University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Cox Lab:
Craniofacial Development & Dysmorphology
Research in the Cox lab is aimed at understanding the genetic and epigenetic contributions that govern normal facial development and determine an individual’s susceptibility to common craniofacial malformations, such as cleft lip/palate and craniofacial microsomia.Lighting the way
Forefront Of Research
My team takes a multi-pronged approach to understanding craniofacial birth defects. We aim to identify new genes causing common craniofacial conditions using the latest whole genome sequencing technologies. This is complemented with the use of animal models to understand the mechanistic contribution of identified genes. We primarily use the mouse as our model system (but also the chick) and we employ a full range of molecular, genetic, cell biology and developmental biology techniques. We have a particular specialty in quantitative 3D imaging (microCT, OPT, and HREM) to determine the impact of single gene alleles and maternal dietary components to an individuals risk of being born with a craniofacial malformation.
Featured Research Areas
The role of cleft lip/palate genes in the regulation of orofacial ectoderm adhesion dynamics
Cleft lip/palate (CL/P) is one of the most common human birth defects. Despite many genes having been identified to cause CL/P, the precise roles of these genes in craniofacial development and the contribution of not-genetic factors remain largely unknown. The Cox Lab pursues the function of multiple prominent cleft lip/palate genes in the facial ectoderm. More specifically, we are dissecting the role(s) of these genes and their protein products in regulating the endocytosis and recycling of adherens and tight junction complexes.
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Molecular mechanisms underlying Craniofacial Microsomia
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is characterized by often marked craniofacial asymmetry that can involve the maxillae, the mandible and external ear, among other tissues. Various hypotheses have been put forth to explain this sporadic and variable condition that include both genetic and environmental insults. Our work in this area capitalizes on whole genome sequencing technologies in patient cohorts and detailed investigation of the pathogenetic mechanisms in unique animal models of CFM.
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Regulation of the cranial base synchondroses and their role in midfacial projection
The cranial base has long been thought to play a major role in craniofacial growth and anterior facial projection. The bones of the cranial base develop through endochondral ossification and are separated by cartilaginous synchondroses. Our work aims to characterize the developmental growth of cranial base and how this is perturbed in many mouse models of midfacial hypoplasia.
Our Team On The Forefront Of Research
Members of the Cox lab have various research backgrounds, including embryology, developmental biology, molecular and cellular biology, tomographic imaging, and genomics.