Postulated mechanisms underlying the development of neural tube defects. Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies.
In recent years, use of animal models has resulted in acquisition of a significant amount of new information regarding normal and abnormal neural tube development. Studies of mutant and of teratogen-exposed mice are complementary, with each providing insights that promise to advance our understanding of the other. Analysis of teratogen-exposed embryos is best suited for identifying susceptible developmental stages and vulnerable populations. Advances in molecular genetics, with the ability to identify gene products, their cell/tissue location, and, potentially, to understand their function, will make naturally occurring as well as man-made mutants invaluable for understanding the heterogeneous mechanisms that underly NTDs.
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7090.
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Sadler
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000196:embryology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena