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Finally, a sense of closure? Animal models of human ventral body wall defects
Stephanie Brewer1, Trevor Williams
1Department of Craniofacial Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80045, USA.
Abstract:
Malformations concerning the ventral body wall constitute one of the leading categories of human birth defects and are present in about one out of every 2000 live births. Although the occurrence of these defects is relatively common, few detailed experimental studies exist on the development and closure of the ventral body wall in mouse and human. This field is further complicated by the array of theories on the pathogenesis of body wall defects and the likelihood that there is no single cause for these abnormalities. In this review, we summarize what is known concerning the mechanisms of normal ventral body wall closure in humans and mice. We then outline the theories that have been proposed concerning human body wall closure abnormalities and examine the growing number of mouse mutations that impact normal ventral body wall closure. Finally, we speculate how studies in animal models such as mouse and Drosophila are beginning to provide a much-needed mechanistic framework with which to identify and characterize the genes and tissues required for this vital aspect of human embryogenesis.
Insights
Ventral body wall defects are common human birth defects. This review summarizes normal closure mechanisms, proposed causes of defects, and insights from mouse and Drosophila models for human embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Human Genetics
- Embryogenesis
Background:
- Ventral body wall malformations are a leading category of human birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in 2000 live births.
- Despite their prevalence, detailed experimental studies on ventral body wall development and closure in humans and mice are scarce.
- The pathogenesis of body wall defects is complex, with multiple theories and likely no single causative factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known mechanisms of normal ventral body wall closure in humans and mice.
- To outline proposed theories regarding human body wall closure abnormalities.
- To examine how mouse and Drosophila models are contributing to understanding the genetic and tissue requirements for embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies on ventral body wall development.
- Analysis of proposed theories on the pathogenesis of human body wall defects.
- Examination of genetic mutations in animal models affecting ventral body wall closure.
Main Results:
- Summarizes current knowledge on normal ventral body wall closure mechanisms.
- Outlines various theories on the causes of human body wall defects.
- Highlights the utility of mouse and Drosophila models in studying embryogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ventral body wall closure requires integrating knowledge from human and animal studies.
- Animal models are crucial for identifying genes and tissues involved in embryogenesis.
- Further research using these models can provide a mechanistic framework for human birth defects.
