Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have enabled the identification of a vast number of genes that regulate embryonic development, and have led to the emergence of a new understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of several human diseases, including those affecting the orofacial region. More specifically, we have obtained a better understanding of how disruptions in the function of different genes can affect cross-talk and interactions between various signaling pathways, cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and polarity. This can in turn often manifest as interrupted patterning or morphogenesis of teeth and other orofacial structures. This demonstrates how the formation of the craniofacial complex is both a delicate and intricate process driven and guided by specific genetic programs.
Combinations of forward and reverse genetic studies have allowed us to start to piece the puzzles of the phenotypic spectrum of multiple craniofacial anomalies together. Screening and linkage studies involving families affected with dental and/or orofacial disorders have formed a cornerstone for identifying specific causative genes and their possible roles. Additionally, the use of various bioinformatic tools has enabled us to predict cellular and molecular characteristics of mutant cells and their pathogenicity. Significantly, animal studies particularly using murine models, have become invaluable in vivo tools which further help us to elucidate the function of the gene of interest and molecular processes controlling head development. It appears that the genetic programs that govern dental and facial development are highly conserved among different species and genetic engineering using animal models offers valuable functional and etiological information about craniofacial anomalies observed in humans.
This Research Topic aims to collate a set of manuscripts that will focus on the genetic basis of dental and craniofacial anomalies using advances in next generation sequencing technologies including whole genome, exome sequencing, multi-omics, and tools, utilized to identify the molecular causes of dental and craniofacial anomalies.
Papers may include animal models, cell cultures, functional studies, or techniques using other latest advances in molecular biology that aim to elucidate the molecular basis of dental and craniofacial development.
This Research Topic welcomes authors to submit original research as well as review articles that have a unique perspective.
Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have enabled the identification of a vast number of genes that regulate embryonic development, and have led to the emergence of a new understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of several human diseases, including those affecting the orofacial region. More specifically, we have obtained a better understanding of how disruptions in the function of different genes can affect cross-talk and interactions between various signaling pathways, cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and polarity. This can in turn often manifest as interrupted patterning or morphogenesis of teeth and other orofacial structures. This demonstrates how the formation of the craniofacial complex is both a delicate and intricate process driven and guided by specific genetic programs.
Combinations of forward and reverse genetic studies have allowed us to start to piece the puzzles of the phenotypic spectrum of multiple craniofacial anomalies together. Screening and linkage studies involving families affected with dental and/or orofacial disorders have formed a cornerstone for identifying specific causative genes and their possible roles. Additionally, the use of various bioinformatic tools has enabled us to predict cellular and molecular characteristics of mutant cells and their pathogenicity. Significantly, animal studies particularly using murine models, have become invaluable in vivo tools which further help us to elucidate the function of the gene of interest and molecular processes controlling head development. It appears that the genetic programs that govern dental and facial development are highly conserved among different species and genetic engineering using animal models offers valuable functional and etiological information about craniofacial anomalies observed in humans.
This Research Topic aims to collate a set of manuscripts that will focus on the genetic basis of dental and craniofacial anomalies using advances in next generation sequencing technologies including whole genome, exome sequencing, multi-omics, and tools, utilized to identify the molecular causes of dental and craniofacial anomalies.
Papers may include animal models, cell cultures, functional studies, or techniques using other latest advances in molecular biology that aim to elucidate the molecular basis of dental and craniofacial development.
This Research Topic welcomes authors to submit original research as well as review articles that have a unique perspective.