Donors have helped fund a new study to investigate the genes
that are involved in cleft lip and cleft palate.
Each year, more than 100 Victorian babies are born with this
condition, which is caused by a failure of the lip and palate to
form properly during early development.
While little is currently known about its causes, researchers
believe non-affected family members could give clues to the role of
genetic factors involved. The study will look at subtle differences
in their features including lip muscles and face shape.
Donor money helped fund the preliminary work in this area, which
then led to a major National Health & Medical Research Council
(NHMRC) grant enabling the study to proceed in 2010.
The study will be led by A/Professors Ravi Savarirayan and Nicky
Kilpatrick.