Understanding how Hdacs shape facial development in zebrafish
Official title: Understanding the role of Hdacs in zebrafish craniofacial development
Funded at University of South Carolina at Aiken · NIH-11393184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A zebrafish study aims to uncover how histone-deacetylase enzymes control facial bone and cartilage formation to inform birth defect research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Aiken NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aiken, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $172,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154790-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with craniofacial birth defects or families affected by related conditions who may benefit from advances in understanding genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in facial development.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve patient participation or direct clinical care.
What this research studies
This project uses zebrafish to watch craniofacial development in real time and to test how Hdac enzymes influence neural crest cells that form facial bones. By creating genetic mutations and transgenic lines, researchers will map how Hdacs interact with gene pathways to control cell fate, migration, and bone formation in the developing face. The findings could clarify the cellular and genetic causes behind birth defects such as cleft palate and abnormal skull formation. The research focuses on basic biology with potential implications for understanding human craniofacial disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights into the genetic and epigenetic controls of facial development could lead to better understanding, prevention, and potential future interventions for craniofacial birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in other models show Hdacs influence craniofacial development, suggesting the approach could yield meaningful insights, though human translation remains to be established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Aiken
Aiken, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delaurier, April F — University of South Carolina at Aiken
- Study coordinator: Delaurier, April F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How HDAC proteins affect face and skull formation
Researchers are looking at how HDAC proteins control early face and skull formation to help explain birth defects like cleft palate and other craniofacial differences.
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Investigating how specific enzymes affect facial bone development in zebrafish
This study is looking at how certain genes affect the growth of facial features by using zebrafish, which can help us understand why some babies are born with facial differences.
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.