Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Separation of Mouse Embryonic Facial Ectoderm and Mesenchyme
Published on: April 12, 2013
Genes, environment, and orofacial clefting: N-acetyltransferase and folic acid
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5073, USA. erickson@peds.arizona.edu
Abstract:
Nonsyndromic orofacial clefting has been the subject of intense studies, both genetic and epidemiological. The findings have frequently been controversial because of lack of reproducibility. Mouse models provide the potential both for genetic and environmental uniformity. We have chosen to study the role of genetic susceptibility to teratogen-induced orofacial clefting, using 2 drugs (dilantin and corticosteroid) and 1 nondrug teratogen (6-aminonicotinamide). The strongest single genetic influence we have found is N-acetyltransferase 2. Our recent work and that of others suggest that the influence of this locus is mediated through alterations in folate metabolism. Our results support epidemiological findings in humans and possibly implicate altered cytosine methylation, potentially caused by environmental factors, at least in the A/J model.
Related Concept Videos
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Mutations

