University of Pittsburgh Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics (CCDG) identifies genes for complex craniofacial and dental disorders in humans.
Based in the Pitt School of Dental Medicine, members of the center work with colleagues throughout the U.S., Europe, Central and South America, Asia, and Africa, using sophisticated statistical and molecular genetic methods to map and identify genes, develop phenotypes, and investigate behavioral and epidemiological factors that influence gene expression.
If it affects craniofacial development, we're interested!
About the CCDG
Since 2001, the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics (CCDG) has been an active research program within the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (DOCS) in the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. The research focus of the CCDG is to combine molecular genetic and statistical approaches to identify genes contributing to complex human phenotypes, primarily those increasing risk for craniofacial and dental disorders. Major projects include: 1) investigating genetic contributions to orofacial clefting—with an emphasis on related sub-clinical phenotypes—in families from multiple national and international sites; 2) studying the genetic, microbial, and behavioral risk factors for early childhood caries and other oral health pathologies in Appalachia; and 3) identifying the genetic determinants of normal human facial variation. The CCDG also develops computational methods to improve gene identification efforts, and provides secondary statistical genetic data analysis to collaborators around the world.
The CCDG is co-directed by Dr. Mary Marazita and Dr. Seth Weinberg.
Our research focus is to combine molecular genetic and statistical approaches to identify genes contributing to complex humanphenotypes increasing risk for craniofacial and dental disorders.
A team of twenty-plus dedicated individuals make the work of the CCDG possible.
Understanding the etiology of complex human phenotypes primarily those increasing risk for craniofacial and dental disorders.
The CCDG has a number of outstanding resources at its disposal.