Understanding Skull Suture Formation in Conditions like Apert and Chotzen Syndrome

Coronal Suture Development in Health and Disease

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11136411

This research helps us understand how skull bones grow and join together, especially for children born with conditions like Apert and Chotzen syndrome.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136411 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our skulls are made of several bones that are separated by special joints called sutures, which allow the brain to grow. In conditions like craniosynostosis, these sutures fuse too early, which can affect brain development and often requires surgery. This project looks closely at how these sutures form correctly and what goes wrong when they fuse too soon. By studying the cells involved and their genetic instructions, we hope to uncover the root causes of these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to families and individuals affected by craniosynostosis, particularly those with Apert or Chotzen syndrome, as it seeks to understand the underlying biological mechanisms of their condition.

Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to skull suture development, such as craniosynostosis, would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide crucial insights into the causes of craniosynostosis, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat these conditions without extensive surgery.

How similar studies have performed: This research aims to define cell populations and their organization, which are currently poorly understood, suggesting a novel approach to understanding craniosynostosis.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Apert syndromeChotzen Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.