Federal Grant Award Summary

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research received a $371,250 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121), effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2031. This five-year award supports fundamental research into the pathogenesis, phenotypic variation, and prevention of craniofacial anomalies—birth defects that account for approximately one-third of all infant birth defects and impact over 700 distinct craniofacial syndromes, including cleft lip and palate, micrognathia, and craniosynostosis.

The funded research addresses critical knowledge gaps in understanding how genetic and environmental factors interact to produce craniofacial malformations during normal development and in disease states. The project focuses on advancing foundational knowledge of craniofacial morphogenesis and etiology to support the development of preventative therapies, moving beyond current management approaches that rely heavily on surgical correction and rehabilitation. By investigating gene-environment interactions and epistatic effects that contribute to phenotypic variation in craniofacial development, this research aims to improve prevention strategies and therapeutic outcomes for affected individuals and families.