Understanding the Causes of Adolescent Scoliosis
Official title: Developmental Mechanisms of Human Idiopathic Scoliosis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11121810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program aims to uncover the genetic and developmental reasons behind adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a common spine condition in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2016 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $321,469 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HD084387-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on children and adolescents affected by idiopathic scoliosis, particularly those who might contribute genetic information or samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose scoliosis is not idiopathic (meaning it has a known cause) or adults with scoliosis may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We are exploring why adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a common spine curvature in children, develops. Our approach involves looking for new genes in people with scoliosis and studying how these genes work in zebrafish models. We also examine how genes are controlled in the body to better understand the root causes of this condition. This combined effort helps us piece together the complex puzzle of scoliosis development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of scoliosis, potentially paving the way for earlier detection or new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While gene discovery in complex conditions is ongoing, this program combines established methods in human genetics and model organisms to identify underlying causes.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wise, Carol a — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wise, Carol a
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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.