Birth defects occur in approximately five percent of newborns, and there are more than 700 inherited conditions with craniofacial and limb abnormalities. The research focus of Dr. Jabs' laboratory is to increase our understanding of the molecular basis of human malformation disorders including Crouzon, Apert, Treacher Collins, Moebius, Goldenhar, oculodentodigital, and Roberts syndromes. Mutations for syndromic craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, and mandibulofacial dysostosis conditions were identified in homeobox and helix-loop-helix transcription factors, growth factor receptors, connexins, and cohesion proteins. Current experimentation involves gene expression and protein interaction studies in animal model, biochemical, and cellular systems including induced pluripotent stem cells. These studies are elucidating the pathogenetic mechanisms of these mutations, signaling pathways and networks involved in normal and abnormal developmental processes, and phenotype-genotype correlations. Population association studies are being conducted on non-syndromic congenital anomalies such as isolated craniosynostosis and cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Based on these findings, therapeutic strategies are being tested in animal models to ameliorate abnormal craniofacial morphology. Her group is surveying the impact of these malformation conditions on the psychological well-being of the patients and their families.

She has also initiated a research program to evaluate genetics and genomics education for primary care physicians and the community served by Mount Sinai Center regarding the genetics of complex diseases, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

http://www.mssm.edu/research/labs/ethylin-wang-jabs-laboratory