Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate

Cleft palate, a common congenital anomaly, is characterized by a failure of the palatal shelves to fuse during embryogenesis, resulting in an opening between the oral and nasal cavities. This malformation not only affects facial aesthetics but also significantly impacts speech, feeding, and hearing,...

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Main Authors: AC. Myo, R. Raju, J. O. Piña, P. Chattaraj, M. Furukawa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Dental Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1610223/full
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author AC. Myo
R. Raju
J. O. Piña
P. Chattaraj
M. Furukawa
author_facet AC. Myo
R. Raju
J. O. Piña
P. Chattaraj
M. Furukawa
author_sort AC. Myo
collection DOAJ
description Cleft palate, a common congenital anomaly, is characterized by a failure of the palatal shelves to fuse during embryogenesis, resulting in an opening between the oral and nasal cavities. This malformation not only affects facial aesthetics but also significantly impacts speech, feeding, and hearing, necessitating multidisciplinary care from birth through adulthood. The etiology of cleft palate is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Among the numerous genes implicated, Msx1 plays a pivotal role in palatal development. As a transcription factor, Msx1 regulates mesenchymal cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, processes crucial for proper palatal shelf elevation and fusion. Disruptions in Msx1 expression or function have been directly linked to cleft palate through both animal and human studies, highlighting its significance in palatogenesis. This review focuses on the role of Msx1 in cleft palate, providing a comprehensive overview of its functions and the molecular mechanisms through which it influences palatal development. We examine recent research findings, including studies on Msx1 mutations, signaling pathways, and gene-environment interactions, to elucidate the complex relationship between Msx1 and cleft palate. Moreover, advancing research could establish Msx1 as a fundamental target in the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies for craniofacial disorders. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to provide a deeper understanding of Msx1's role in cleft palate and pave the way for future research and clinical advancements.
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spelling doaj-art-25807a3ce27e46a8932cdfeee4316ee12025-08-20T02:50:53ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Dental Medicine2673-49152025-07-01610.3389/fdmed.2025.16102231610223Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palateAC. MyoR. RajuJ. O. PiñaP. ChattarajM. FurukawaCleft palate, a common congenital anomaly, is characterized by a failure of the palatal shelves to fuse during embryogenesis, resulting in an opening between the oral and nasal cavities. This malformation not only affects facial aesthetics but also significantly impacts speech, feeding, and hearing, necessitating multidisciplinary care from birth through adulthood. The etiology of cleft palate is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Among the numerous genes implicated, Msx1 plays a pivotal role in palatal development. As a transcription factor, Msx1 regulates mesenchymal cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, processes crucial for proper palatal shelf elevation and fusion. Disruptions in Msx1 expression or function have been directly linked to cleft palate through both animal and human studies, highlighting its significance in palatogenesis. This review focuses on the role of Msx1 in cleft palate, providing a comprehensive overview of its functions and the molecular mechanisms through which it influences palatal development. We examine recent research findings, including studies on Msx1 mutations, signaling pathways, and gene-environment interactions, to elucidate the complex relationship between Msx1 and cleft palate. Moreover, advancing research could establish Msx1 as a fundamental target in the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies for craniofacial disorders. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to provide a deeper understanding of Msx1's role in cleft palate and pave the way for future research and clinical advancements.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1610223/fullcleft palateMSX1palatal developmentrecent insightsgenetics causesenvironmental causes
spellingShingle AC. Myo
R. Raju
J. O. Piña
P. Chattaraj
M. Furukawa
Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
Frontiers in Dental Medicine
cleft palate
MSX1
palatal development
recent insights
genetics causes
environmental causes
title Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
title_full Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
title_fullStr Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
title_full_unstemmed Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
title_short Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate
title_sort current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of msx1 associated cleft palate
topic cleft palate
MSX1
palatal development
recent insights
genetics causes
environmental causes
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1610223/full
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