Understanding how specific proteins influence the development of facial structures from stem cells.
Official title: The Role of SoxE Transcription Factors in Neural Crest Cell Specialization
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11185340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help shape important cells that form the face and skull, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat birth defects related to these areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DE031825-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11185340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with craniofacial malformations or syndromes related to neural crest development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with craniofacial conditions not linked to neural crest cell development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of SoxE transcription factors in the development of neural crest cells, which are crucial for forming various tissues in the face and skull. By using advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing and genetic manipulation, the study aims to uncover how these proteins guide the specialization of neural crest cells into different cell types, such as cartilage and melanocytes. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind certain birth defects related to craniofacial development. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of these conditions and potential new therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive strategies for craniofacial birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the roles of transcription factors in cell differentiation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schock, Elizabeth (Betsy) — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Schock, Elizabeth (Betsy)
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
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.