Meet Dr. Aline Petrin, an esteemed member of the orthodontics faculty at the University of Iowa. Renowned for her dedication to genetics research and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Dr. Petrin is a vital part of our clinic's academic and research community. 

Educational Background 

Petrin's academic journey began in Brazil, where she cultivated a deep interest in genetics and disease inheritance. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science and later completed her Master's and PhD in Human Genetics at the Universidade Estadual Paulista. Her fascination with genetics, which started in high school, drove her to pursue advanced studies in the field, focusing on how genetic factors contribute to various conditions. 

Petrin joined the University of Iowa Orthodontics Department in 2017 as a Postdoctoral Fellow, becoming part of the college’s T90 program. Her dedication and expertise quickly earned her a NIH/NIDCR K01 grant in 2019, allowing her to transition to the role of Associate Research Scientist. By 2021, she had become an Assistant Professor. In these roles, Petrin has made significant contributions to the department through her research and mentorship. 

Research Focus 

Petrin's research centers on the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to orofacial clefts. She is particularly interested in the complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences on gene expression. To explore this, she uses twin studies, focusing on monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins who are discordant for orofacial clefts. Her innovative approach involves using CRISPR-based gene editing to manipulate DNA methylation and study its effects on gene expression in cell lines. 

Methodology 

Studying twins provides a unique opportunity to investigate genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to orofacial clefting. Monozygotic twins, with their nearly identical genetic makeup and similar environmental exposures, offer a valuable model for understanding how these factors interact. Petrin's work involves detailed genetic and epigenetic analysis of these twins to pinpoint the mechanisms behind cleft formation. 

Challenges and Collaborations 

One of the major challenges in Petrin's research is the rarity of twins discordant for cleft lip and palate. However, she has successfully overcome this hurdle through extensive collaborations built over the years. These partnerships, involving clinicians, developmental biologists, bioinformaticians, and biostatisticians, enhance the scope and depth of her research, allowing for a comprehensive investigation of orofacial clefting. 

Impact of Research 

Petrin's work aims to deepen our understanding of the complex etiology of orofacial clefts, paving the way for better treatments and preventive measures. By revealing clefting's genetic and epigenetic substructures, her research contributes to identifying targets for clinical interventions and developing diagnostic applications that can improve patient outcomes. 

Role of CRISP 

The Clinical/Dental Education Research Initiative Support Program (CRISP) at the University of Iowa plays a crucial role in Petrin's research. This program provides essential support for initiating projects and gathering preliminary data, which is vital for securing larger NIH grants. CRISP enables researchers like Petrin to conduct pioneering studies that advance the field of dental genetics. 

Presentations and Recognition 

Dr. Petrin's expertise has been recognized internationally through her presentations at several prestigious events. 

American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR):  

The AADOCR is the largest meeting for dental and craniofacial research, attracting thousands of experts from around the world. At this event, Petrin had the opportunity to present her findings on the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing orofacial clefts. She delivered three presentations, sharing her groundbreaking research and engaging with the global scientific community. One notable presentation was part of the Symposium “The WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan: the OFC Nutritional Agenda,” where Petrin joined four esteemed international scientists to discuss strategies for the future of cleft research, focusing on predictive biomarkers and preventive tools. 

Gordon Conference in Barcelona, Spain:  

The Gordon Conferences are a series of prestigious scientific meetings known for their in-depth discussions and focus on cutting-edge, unpublished research. These biannual conferences are highly selective, with attendees chosen based on their expertise and potential contributions. Presenting at a Gordon Conference is a significant honor, as it provides a platform for researchers to showcase their latest work to a highly engaged and influential audience. Petrin's participation in this event allowed her to connect with leaders in the field, including developmental biologists and engineers, fostering new collaborations and enhancing her research network. 

Future Directions  

Petrin plans to continue expanding her research on the epigenetic landscape of clefting etiology. Her goal is to explore the dynamic and changeable nature of the epigenome, which responds to environmental factors, offering potential for innovative approaches to cleft prevention and treatment. 

Mentorship and Personal Reflections 

Beyond her research, Petrin finds immense joy in mentoring students. She values helping young scientists develop their projects, troubleshoot challenges, and present their findings. This mentorship role is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career, as she guides students through the complexities of research and helps them grow into capable and confident scientists. 

Advice for Young Researchers 

Petrin encourages aspiring researchers to embrace continuous learning, build strong collaborations, and maintain open communication. She advises, "Our field of research is constantly evolving, we must keep learning, always. Network and build collaborations. Be open about your goals and rules; early and open communication can avoid lots of problems." This highlights the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of dental research and emphasizes that open communication and clear goal-setting can prevent misunderstandings and foster productive scientific relationships. 

Dr. Petrin's journey, marked by her groundbreaking research and dedication to mentoring, continues to inspire and contribute significantly to the field of orthodontics and genetics. We are extremely proud to have her as a part of our faculty at the University of Iowa Orthodontics Clinic.