preview

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Decent Essays

General Information
Affecting 1 in every 4-8 million people worldwide, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome is a rare and fatal genetic condition characterized by the appearance of rapid aging in children. It affects both sexes and all races equally. It is caused by a mutation in the gene called LMNA, which produces the lamin A protein, a structural scaffold that holds the nucleus of a cell together. The abnormal form of the lamin A is called progerin, and it causes the nucleus to be unstable. Progeria is an autosomal dominant disorder; however, in almost all cases it occurs as a spontaneous mutation. It is a point mutation, meaning it’s just a one letter typo.

Clinical Manifestations and Complications
While the baby is born looking healthy, …show more content…

In regards to growth, a person with progeria will display a short stature, weight significantly low for their height, a head disproportionately large for the face, and a “thin, high pitched voice.” With body fat, he or she will have prominent scalp veins and/or prominent veins all over the body. They will also have circumoral cyanosis, blue discoloration occurring around the mouth and chin area. Other common characteristics are dystrophic fingernails and toenails, dry skin that is spotty, and sclerodermatous skin over the lower abdomen and thighs. This means there is hardening of the skin. Nocturnal lagophthalmos, the inability to fully close your eyes, may also be present. A blood sample of the patient’s blood will then be tested for progeria to confirm the …show more content…

Some people have lived into their 20s.

Treatments/Therapies
Physical and occupational therapy are recommended, but only prior to any heart problems, in order to help maintain motion of the large and small joints. Genetic counseling is needed for the family to understand the disease and further understand what is happening to their child. Nitroglycerin is administered and it has been very helpful for any chest pain. Also, anticongestive therapy if congestive heart failure is present. Shoe pads may also be recommended because the lack of body fat will often cause a great discomfort.

Research
Due to the mutation in LMNA, the nucleus of the cells in progeria are abnormal, with multiple lobes. A study in 2006 showed that in the laboratory FTIs could reverse the progeria cells back to having a normal nucleus. FTIs, or farnesyltransferase inhibitors were originally developed for cancer, and they are capable of reversing structural abnormalities in Progeria cells. In Progeria, a molecule called a farnesyl group attaches itself onto progerin. With the potential treatment, FTIs will act by inhibiting the attachment of the molecule to

Get Access