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Spina Bifida Research
Spina bifida and anencephaly are some of the most common structural birth defect in the United States, affecting 1 out of every 1,000 live births. These defects result from incomplete closure of the neural tube during development. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube in the spine does not close completely or the tissue covering the spinal chord does not develop properly. Spina bifida is associated with a number of complications including hydrocephalus, chiari malformation, bowel and bladder problems, paralysis and learning disabilities.
Neural tube defects are likely caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. While the environmental causes of neural tube defects such as folic acid deficiency and exposure to certain pharmaceutical and environmental toxins are known to influence the occurrence of neural tube defects, the genetic causes are not well defined. Furthermore, how environmental factors act on susceptible genetic backgrounds are not well understood. Ongoing studies in the Center for Neuroscience Research aim to identify the genes which may be responsible for neural tube defects and uncover how mutations in these genes result in this birth defect. Furthermore, studies also seek to discover the effect of environmental influences such as nutrition on the occurrence of neural tube defects when there is a susceptible genetic background. These studies will not only to identify the causes of neural tube defects but decrease their prevalence by further defining the interaction of environmental and genetic causes.
Faculty who study spina bifida and neural tube defects
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