SUMMARY
Approximately 1 in 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a congenital anomaly. Many of these babies require specialized care and interventions to support their growth and development. Congenital anomalies also are the leading cause of infant mortality, responsible for 20% of all infant deaths.
Meng Wu, Ph.D., investigates the cellular and molecular foundations of common structural congenital anomalies, including neural tube defects, craniofacial abnormalities and limb malformations. Dr. Wu uses animal models and pluripotent stem cells to study signaling pathways, epigenetics and gene regulation in both development and disease. By applying multi-omics approaches, Dr. Wu aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to innovative treatments for these conditions.
Focus areas
- Neural tube defects. These malformations of the central nervous system result from the incomplete closure of the neural tube during early embryonic development. Neural tube defects include conditions such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Dr. Wu's research explores the molecular mechanisms driving neural tube defects by analyzing the transcriptomes and epigenomes of mouse models. This allows insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying folate-responsive and non-folate-responsive neural tube defects.
- Cartilage and bone development in the lower jaw. Mandibular disorders, such as small or malformed jaws, are some of the most common congenital anomalies, impacting speech, feeding and overall facial structure. Dr. Wu investigates the gene expression networks underlying Meckel cartilage and mandible formation. He uses transcriptome and network analyses to uncover regulatory pathways in normal and abnormal development.
- Cleft palate. Cleft palate is a common birth defect that affects approximately 1 in 1,600 infants. This condition arises from complex genetic and environmental factors during development. Dr. Wu's work focuses on the intricate interactions between the epithelium and mesenchyme in the developing palate using mouse models that mirror human clefting. Dr. Wu aims to pinpoint developmental disruptions that contribute to abnormal palatogenesis.
- Roberts syndrome. Roberts syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by variants in the ESCO2 gene. The condition results in growth problems, craniofacial abnormalities and limb reduction. Dr. Wu uses cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomic methods to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the condition. These methods provide critical insights into limb morphogenesis and potentially highlight pathways for future therapeutic approaches to mitigate or manage Roberts syndrome.
Significance to patient care
A mix of genetic and environmental factors causes congenital anomalies. This makes their origins complex and varied. The medical care needed by those who are affected can be costly and emotionally challenging.
Research on these conditions not only increases understanding, but also helps improve public health by supporting their prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. Dr. Wu's work aims to improve the lives of those affected, benefiting communities overall.
Professional highlights
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai:
- Adjunct assistant professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, 2023-present.
- Genetics and Genomic Sciences Pilot Award, 2019.
- Winner (team member), Postdoctoral Symposium Entrepreneurial Challenge, 2012.
- Reviewers' Choice Award, American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, 2023.
- 10x Genomics Multiome Pilot Award, Center for Advanced Genomics Technology at Mount Sinai, 10x Genomics and Illumina Inc., 2022.
- Third prize (team leader), "Chunhui Cup" Pioneering Competition for Overseas Chinese Scholars, 2014.