Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Genetic Insights into Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Pathway to Improved Speech Therapy

Genetic Insights into Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Pathway to Improved Speech Therapy

Introduction

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is a condition where the velum and lateral pharyngeal walls fail to separate the oral and nasal cavities during speech, leading to hypernasality and speech abnormalities. This dysfunction is often linked to cleft palate conditions, both overt and submucous. Recent research, specifically a genome-wide association study (GWAS), has shed light on the genetic underpinnings of VPD, revealing significant loci associated with this condition. This blog aims to discuss the implications of these findings for speech-language pathologists and encourage further exploration into the genetic aspects of speech disorders.

Research Findings

The study conducted a GWAS on 976 unaffected relatives of isolated cleft palate probands, identifying five loci significantly associated with VPD: 3q29, 9p21.1, 12q21.31, 16p12.3, and 16p13.3. Additionally, 15 loci showed suggestive associations. Notably, genes involved in orofacial clefting and craniofacial development, such as TFRC, PCYT1A, BNC2, and FREM1, were located within these regions. This supports the hypothesis that VPD may share a genetic architecture with cleft palate, suggesting a subclinical phenotype within orofacial clefting.

Implications for Practitioners

Understanding the genetic basis of VPD can significantly enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used by speech-language pathologists. Here are some practical steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While the GWAS provides valuable insights, the genetic basis of VPD is not fully understood. Further research is needed to explore the genetic links between VPD and cleft palate more comprehensively. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or support research initiatives that aim to uncover additional genetic factors influencing VPD. Such efforts can lead to more effective interventions and improved outcomes for individuals with speech disorders.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: GWAS reveals loci associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction.


Citation: Chernus, J., Roosenboom, J., Ford, M., Lee, M. K., Emanuele, B., Anderton, J., Hecht, J. T., Padilla, C., Deleyiannis, F. W. B., Buxo, C. J., Feingold, E., Leslie, E. J., Shaffer, J. R., Weinberg, S. M., & Marazita, M. L. (2018). GWAS reveals loci associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction. Scientific Reports, 8, 8470. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-26880-w
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP