Abstract

It is thought that most structural birth defects are caused by a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors that interact to interfere with morphogenetic processes. It is important not only to identify individual genetic and environmental risk factors for particular defects but also to identify which environmental factors interact specifically with which genetic variants that predispose to the same defect. Genomic and epidemiological studies are critical to this end. Development and analysis of model systems will also be essential for this goal, as well as for understanding the mechanisms that underlie specific gene-environment interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEssays on Developmental Biology, Part A, 2016
EditorsPaul M. Wassarman
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages569-580
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9780128029565
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
Volume116
ISSN (Print)0070-2153

Keywords

  • Birth defect
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Fetal alcohol
  • Hedgehog
  • Holoprosencephaly
  • Neural tube defects
  • Notch
  • Wnt

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