You don't have to do research in your major. The more you're interested in the research you're doing, the more enjoyable of an experience it'll be!
Josie Kleve
Genomics and Molecular Genetics
Undergraduate Research in the Neighborhoods
Unlike the rest of the world, Finland has a high prevalence of cleft palate only (CPO) compared to cleft lip with palate, and a recent GWAS study identified a DNA variant associated with CPO near the IRF6 gene on chromosome 1, which is a gene essential for normal palate development. Our study aims to identify this variant in Michigan's Sauna Belt, a region with many individuals of Finnish descent. We are screening 25 individuals born with cleft palate using DNA isolated from newborn screening blood spots in the Michigan Neonatal Biobank. Understanding this variant's prevalence in Michigan will help genetic testing and counseling services better support Finnish-descent individuals with cleft palate, and aid the development of new therapies. Mutations in the IRF6 gene have been linked to cleft lip and/or palate, and its importance in palate development makes this variant a promising target for research.
Learn more about this and other research in the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
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