The Role of Sonic Hedgehog Signalling in Craniofacial Development

Abstract

The unique characteristics of our face contribute to individuality, distinguishing us from other human beings as well as other species. This has led to the face being thought of as an isolated entity, in terms of both embryonic development and postnatal physical characteristics. The artistic intricacy of facial features is a reflection of multiple sophisticated spatial and temporal developmental events and interactions, not only within tissues that give rise to the face but also between these and other tissues such as the brain. The culmination of such interactions transforms planar tissue into readily recognizable complex three-dimensional structures with unique characteristics that we identify as our face. Complexity not simplicity, and interactions not seclusion, are the axioms in craniofacial development.