Inhibition of the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase diminishes the survival and size of chondrocytes during orofacial morphogenesis in zebrafish.

HMGCR function is necessary for the normal survival and morphology of chondrocytes during condensation and chondrogenesis in the developing palate and jaw. Further studies are required to establish the pathways through which HMGCR acts on apoptosis, proliferation, and cell size during normal craniofacial development.