Zebrafish crocc2 mutants exhibit divergent craniofacial shape, misregulated variability, and aberrant cartilage morphogenesis.

Whereas "regulatory" genes are widely implicated in patterning the craniofacial skeleton, genes that encode "structural" aspects of the cell are increasingly implicated in shaping the face. Our results add crocc2 to this list, and demonstrate that it affects craniofacial geometry and canalizes phenotypic variation. We propose that it does so via mechanosensing, possibly through the ciliary rootlet. If true, this would implicate a new organelle in skeletal development and evolution. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.