Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Missouri System received a $709,369 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective February 1, 2026 through November 30, 2030. The award supports basic biomedical research investigating the role of the FOXL2 (Forkhead Box L2) gene in urethral closure and hypospadias prevention. Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1% of newborn boys, yet the genetic origin of 70% of urethral closure defects remains unknown. This research will advance fundamental understanding of how FOXL2-expressing cells regulate extracellular matrix modification and respond to androgens during normal urethral development.

The funded research will be conducted at the University of Missouri System's Columbia, Missouri facility and will deliver three primary research aims focused on defining the role of FOXL2 in urethral closure mechanisms. The investigation will examine genetic regulation of extracellular matrix modification, characterize the diversity of cell populations involved in urethral development, and explore the androgen-dependent signaling pathways essential for normal urethra formation. Research deliverables will include scientific findings, data, and analysis that enhance knowledge of congenital urologic birth defect etiology and may inform future therapeutic interventions for hypospadias and related urethral closure disorders.