Integrated Systems in Orofacial Cleft Care: Etiology, Digital Innovation, and Clinical Management

Orofacial cleft (OFC) is the most common congenital craniofacial defect influencing approximately 1 in 700 live births, with wide geographical and racial distribution. It can significantly impact quality of life, affecting speech, feeding, hearing, appearance, even psychological development. Currenttly, the treatment of OFC is depended on multidisciplinary team approach and places a considerable burden on families and society. Orofacial cleft has a multifaceted etiology influenced by complex genetic and environmental risk factors. Although there are some genome wide association studies (GWAS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) about OFC which provide deeper insights into the pathogenesis of OFC, the hot candidate genes remain largely unknown. Another main manner in studying OFC is the biology of facial development to explore the function of the candidate virulence genes using animal models. Despite these developments, significant challenges remain in looking for precise candidate genes, how environmental risks interact with genetic factors and how we can incorporate known etiologic variables to improve clinical care. The aim of this Research Topic is to showcase papers around the etiology of OFC, the case reports of new mutation genes, modified management of OFC surgery, the prevention management of OFC. Researchers are invited to contribute papers with a focus not only on genetic but also on environmental effects, and their interaction on the occurrence of OFC to seek more effective, targeted, interceptive and personalized regenerative OFC strategies. The objective is to connect basic science findings with clinical applications, by exploring not only the molecular etiology of OFC but also advanced interventions that genomics, stem cell biology, and gene-based technologies for tissue repair and functional restoration.Research on this field might include in vitro and in vivo basic studies, observational studies, case reports of new mutation genes, modified management of OFC surgery. systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Manuscripts should cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:• The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in palate development in vivo or in vitro.• The GWAS, WES, transcriptomes and proteomics research in OFC patients.• The translational research in OFC such as biomarkers or preclinical study.• The environmental factors on OFC and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors• Clinical management of OFC patients Topic editors: Juan Du, Huaxiang Zhao, CHAO LIU Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86273/integrated-systems-in-orofacial-cleft-care-etiology-digital-innovation-and-clinical-management