Genetic control of the molecular signalling events involved in the histogenesis of unsyndromic cleft

Up to date research based on the most recent techniques of molecular biology lead to the detection of genes, transcription factors, growth factors, other signalling molecules and their receptors involved in the determinism of unsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate. The authors review the most recent discoveries regarding this subject: identification of a major candidate gene located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and, mainly, the modifier role of growth and transformation factor alpha (TGFA). There are discussed the role of growth and transformation factor beta (TGFB 2 and 3), of transcription factors Msx and Lef and of homeobox genes as coordinators of mitosis/apoptosis during the fusion and epithelisation processes of internal nasal and maxillary buds, as well as of palatine processes