Understanding the causes of Meningomyelocele, a severe birth defect
Developmental Mechanisms of Human Meningomyelocele
This study is looking into how genetics and folic acid can affect the chances of developing Meningomyelocele, a serious birth defect, to help families understand their risks and find ways to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017615 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to uncover the developmental mechanisms behind Meningomyelocele (MM), a serious neural tube defect that can occur during pregnancy. By studying genetic factors and the impact of folic acid supplementation, the project seeks to identify how these elements influence the risk of MM. Researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including next-generation sequencing and animal models, to analyze genetic interactions and the effects of environmental factors on the development of this condition. The findings could lead to improved risk assessment and prevention strategies for families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been diagnosed with Meningomyelocele or are at risk due to family history.
Not a fit: Patients with other unrelated birth defects or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of Meningomyelocele, potentially reducing its incidence in newborns.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural tube defects through genetic and environmental studies, indicating that this approach has potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gleeson, Joseph G — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gleeson, Joseph G
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 below.