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Genetic factors contributing to Moebius syndrome

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Moebius syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder which is present at birth. The exact incidence is unknown. It is characterised by weakening or paralysis of the muscles in the face which control expression and lateral eye movements. People born with Moebius syndrome are unable to smile or frown, blink their eyes, or suck, although sometimes only one side is affected. Predominantly the sixth and seventh cranial nerves are involved but other nerves may also be affected. The sixth and seventh cranial nerves are pairs of nerves (one on each side of the face) which send messages from the brain and are responsible for certain facial movements and sensory functions. With Moebius syndrome, these nerves are either absent or underdeveloped, resulting normally in bilateral facial paralysis, although sometimes only one side is affected. Other physical problems are sometimes present in people with Moebius syndrome, such as clubfoot; mouth, tongue and jaw deformities; and respiratory illnesses.
The cause of Moebius syndrome is poorly understood. Our aim is to elucidate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of  Moebius syndrome.

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