Understanding how Draxin affects the development of cranial neural crest cells
Official title: Characterization of the roles and regulation of Draxin in cranial neural crest
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11106070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Draxin affects the development of cells that help form the face, which could help us understand and find new treatments for conditions like Treacher Collins syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $148,212 |
| NIH project number | 3R00DE028592-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11106070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with craniofacial syndromes such as Treacher Collins syndrome or other related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial abnormalities or those not affected by neural crest development issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Draxin, a Wnt pathway antagonist, in the development of cranial neural crest (NC) cells, which are crucial for forming facial structures. By examining how Draxin regulates the timing of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NC cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind craniofacial abnormalities. The approach includes analyzing the effects of Draxin on NC cell migration and differentiation, which could lead to insights into various craniofacial syndromes. Patients with conditions like Treacher Collins syndrome may benefit from the findings as they could help identify new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for craniofacial abnormalities associated with neural crest development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the roles of signaling pathways in craniofacial development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hutchins, Erica — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hutchins, Erica
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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.