Genetic Cause of Spina Bifida

No one knows the exact cause or causes of spina bifida. However, research scientists suspect that there may be a genetic cause of this disorder. They also suspect that nutritional and environmental factors may play a role in the cause of spina bifida.

 

Genetic Cause of Spina Bifida and the Latest Research

Spina bifida research scientists are looking at a possible genetic cause of spina bifida. The goal of this research is to find the genetic factors that make some children more susceptible to neural tube defects than others. Researchers hope to use this information to learn more about the causes of spina bifida and ways to prevent spina bifida. Researchers are also studying gene expression during the process of neural tube closure, which will provide information on the human nervous system during development.

 

Other scientists are studying genetic risk factors for spina bifida, especially those that diminish or lessen the function of folic acid in the mother during pregnancy, possibly leading to spina bifida in the fetus. It is hoped that this research will shed some light on how folic acid prevents spina bifida.