How is the face formed and when it goes wrong: In relation to Cleft Lip/Palate

The normal development of the face relies upon the correct morphogenesis of structures in utero that usually occurs within the first trimester of embryonic life. The face is a very complex structure involving many genes and factors and with it being such a crucial part of life, both physically and aesthetically and therefore mentally, its important for everything to be just right. However, when the normal process doesn’t go to plan this results in dysmorphogenesis, which cleft lip and palate (CLP) is an example of as the lip/palate doesn’t fuse together and the infant is left with a gap. Although the exact cause of CLP is unknown, it is thought to be a mixture of genetics, environment and the teratogens the mothers are exposed to within the environment. This report will demonstrate the normal development of the face for the purpose of understanding how it goes wrong, resulting in CLP. Since there is still a lot to be understood about CLP it will also shed light on recent advances in relating SHH and certain genes as a possible cause for this dysmorphogenesis. The report will also briefly look at the relation of CLP with the genes associated with syndromic and non-syndromic diseases and the different types of CLP. There are many other facial defects that are a result of dysmorphogenesis, however as CLP is one of the most common yet poorly understood facial defect, it will be the main focus of this report.