Atelosteogenesis type 2 is a severe disorder of cartilage and bone development. Infants born with this condition have very short arms and legs, a narrow chest, and a prominent, rounded abdomen. This disorder is also characterized by an opening in the roof of the mouth (a cleft palate), distinctive facial features, an inward- and downward-turning foot (a clubfoot), and unusually positioned thumbs (hitchhiker thumbs).
The signs and symptoms of atelosteogenesis type 2 are similar to those of another skeletal disorder called diastrophic dysplasia; however, atelosteogenesis type 2 is typically more severe. As a result of serious health problems, infants with this disorder are usually stillborn or die soon after birth from respiratory failure. Some infants, however, have lived for a short time with intensive medical support.
Atelosteogenesis type 2 is an extremely rare genetic disorder; its incidence is unknown.
Atelosteogenesis type 2 is one of several skeletal disorders caused by mutations in the SLC26A2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for the normal development of cartilage and for its conversion to bone. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that makes up much of the skeleton during early development. Most cartilage is later converted to bone, except for the cartilage that continues to cover and protect the ends of bones and is present in the nose and external ears. Mutations in the SLC26A2 gene disrupt the structure of developing cartilage, preventing bones from forming properly and resulting in the skeletal problems characteristic of atelosteogenesis type 2.
Read more about the SLC26A2 gene.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
These resources address the management of atelosteogenesis type 2 and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on treatment of atelosteogenesis type 2 in
Educational resources and Patient support.
You may find the following resources about atelosteogenesis type 2 helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
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- Additional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health
- Educational resources - Information pages
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You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
- AO2
- Atelosteogenesis de la Chapelle type
- atelosteogenesis, type 2
- De la Chapelle dysplasia
- McAlister dysplasia
- Neonatal osseous dysplasia 1
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.