Understanding how cranial sutures develop and their role in craniofacial deformities
Official title: A signaling crosstalk regulation in neural crest-derived cranial suture
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11077187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells help form the bones in your skull, which is important for a healthy face, and it aims to find better ways to diagnose and treat conditions like craniosynostosis that affect skull shape.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 8, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,469 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DE033506-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with craniofacial deformities, particularly those diagnosed with craniosynostosis or sutural agenesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial abnormalities or those not affected by cranial suture conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of cranial sutures, which are critical for proper craniofacial structure. By focusing on neural crest cells, which contribute significantly to cranial suture formation, the study aims to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for conditions like craniosynostosis. The research employs advanced techniques such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bioinformatics to analyze complex data related to cranial suture development. Patients may benefit from improved understanding and potential treatments for craniofacial abnormalities resulting from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapies for craniofacial deformities, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding craniofacial development, but this specific approach focusing on neural crest cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Xiaolei — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Xiaolei
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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.