by Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine have made significant progress in understanding the cause of craniofacial birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. These defects, affecting over 175,000 newborns globally each year, have perplexed scientists for decades. However, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds new light on their origins and suggests potential ways to prevent them in the future.
The study provides the first direct evidence of a mechanism called DNA methylation being necessary for craniofacial development. DNA methylation is a process where molecules are added to DNA, altering gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. It is influenced by environmental factors and disruptions to this process were found to interfere with lip and palate development, leading to birth defects in mice.
Robert Lipinski, the lead researcher and associate professor of comparative biosciences at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, believes that this research is a crucial step towards developing preventative strategies for orofacial clefts (OFCs) in both animals and humans. Lipinski explains that while previous research has identified the role of genetics in these defects, understanding the environmental component has been lacking. By connecting OFCs to DNA methylation, researchers can now focus on specific environmental influences that modify the risk of these birth defects.
The team conducted experiments by manipulating DNA methylation in mouse embryos, resulting in contradictory outcomes. In one group of mice, OFCs developed, but not in the other. To understand this discrepancy, additional experiments were conducted where DNA methylation was inhibited at different stages of development. The timing of DNA methylation was found to be critical in determining whether orofacial clefts would occur. Exposure on the 10th gestational day resulted in birth defects, while administering the same inhibitor just 48 hours later led to normal orofacial development.
Identifying this narrow window of gestational sensitivity is significant because it not only helps narrow the focus of future research but also allows for the design of public education initiatives once more is known about the modifiable environmental and behavioral risk factors impacting OFCs in humans.
Overall, this groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the cause of craniofacial birth defects and lays the groundwork for potential preventive measures in the future. By understanding the role of DNA methylation and its relationship to environmental factors, researchers can now work towards reducing the risk of OFCs and improving the outcomes for thousands of newborns worldwide.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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