The impact of advances in developmental biology on the management of neonatal surgical anomalies.
While advances in the clinical management of various congenital anomalies in pediatric surgery have led to new and exciting therapeutic modalities, our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these defects lags far behind. In a new era of developmental biology, the prospect of unlocking some of these mysteries has become a real possibility. Advances in gene sequencing has allowed us to create new phenotypes that closely mimic those seen in patients, and has created a setting where we are now better able to understand and develop new therapeutic interventions. Here we discuss the implications of some of the molecular mechanisms underlying various congenital anomalies encountered in pediatric surgery, and how continued research will impact the future of these disease processes.
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
Sheilendra S
SS
Mehta
George K
GK
Gittes
D000818:Animals; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D015509:Developmental Biology / Q000379:methods*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn