Researchers find cleft palate gene
Researchers have identified the gene which causes a rare form of cleft palate.
They say the sex-linked form of the defect and an associated disorder are caused by mutations in a gene called T-box 22.
The study used data collected from Icelandic, Brazilian, Canadian and native American families over a 14-year period.
The research team was led by Dr Philip Stanier of Imperial College, London.
Dr Stanier said: "This discovery enables us to investigate the role of a major genetic determinant required for normal palate formation."
Cleft palate affects 1 in 1,500 births. Children born with the condition have problems with feeding, speech, hearing and psychological development.
Dr Stanier said: "Despite the high prevalence of cleft palate little is known about the underlying causes."
"In the long term, identification of the targets for the T-box 22 protein may offer hope for a prenatal therapeutic intervention."
