Andre Luiz Pasqua Tavares

Education

• D.D.S. – Federal Univers​​ity of Alfenas
• MS. – Federal Universi​​ty of Minas Gerais
• Ph.D. – Federal Universit​​​y of Minas Gerais
• Postdoctoral – University of Arizona and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus​​​​

Research Interests

• Our ​​goal is to determine the role of the transcription factor SIX1 and SIX1-associated genes in de​velopment of the cranial bones, jaws and ear using transgenic mice and Xenopus (frog).

• Our overarching goal is to help patients and their families understand the gen​etic causes of SIX1-related birth defects (e.g., branchio-oto-renal syndrome, craniosynostosis), and to develop preventive and corrective strategies.​

Current Projects

1. ​​​Six1 role du​​​ring s​​​kull bone and suture development and disease: Analyzing the role of Six1 and Six1-ass​​​ociated gen​es in development of the mouse cranial bones and sutures; Determining the link between Six1 and the pathogenesis of premature suture closure (craniosynostosis)
2. Six1 co-factors function during development of the jaws and ear: Uncovering the function of ​Six1-associated genes (co-factors) during development of the craniofacial cartilages and inner ear in Xenopus (frog); Dissecting the role of Six1 co-factors during development of the jaws and middle ear in mouse.
3. S​​ix1 and co-factors role during tooth development: Determining the function of Six1​ and Six1 co-factors during incisor development in mouse.​