August 23, 2010American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A266 citations
View Full PaperDe novo ACTA2 mutation causes a novel syndrome of multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction
Structured PICO
P
Population
Patient(s) with a de novo ACTA2 R179H mutation
O
Outcome
Identification of a novel syndrome of multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction
Identifies a novel multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome caused by a de novo ACTA2 R179H mutation, presenting with aortic and cerebrovascular disease alongside pulmonary hypertension.
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contract to perform many physiological functions, including regulation of blood flow and pressure in arteries, contraction of the pupils, peristalsis of the gut, and voiding of the bladder. SMC lineage in these organs is characterized by cellular expression of the SMC isoform of α-actin, encoded by the ACTA2 gene. We report here on a unique and de novo mutation in ACTA2, R179H, that causes a syndrome characterized by dysfunction of SMCs throughout the body, leading to aortic and cerebrovascular disease, fixed dilated pupils, hypotonic bladder, malrotation, and hypoperistalsis of the gut and pulmonary hypertension.