Association between growth hormone receptor gene polymorphism and craniofacial morphology – A review

Abstract

Craniofacial development is a sophisticated process which has multiple genetic and epigenetic factors involved. Disturbance in the developmental process can cause morphologic and functional defects, which may also affect the psychological health of the individual. It is imperative for orthodontists to have a thorough knowledge about the growth of the face in general and of the maxilla and mandible in particular, to help modify growth and treat the skeletal malocclusions. Multiple genes have been implicated in the growth of the craniofacial complex, growth hormone receptor gene (GHR) being one of them. Growth hormone plays an important role in the post-natal development of an organism, both skeletal and soft tissue growth. Mutation of its receptor will affect the expression of the gene, and in turn influence the growth. Studies have shown that polymorphisms in the GHR gene receptors affect the morphology of the maxillomandibular skeleton. This article is a review about the polymorphisms of the GHR gene which affect the facial skeletal pattern.