Case report describes varying disease expression in a family with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia, highlighting genetic implications.
X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the EDA gene and characterized by variable involvement of ectoderm-derived tissues. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and molecular features of a Moroccan family affected by X-linked HED, with particular emphasis on the role of X-chromosome inactivation in phenotypic variability among female carriers. Clinical and genetic investigations identified the pathogenic EDA variant c.467G>A (p.Arg156His) in an affected boy and his heterozygous mother. Notably, the mother exhibited a more severe ectodermal phenotype than typically observed in female carriers. This observation highlights the likely impact of skewed X-chromosome inactivation on disease expression and underscores its importance for genotype–phenotype interpretation, genetic counseling, and multidisciplinary care.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hammouch et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: