# Mechanisms underlying the multifaceted basis of craniofacial dysmorphogenesis

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2020 · $967,358

## Abstract

Craniofacial dysmorphologies are some of the most common human birth defects and can be extremely
variable in their severity and extent. Understanding, diagnosing and treating these dysmorphologies requires a
detailed understanding of the normal genetic hierarchies, cell signaling and cellular interactions that drive the
morphogenesis and integration of the multiple cell types within the craniofacial complex. Genetic and/or
environmental perturbations that disrupt these normal processes can cause craniofacial dysmorphologies.
Given that human craniofacial birth defects tend to be sporadic and non-syndromic, it is most likely that
multifactorial perturbations are the most common cause of these defects. However, there are major gaps in our
understanding of the normal processes in craniofacial development. Furthermore, we have very little
understanding of how multifactorial interactions disrupt normal development.
This R35 proposal will support the unique research program of Dr. Johann Eberhart’s lab. The signaling
interactions mediating craniofacial morphogenesis are examined in the first program. The second program
examines how craniofacial tissues integrate seamlessly with one another. The third program examines the
environmental and gene-environment interactions that can disrupt craniofacial development.
Dr. Eberhart is an extremely well trained and productive developmental biologist. He has been supported
through various NIH-based mechanisms ever since he was an undergraduate student. He has authored 40
total publications, 28 since establishing his independent lab at UT Austin. He has established himself as a
leader in the field of craniofacial development and has pioneering publications on muscle-tendon attachments,
zebrafish palatal development and gene-environment interactions. Dr. Eberhart is routinely invited to present
the work from his lab at national and international meetings. He is also regularly asked to provide scientific
service, such as grant reviews and organizing/participating in scientific workshops. Dr. Eberhart is a tireless
mentor. He not only ensures that his trainees research is top notch, but is also deeply engaged with their
scientific careers. To date, every one of Dr. Eberhart’s trainees that have been eligible for fellowships have
received at least one. Dr. Eberhart is also committed to increasing diversity in STEM fields and actively recruits
promising young scientists from diverse backgrounds into the field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9983696
- **Project number:** 5R35DE029086-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHANN K EBERHART
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $967,358
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9983696

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9983696, Mechanisms underlying the multifaceted basis of craniofacial dysmorphogenesis (5R35DE029086-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9983696. Licensed CC0.

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