Proliferative vasculopathy and hydranencephaly–hydrocephaly syndrome or Fowler syndrome: Report of a family and insight into the disease's mechanism

FC Radio, L Di Meglio, E Agolini… - … Genetics & Genomic …, 2018 - Wiley Online Library
FC Radio, L Di Meglio, E Agolini, E Bellacchio, M Rinelli, P Toscano, R Boldrini, A Novelli…
Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine, 2018Wiley Online Library
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 FLVCR 2 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 FLVCR 2 gene, and describe the impact of …
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.
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