Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describes a set of highly variable, ethanol-induced craniofacial abnormalities and cognitive disabilities that impact up to 5% of school-age children every year. Some of this variability is due to genetic predisposition; however, we know little of the genes contributing to FASD variability. Our work leverages the high degree of genetic amenability in zebrafish to identify ethanol-sensitive genes involved in craniofacial development. The craniofacial skeleton develops from complex interactions between multiple tissues in the forming head. We aim to understand how gene-ethanol interactions influence the normal cellular and tissue behaviors that drive these complex interactions. Using the live imaging capabilities of transgenic zebrafish embryos, as well as molecular biology and classical embryology techniques, we can directly analyze the impact of gene-ethanol interactions on the cell behaviors underlying craniofacial development. Our goal is to provide insight into the ethanol-sensitive genes that regulate craniofacial development and lay the groundwork for the mechanistic basis of ethanol teratogenesis. Ultimately, we hope to build a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and environmental inputs underlying craniofacial development that will help identify therapeutic avenues to improve efficacy in mitigating these developmental disorders.

Lovely Lab Website

Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Dept. Website