Neural Tube Defects

Abstract Neural tube defects arise from failures of neurulation, and represent some of the most common congenital malformations in humans. Neural tube defects have a complex etiology, having both genetic and environmental contributing factors. Neurulation involves a complex series of precisely choreographed, morphogenetic movements that transform the neural plate into the neural tube. Mouse, chicken, Xenopus and zebrafish model systems have been instrumental in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurulation. The study of these model systems has led to the discovery of a large number of candidate genes for sequencing in human patients.