofacial birth defects, potentially guiding future strategies for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of ESCRT in general cell processes is known, its specific functions in vertebrate craniofacial development are poorly understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Selleri, Licia — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Selleri, Licia
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.