Understanding how nasal pits form and their role in upper lip development
Official title: The Molecular Basis of Nasal Pit Morphogenesis and its Role in Upper Lip Formation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11013309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nose and upper lip develop in babies, especially to understand what goes wrong in conditions like cleft lip and palate, so we can learn more about how to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,226 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE033613-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents with a family history of cleft lip or palate or those who have had previous children with these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of craniofacial birth defects or are not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular and cellular processes involved in the formation of nasal pits and their contribution to upper lip development, particularly in the context of cleft lip and palate, which are common birth defects. By examining the changes in the frontonasal process during mid-gestation, the study aims to uncover the cellular drivers and molecular regulators that lead to proper lip formation. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques to visualize the three-dimensional topology of the developing midface and the signaling pathways involved in these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for preventing cleft lip and palate in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of craniofacial development, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lucido, Luke David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Lucido, Luke David
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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.