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Is Cleft Palate Genetic?
- Heritability
- ~56%
- Inheritance
- polygenic
- Key genes
- IRF6 TBX1 FGFR2
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Oral clefting has substantial genetic contribution; syndromic forms caused by single genes; non-syndromic forms are polygenic.
How Genetic Is Cleft Palate?
Cleft Palate involves complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors. Heritability estimates range up to 56%, though no single gene determines outcome on its own.
Key genes associated with Cleft Palate: IRF6 TBX1 FGFR2. Variants in these genes have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and clinical research as influencing susceptibility or severity.
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics
Does Family History Matter for Cleft Palate?
Family history can be informative for Cleft Palate, but its predictive power is limited because many genes — each with small effects — combine with environmental influences. A family history of the condition may prompt earlier or more frequent screening.
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