Understanding how skin and mouth tissues develop and interact

Identifying transcriptional interplay between skin and oral ectoderm during mandibular patterning

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11096975

This study is looking at how the mouth and skin develop in babies and how their growth is connected, using special mice to understand the genes involved, which could help explain some birth defects that affect these areas.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11096975 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex development of the mouth and skin tissues, focusing on how these different epithelial domains are formed and interact during early development. Using knockout mouse models, the study aims to uncover the genetic programs that control the segmentation of these tissues and how they influence each other. By examining the expression of specific genes at various developmental stages, researchers hope to clarify the genetic mechanisms behind congenital defects that affect these structures, which can lead to significant health issues for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital defects related to oral and skin development.

Not a fit: Patients without congenital defects or those whose conditions do not involve the oral or skin tissues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for congenital defects affecting the mouth and skin.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic interactions being studied may be novel, similar approaches using knockout models have shown success in understanding developmental biology.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.