Time for T

Abstract

Genetic defects responsible for cleft lip and cleft palate are only now beginning to be uncovered. Mutations in the gene encoding a T-box transcription factor have been identified as the cause of the rare X-linked syndrome cleft palate with tongue-tie. And in another study, heterozygotes for a defective allele for a cell adhesion molecule, which is responsible for a rare clefting syndrome when homozygous, have been found at higher than expected incidence in sporadic forms of clefting.