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Progress in the Understanding of the Genetic Etiology of Vertebral Segmentation Disorders in Humans
Author(s) -
Giampietro Philip F.,
Dunwoodie Sally L.,
Kusumi Kenro,
Pourquié Olivier,
Tassy Olivier,
Offiah Amaka C.,
Cornier Alberto S.,
Alman Benjamin A.,
Blank Robert D.,
Raggio Cathleen L.,
Glurich Ingrid,
Turnpenny Peter D.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03452.x
Subject(s) - disfigurement , etiology , medicine , kyphosis , klippel–feil syndrome , genetic counseling , vertebral column , scoliosis , maldevelopment , bioinformatics , anatomy , pathology , genetics , biology , surgery , radiography
Vertebral malformations contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of kyphosis and scoliosis, common health problems associated with back and neck pain, disability, cosmetic disfigurement, and functional distress. This review explores (1) recent advances in the understanding of the molecular embryology underlying vertebral development and relevance to elucidation of etiologies of several known human vertebral malformation syndromes; (2) outcomes of molecular studies elucidating genetic contributions to congenital and sporadic vertebral malformation; and (3) complex interrelationships between genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of isolated syndromic and nonsyndromic congenital vertebral malformation. Discussion includes exploration of the importance of establishing improved classification systems for vertebral malformation, future directions in molecular and genetic research approaches to vertebral malformation, and translational value of research efforts to clinical management and genetic counseling of affected individuals and their families.