The study of neural tube defects after the Human Genome Project and folic acid fortification of foods.
The implementation of folic acid fortification will eliminate a proportion of neural tube defects (NTD). As a result, the etiologic and clinical profiles of the developmental disorder may both change. In the assessment of NTD as it evolves, the bioinformatics structure and content of the Human Genome Project will find vital application. One important development will be an enhanced understanding of the role of folic acid in global regulation of gene expression through epigenetic processes. In addition, bioinformatics will facilitate coordination of research in the basic sciences with clinical investigations to better define remaining etiologic factors.
Graf
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Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, USA. wgraf@u.washington.edu
Oleinik
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D000818:Animals; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005527:Food, Fortified; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D008745:Methylation; D051379:Mice; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control
D005492:Folic Acid