During human organogenesis, neural crest cells (NCCs), a population of cells with migratory capacity, migrate from the dorsal surface of the neural tube to different regions of the embryo, where they differentiate into a broad range of cell types. 1 In vertebrates, the cranial NCC-derived mesenchyme contributes considerably to the development of the face and pharyngeal arches. 2 Orofacial development is a complex and delicate process, and craniofacial morphogenesis and palate formation occur through a well-orchestrated series of actions-including growth, expansion and fusion of the prominences-which is tightly controlled by the spatial and temporal signalling network. 3 Correct formation of the secondary palate is conditioned by the ability of cells to interact with neighbouring cells Abstract Background: Craniofacial morphogenesis is the result of an intricate multistep network of tightly controlled spatial and temporal signalling that involves several molecules and transcription factors organized into highly coordinated pathways. Any alteration in even one step of this delicate process can lead to congenital malformations such as cleft palate. One of the first steps in embryonal orofacial development is the migration of cells from the neural crests to the branchial arches. Next, the cells have to proliferate, differentiate, move and connect to each other in order to correctly form the palate. Cell contraction, promoted by the interaction of non-muscle myosin II and actin A, is a crucial step in morphogenesis and is regulated by ROCK1 protein.
Methods:A family-based association study was carried out in order to verify whether or not genetic variants of ROCK1 were associated with non-syndromic cleft palate (nsCP). Two cohorts from Italy and Iran, a total of 189 nsCP cases and their parents were enrolled.
Results: The rs35996865-G allele was under-transmitted in cases of nsCP [P = .006, odds ratio (OR) = 0.63 (95% CI 0.45-0.88)]. Conclusion: This investigation reveals for the first time data supporting a role for ROCK1 in nsCP aetiology. K E Y W O R D S association analysis, cleft palate, orofacial malformation, ROCK1 168 |