Faulty Bioelectric Signal Responsible for Rare Facial Defects (IMAGE)
Caption
Tufts University biologists have discovered that faulty bioelectric signaling is responsible for the skull and facial abnormalities that characterize the rare genetic disorder Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS). The research shows it may be possible to alter bioelectrical signaling to correct effects of fetal alcohol syndrome, which is also characterized by facial abnormalities, and other developmental defects or genetic mutations. The tadpole on the left has regular, symmetrical craniofacial features characteristic of normal embryonic development. Researchers interfered with normal bioelectric signaling during development of the tadpole on the right, leading to facial abnormalities that mimic ATS.
Credit
Image courtesy of the Adams Laboratory at Tufts University
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