Open AccessThe search for genetic determinants of human neural tube defects
Author(s) -
Paul Wolujewicz,
M. Elizabeth Ross
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
current opinion in pediatrics, with evaluated medline/current opinion in pediatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.817
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1080-8116
pISSN - 1040-8703
DOI - 10.1097/mop.0000000000000817
Subject(s) - neural tube , anencephaly , spina bifida , neurulation , epigenetics , neural tube defect , medicine , genetics , bioinformatics , neuroscience , gene , biology , embryonic stem cell , embryo , gastrulation
An update is presented regarding neural tube defects (NTDs) including spina bifida and anencephaly, which are among the most common serious birth defects world-wide. Decades of research suggest that no single factor is responsible for neurulation failure, but rather NTDs arise from a complex interplay of disrupted gene regulatory networks, environmental influences and epigenetic regulation. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is critical to advance NTD research and prevention.