Intersections of epigenetics, twinning and developmental asymmetries: Insights into monogenic and complex diseases and a role for 3D facial analysis

G. Baynam; P. Claes; J.M. Craig; J. Goldblatt; S. Kung; P. Le Souef; M. Walters

doi:10.1375/twin.14.4.305

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Intersections of epigenetics, twinning and developmental asymmetries: Insights into monogenic and complex diseases and a role for 3D facial analysis

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Intersections of epigenetics, twinning and developmental asymmetries: Insights into monogenic and complex diseases and a role for 3D facial analysis

G. Baynam, P. Claes, J.M. Craig, J. Goldblatt, S. Kung, P. Le Souef and M. Walters

Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol.14(4), pp.305-315

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1375/twin.14.4.305

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Abstract

For decades the relationships of twinning and alterations in body patterning, such as laterality and asymmetry, have been investigated. However, the tools to define and quantify these relationships have been limited and the majority of these studies have relied on associations with subjectively defined phenotypes. The emerging technologies of 3-dimensional (3D) facial scanning and geometric morphometrics are providing the means to establish objective criteria, including measures of asymmetry, which can be used for phenotypic classification and investigations. Additionally, advances in molecular epigenetics provide new opportunities for novel investigations of mechanisms central to early developmental processes, twinning and related phenotypes. We review the evidence for overlapping etiologies of twinning, asymmetry and selected monogenic and complex diseases, and we suggest that the combination of epigenetic investigations with detailed and objective phenotyping, utilizing 3D facial analysis tools, can reveal insights into the genesis of these phenomena.

Details

Title: Intersections of epigenetics, twinning and developmental asymmetries: Insights into monogenic and complex diseases and a role for 3D facial analysis
Authors/Creators: G. Baynam (Author/Creator) - School of Paediatrics and Child Health
P. Claes (Author/Creator) - KU Leuven
J.M. Craig (Author/Creator) - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
J. Goldblatt (Author/Creator) - School of Paediatrics and Child Health
S. Kung (Author/Creator) - School of Paediatrics and Child Health
P. Le Souef (Author/Creator) - School of Paediatrics and Child Health
M. Walters (Author/Creator) - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Publication Details: Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol.14(4), pp.305-315
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Identifiers: 991005540415007891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.49 Dentistry & Oral Medicine; 1.49.464 Orthodontic Treatment
Web Of Science research areas: Genetics & Heredity; Obstetrics & Gynecology
ESI research areas: Molecular Biology & Genetics