Zoha Kibar

Zoha Kibar is an Accredited Professor at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal. She is affiliated with the Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine. Her research focuses on the molecular genetics of congenital anomalies in the central nervous and skeletal systems, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) and Chiari I malformations (CMI). She uses genetics, genomics, and molecular biology to study these conditions, emphasizing gene-environment interactions.

During her postdoctoral work at McGill University, she identified the Vangl2 gene in the Loop-tail mouse model, linking it to NTDs. Her lab investigates VANGL1/2 genes in human NTDs, studies novel mouse models via N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis, and employs array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization for copy number variants in patients. For CMI, she examines genetic predispositions using dog models (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Brussels Griffon) to parallel human studies.

Her research aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying congenital anomalies, enabling better preventive strategies and genetic counseling. Key findings include the first report of pathogenic VANGL1 mutations in human NTDs. Current projects focus on expanding gene discovery in NTDs/CMI and bridging animal models to human clinical insights.