Marfan's syndrome.
Marfan's syndrome is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin 1. Cardinal manifestations include proximal aortic aneurysm, dislocation of the ocular lens, and long-bone overgrowth. Important advances have been made in the diagnosis and medical and surgical care of affected individuals, yet substantial morbidity and premature mortality remain associated with this disorder. Progress has been made with genetically defined mouse models to elucidate the pathogenetic sequence that is initiated by fibrillin-1 deficiency. The new understanding is that many aspects of the disease are caused by altered regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), a family of cytokines that affect cellular performance, highlighting the potential therapeutic application of TGFbeta antagonists. Insights derived from studying this mendelian disorder are anticipated to have relevance for more common and non-syndromic presentations of selected aspects of the Marfan phenotype.
Judge
Daniel P
DP
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Dietz
Harry C
HC
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D000071838:Fibrillin-1; D000071837:Fibrillins; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D054392:Adipokines
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000071838:Fibrillin-1; D000071837:Fibrillins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; C000605722:FBN1 protein, human; D054392:Adipokines; C000605724:Fbn1 protein, mouse