Understanding how genes control the development of the skull and face.
Official title: Genetic Regulatory Network in Craniofacial Development
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11048532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes help shape the skull and how problems with these genes can lead to conditions like craniosynostosis, which affects how the skull forms, with the hope of finding better treatments for people with craniofacial issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | March 12, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $762,445 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DE015654-17A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with craniofacial abnormalities or those at risk for conditions like craniosynostosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with craniofacial conditions unrelated to genetic signaling or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic signaling networks that govern craniofacial development, particularly focusing on the growth centers in the skull known as cranial sutures. By studying skeletal stem cells in these sutures, the research aims to uncover how defects in their development can lead to conditions like craniosynostosis, which affects skull formation. The approach includes analyzing the behavior of these stem cells and their role in bone healing and regeneration. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for craniofacial abnormalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for craniofacial disorders, improving outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding craniofacial development through genetic analysis, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Wei — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Wei
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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.