Understanding Why Some People Handle Harmful Genetic Changes Better
Official title: Mechanisms of Developmental Buffering
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11509886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying why the same genetic change can cause problems in some people but not others, with a focus on how the body buffers or lessens these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $463,567 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DE029193-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11509886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or without a known genetic mutation related to craniofacial development, or individuals interested in how genetic buffering might apply to human diseases.
✕Less likely to help
People without a relevant genetic condition or interest in the buffering mechanisms may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are using a zebrafish model and human genetics to uncover natural mechanisms that help the body cope with harmful genetic mutations. They study how genetic and molecular flexibility allows development to overcome perturbations, targeting insights that could help people with genetic diseases. The work involves comparing zebrafish strains that are either sensitive or resilient to a mutation in a gene linked to craniofacial development, and then relating these findings to humans with similar variants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to lessen the impact of certain genetic diseases in people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms has shown that buffering can modify disease outcomes, but the exact mechanisms in humans remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nichols, James Tucker — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Nichols, James Tucker
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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.