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LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $612,440 in the form of two federal grants for the University of Massachusetts Lowell to continue oral disease and disorder research. The funding, which was disbursed by the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), will be used by the university to expand the Oral Diseases and Disorders Program’s research.

“UMass Lowell continues to be a leader in research and innovation that will change lives in Massachusetts and across America for the better. I’m proud to announce this funding to support Dr. Fish’s incredible work on craniofacial development disorders, I look forward to seeing the results of her research,” Congresswoman Trahan said.

Both grants will support projects led by Dr. Jennifer Fish, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at UMass Lowell. The first grant, totaling $455,940, will be used to conduct research on how mutations in the SATB2 gene can lead to cleft palate and low bone density.

“The R15 grant is awarded to institutions to engage undergraduate students in meritorious research. Individuals with mutations in the SATB2 gene suffer from cleft palate and low bone density. For this particular award, we will investigate normal bone development, and how mutations in the SATB2 gene disrupt this process to cause disease,” said Dr. Fish.

The second grant, totaling $156,500, was awarded to fund research into how reductions of the Fgf8 gene during facial bone growth and gland development contribute to craniofacial disorders.

“The pharyngeal pouches are a transient developmental structure that develop into the thymus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and contribute to the development of the facial skeleton. Fgf8 is an important gene expressed in the pharyngeal pouches, and reductions in Fgf8 levels during development are associated with several craniofacial disorders. In work funded by this award, we will investigate how Fgf8 expression regulates development of pharyngeal pouches,” said Dr. Fish.

Trahan has been a strong supporter of the National Institutes of Health, which houses the Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research. During the most recent appropriations negotiations, she advocated for and helped secure $41.1 billion for the NIH in FY 2020, an increase of $2 billion above the 2019 enacted level and $6.9 billion above the President’s budget request. As the House negotiates federal funding for FY 2022, Trahan has already requested an additional $3 billion in funding for NIH.

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