About 17p11.2 Microduplication Syndrome
The New York Center for Rare Diseases supports the mission and guidelines of the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). The following information is provided by the NIH.
Summary
17p11.2 microduplication syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra copy of a tiny portion of chromosome 17 (duplication of 17p11.2). People with this duplication often have some degree of developmental delay (primarily speech delay), low muscle tone, poor feeding, and failure to thrive during infancy. In addition, many individuals display some behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders. Some people with 17p11.2 microduplication syndrome have a heart defect. While most cases occur sporadically, in rare cases, it may be inherited.
Causes
What Causes This Disease?
Genetic Mutations: 17p11.2 microduplication syndrome is caused by genetic mutations, also known as pathogenic variants. Genetic mutations can be hereditary, when parents pass them down to their children, or they may occur randomly when cells are dividing. Genetic mutations may also result from contracted viruses, environmental factors, such as UV radiation from sunlight exposure, or a combination of any of these.
If you suspect you may have this disease, you may want to start collecting your family health history. Information such as other family members who have had similar symptoms, when their/your symptoms first appeared, or exposures to any potential disease-causing environmental factors should be discussed with your medical team.
Chromosomal Changes: 17p11.2 microduplication syndrome is caused by a change in the number of chromosomes a person has, or a change in their structure. Chromosomes are structures within cells that hold all our genes. People usually have 46 chromosomes, 23 come from the biological mother and 23 come from the biological father. Most of the time, chromosomal changes occur randomly in the sperm or egg, but some changes are known to be passed on from parent to child.
Given the known chromosomal changes for this disease, you may want to ask your health care team if chromosome testing is right for you. Results from chromosome testing can confirm or rule out a suspected chromosomal disease or help determine a person’s chance of passing on a disease.