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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

neural tube defects, NTDs, chicken

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common congenital malformations, afflicting .5- 8/1000 live births (Saitsu, 2003). Examples of such defects include spina bifida and anencephaly, resulting from failed closure of the posterior and anterior neural tube, respectively. The neural tube is the fetal precursor to the central nervous system. Currently the most common and effective method for preventing such defects consists of periconceptional folate intake. In developed countries, sufficient folate (folic acid or vitamin B12) is readily obtained from multivitamins, enriched cereals, or other items in a balanced diet. This preventative treatment, however, remains ineffective in 30-50% of cases and in some of these instances maternal folate levels fall within the normal range (Greene, 2009). The reasons behind continued incidence of NTDs remain nebulous. The aim of my study that was partially funded by this ORCA Grant was to further elucidate the role that folate plays during neurulation using the chicken as a model organism. By completing and publishing this research, I hope to provide beneficial information to increase the effectiveness of treatments and potentially develop additional treatments to further reduce the prevalence of NTDs.

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