Dr. Aline Petrin, assistant professor in the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, recently presented her research at the 18th World Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation in Prague, Czech Republic.

Petrin was invited by Dr. Marie Tolarová, president of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation, to speak about her research on the epigenetics of cleft lip and palate. Her presentation, “Beyond the Sequence: DNA Methylation as a Modifier of Orofacial Clefting,” was part of a session focused on genetics, epidemiology and prevention.

The international congress, held Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, brought together clinicians, scientists and other specialists from around the world who study and treat cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial conditions. The meeting emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of research and clinical advances related to cleft care.

Petrin is an assistant professor in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research and the Department of Orthodontics. Her research focuses on the genetics and epigenetics of craniofacial birth defects, particularly nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. Her current work investigates how DNA methylation and interactions between genetic and epigenetic factors may contribute to the development and variation of orofacial clefts.

Petrin earned her master's degree and PhD in human genetics from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho in Brazil and completed postdoctoral research in craniofacial genetics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.