Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fowler syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hydranencephaly-hydrocephaly and multiple pterygium due to fetal akinesia. To date, around 45 cases from 27 families have been reported, and the pathogenic bi-allelic mutations in FLVCR2 gene described in 15 families. The pathogenesis of this condition has not been fully elucidated so far.
METHODS: We report on an additional family with two affected fetuses carrying a novel homozygous mutation in FLVCR2 gene, and describe the impact of known mutants on the protein structural and functional impairment.
RESULTS: The present report confirms the genetic homogeneity of Fowler syndrome and describes a new FLVCR2 mutation affecting the protein function. The structural analysis of the present and previously published FLVCR2 mutations supports the hypothesis of a reduced heme import as the underlying disease's mechanism due to the stabilization of the occluded conformation or a protein misfolding.
CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the hypothesis of heme deficiency as the major pathogenic mechanism of Fowler syndrome.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 446-451 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Molecular genetics & genomic medicine |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2018 |
Keywords
- Alleles
- Amino Acid Sequence/genetics
- Fetus/pathology
- Heme/genetics
- Humans
- Hydranencephaly/genetics
- Hydrocephalus/genetics
- Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
- Mutation
- Receptors, Virus/genetics
- Vascular Diseases/genetics