Project Grant R03DE035523

Grant Summary

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) awarded a $301,086 Project Grant to the University of California, Davis (awarded July 1, 2026; completion June 30, 2028) under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121). This research project investigates cyclooxygenase (COX) signaling in neural crest cell development and craniofacial formation using an avian embryo model. The primary deliverables include identification of intracellular effectors linking COX enzymes to neural crest epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration (Aim 1), functional characterization of COX perturbation effects on neural crest cell integrity and differentiation into craniofacial tissues (Aim 2), and supporting data through RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and high-resolution fluorescence imaging. The research outcomes are intended to advance understanding of fundamental COX-mediated mechanisms underlying neural crest development with direct implications for comprehending congenital craniofacial anomalies including cleft palate, jaw malformations, and congenital cranial neuropathies.

As a civilian research program administered by the National Institutes of Health, the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program emphasizes basic, translational, and clinical research supporting dental and craniofacial health advancement. UC Davis, a Land Grant research institution, serves as the primary recipient and principal investigator institution for this two-year project conducted in Davis, California.