Craniofacial defects are an important cause of morbidity for children worldwide, with craniofacial defects making up one third of all congenital anomalies and occurring in association with over 100 different genetic syndromes. Cranial neural crest cells are multipotent, migratory cells that form most of the bone, cartilage, connective tissue and peripheral nervous system of the head and face. Craniofacial defects are largely attributed to abnormalities in the formation, migration or differentiation of the neural crest. The cranial neural crest is responsive to the tissues that surround it, however, so craniofacial defects may result from a primary defect in neural crest cells, or from a defect in the tissues that signal to neural crest.

Kristin Melton, MD, has an interest in studying the tissues that signal to the neural crest, such as the endothelium and cranial mesoderm, and the signaling pathways utilized by these tissues. Using embryo culture techniques, cell culture and transgenic mouse models, Dr. Melton is investigating the interaction between the endothelium and the neural crest. Microarray has also been used to identify a number of mesoderm-specific genes that may play key roles in craniofacial development.

Dr. Melton is a practicing neonatologist and attends at the RCNIC in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Her clinical interests include newborns with complex congenital anomalies and genetic defects, as well as a focus on family-centered care.