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CCDG Research Overview

The research focus of the CCDG is to understand the etiology of complex human phenotypes, primarily those increasing risk for craniofacial and dental disorders.
The CCDG has a particular emphasis on genetic factors contributing to risk.

Pittsburgh Orofacial Cleft (POFC) Studies

Investigating genetic contributions to orofacial clefting in families from multiple national and international sites. 

Oral Health Studies

Investigating genetic, microbial, and behavioral risk factors for early childhood caries and other oral health pathologies.

Genomic Studies

The CCDG is a collaborator in several large-scale, National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored genomic studies including the Gene Environment Association Studies Initiative (GENEVA) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) initiatives to better understand the genetics of dental caries and oral clefts.

3D Facial Norms Study

The 3D Analysis of Normal Facial Variation Study (NIH/NIDCR Grant U01-DE020078) was a collaborative initiative led by Drs. Weinberg and Marazita, involving investigators at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the University of Iowa.

Computational Methods Development

Developing methods to improve gene identification and provide data analysis to collaborators around the world.

Other CCDG Collaborations

Providing statistical genetic and other expertise to investigators around the world.