Ciara Maith presenting at Anatomy Connected in Toronto!

Ciara will be presenting a poster titled Early embryonic morphology of brains and chondrocrania in the Fgfr2+/P253R mouse model of Apert Syndrome at the 2024 Anatomy Connected meetings in Toronto! Read more about her presentation and work below.

Apert Syndrome (AS), linked to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene, presents with cranial abnormalities and limb deformities. While known for premature cranial suture closure, our study focuses on the less explored chondrocranium. The study, employing advanced imaging techniques and machine learning, highlights lateral expansions in chondrocranial cartilages and cerebral cortex, offering crucial insights into the structural alterations caused by the FGFR2:p.Pro253Arg mutation. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of AS pathology but also pave the way for future investigations into the potential impact on cranial bone development.