While loss of tfap2α in all vertebrates tested leads to craniofacial defects, mutations in the tfap2α gene in humans are associated with the Branchiooculofacial Syndrome highlighting the importance of this gene for craniofacial development and neural crest cell biology throughout evolution (Hoffman et al., 2007; Luo et al., 2003; Martinelli et al., 2011; Meshcheryakova et al., 2015; Van Otterloo et al., 2012). This evidence concerns the gene TFAP2A and Branchio-oculo-facial syndrome.