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Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program in Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Complex (BEEC)

Urogenital anomalies account for 20-30% of prenatally detected structural defects. Bladder Exstrophy Epispadias Complex (BEEC) describes a subset of anomalies with a spectrum of developmental defects ranging from a mild form of epispadias, to classic bladder exstrophy, to omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal anomalies (OEIS) complex. Patients with BEEC suffer substantial morbidity and mortality due to impaired genito-urinary dysfunction. The etiology of BEEC is largely unknown. Elucidating the underlying genetic component is critical to gaining a better understanding of the developmental signaling pathways and is likely the first step to developing targeted therapy.