Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which causes developmental delay, unusual facial features (dysmorphism), short stature and low muscle tone. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion but all cases reported so far have been sporadic.[1] The syndrome was originally described in 1989.[2]

Cause

Wiedemann-Steiner results from mutations in the MLL (also known as KMT2A) gene on the long arm of chromosome 11.[3] The gene encodes a histone-modification enzyme - that is, it helps modify the expression of other genes.[4] The condition is autosomal dominant meaning that only one abnormal copy of the gene is needed for a person to have Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome. In nearly all the cases reported the mutation has occurred de novo, i.e. neither parent was affected, with one exception, a father and son who have both been diagnosed.

The mechanism by which mutations in the MLL gene cause the phenotype of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is not yet known.

Features

Features described in Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome include:[5]

Diagnosis

If Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is suspected, analysis of the MLL gene can be carried out. Otherwise, it may be diagnosed by whole-exome sequencing.

Treatment

There is no specific cure or treatment for Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome. Children with this condition may benefit from a range of supportive treatments such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, supplementary nutrition for poor feeding and special educational support.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.omim.org/entry/605130?search=wiedemann-steiner&highlight=wiedemannsteiner
  2. ↑ Wiedemann H-R, Kunze J, Dibbern H. 1989. Atlas der klinischen Syndrome für Klinik und Praxis 3rd edition. Stuttgart: Schattauer. pp 198-199. ISBN 9783794516827
  3. ↑ Jones, WD; Dafou, D; McEntagart, M; Woollard, WJ; Elmslie, FV; Holder-Espinasse, M; Irving, M; Saggar, AK; Smithson, S; Trembath, RC; Deshpande, C; Simpson, MA (10 August 2012). "De novo mutations in MLL cause Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome.". American Journal of Human Genetics 91 (2): 358–64. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.06.008. PMID 22795537.
  4. ↑ http://www.omim.org/entry/159555
  5. ↑ Steiner, CE; Marques, AP (April 2000). "Growth deficiency, mental retardation and unusual facies.". Clinical dysmorphology 9 (2): 155–6. doi:10.1097/00019605-200009020-00021. PMID 10826636.

6. Andrew and Blake Ruoho of Minnesota

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