Using the mouse to understand the molecular basis of human craniofacial disorders

Abstract

At first glance the humble mouse might seem an odd choice as a model for studying complex human craniofacial disorders. However, similarities in embryonic development and genome organisation, and our ability to manipulate its genes have made this species the model of choice for investigating human development. Here we describe some examples from our own laboratory of mouse models that are providing insight into the mechanisms underlying two human craniofacial syndromes.