HES7 and spondylocostal dysostosis: Mutations in HES7 have been shown to be associated with spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD), an axial skeleton development disorder characterized by extensive hemivertebrae and rib anomalies in humans and dogs24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and HES7-knockout mice exhibit kinked tail in addition to malformation in the spine and ribs23, 28.