Achondroplasia Flashcards Preview

Endocrine And Reproductive System Class > Achondroplasia > Flashcards

Flashcards in Achondroplasia Deck (5)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What are the general features of achondroplasia?

A

Form of dwarfism: short arms and legs with a normal torso size

  • Reduced stature (height)
  • Characteristic facial features include large head size and flattening of the bridge of the nose
  • Shortened fingers
  • Trident hand (separation between middle and adjacent fingers)
2
Q

What causes achondroplasia?

A

A gain of function mutations in the FGFR3 gene leads to achondroplasia

FGFR3 is a receptor tyrosine kinase

3
Q

What is the function of FGFR3?

A
  • FGFR3 is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase
  • Ligand binding outside the cell leads to intracellular responses
  • Promotion of cartilage differentiation into bone
  • G380R mutation of FGFR3 causes unregulated activity
  • Growth plate is prematurely converted to bone
4
Q

Aside from achondroplasia, what can mutations in FGFR3 lead to?

A

Other mutations can occur on FGFR3 to lead to skeletal dysplasia disorders; all are very rare

5
Q

What type of mutation is achondroplasia?

A

A classic autosomal dominant disorder