Pediatrics Grand Rounds: Understanding Congenital Anomalies Through The Power Of Multiomics
Ethylin Jabs, MD, professor, chair of the Department of Clinical Genomics , Mayo Clinic Pediatrician, Mayo Clinic
The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to welcome Dr. Ethylin Wang Jabs as a visiting professor, hosted by the Division of Genetics and Metabolism. She will present Pediatrics Grand Rounds in person on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 7:30–8:30 a.m. in HSLC 1345 and via zoom.
Jabs is professor and chair of the Department of Clinical Genomics at Mayo Clinic and is board certified in clinical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics and genomics, and pediatrics. Her clinical expertise focuses on the dysmorphology of rare and complex conditions, particularly craniofacial disorders such as craniosynostosis and cleft lip and palate.
She also serves as an adjunct professor of genetic medicine and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University. Nationally, Jabs has served on the NIH NIDCR Board of Scientific Councilors and the NIH National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council. She currently serves on advisory boards for Smile Train, the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, and the Born a Hero Research Foundation. She is co-editor of the book Genomics in the Clinic.
Jabs’ research group has identified genetic causes for numerous syndromes involving homeobox and helix-loop-helix transcription factors, fibroblast growth factor receptors, and connexins. Her work integrates sequencing technologies with RNA expression and protein interaction studies across animal, organoid, biochemical, and iPSC systems. These large-scale data efforts are advancing understanding of developmental pathways, genotype-phenotype correlations, and therapeutic strategies, with promising approaches currently being evaluated in mouse models.
Pediatrics Grand Rounds Title: Understanding Congenital Anomalies Through The Power Of Multiomics
Pediatrics Grand Rounds Session Overview: The study of congenital anomalies is critically important because they are a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting 3–6% of all live births and contributing substantially to childhood disability and death. Understanding congenital anomalies through omic technology enables pediatric clinicians and researchers to identify risk factors. The session will review examples of craniofacial and limb disorders caused by both genetic and environmental factors that inform prevention strategies, improve prenatal screening, and guide counseling, treatment, and management for patients and their families.