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Kufs disease
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Kufs diseaseOn this page:
Reviewed September 2010
What is Kufs disease?Kufs disease is a condition that primarily affects the nervous system, causing progressive problems with movement and thought (cognition). Two types of Kufs disease have been described: type A and type B. The two types have different but overlapping signs and symptoms. Type A is characterized by a combination of seizures and uncontrollable muscle jerks (myoclonic epilepsy), a loss of intellectual functions (dementia), impaired muscle coordination (ataxia), involuntary movements (extrapyramidal dysfunction) such as tremors or tics, and speech difficulties (dysarthria). Kufs disease type B is not associated with epilepsy or dysarthria; however, as with Kufs disease type A, its characteristic features include dementia, ataxia, and extrapyramidal dysfunction. Individuals with Kufs disease type B may also experience changes in personality. The signs and symptoms of Kufs disease typically appear around age 30, but they can develop anytime between adolescence and late adulthood. The condition worsens with time, and affected individuals usually survive about 10 years after the signs and symptoms first begin. Kufs disease is one of a group of disorders known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). These disorders all affect the nervous system and impair movement and cognition. Unlike Kufs syndrome, most other NCLs also cause vision loss. How common is Kufs disease?As a group, NCLs affect 2 to 4 per 100,000 newborns worldwide. It is estimated that Kufs disease represents 1.3 to 10 percent of all NCL cases. What genes are related to Kufs disease?Mutations in the PPT1 gene can cause Kufs disease. The PPT1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1. This protein is found in structures called lysosomes, which are compartments within cells that break down and recycle different types of molecules. Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 removes certain fats called long-chain fatty acids from other proteins so the fats can be broken down and used for energy. In people with Kufs disease, a fatty substance called a lipopigment builds up abnormally within the lysosomes of nerve cells (neurons). The buildup of this substance is thought to be harmful to neurons and may ultimately cause these cells to die. Over time, the progressive death of neurons in the brain leads to movement problems and cognitive decline in affected individuals. It is unclear how PPT1 gene mutations relate to lipopigment formation or why the buildup of lipopigment seems to occur only in neurons in people with Kufs disease. Researchers have identified PPT1 gene mutations in only a few people with Kufs disease. The cause of the majority of cases is unknown. Researchers suspect that other unidentified genes, possibly genes that cause other types of NCL, may be responsible for the disorder in these cases. Read more about the PPT1 gene. How do people inherit Kufs disease?When Kufs disease is caused by mutations in the PPT1 gene, it has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Autosomal recessive inheritance 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. Less commonly, Kufs disease can have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. No genes have been found to be associated with autosomal dominant Kufs disease. Most cases occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Kufs disease?These resources address the diagnosis or management of Kufs disease and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of Kufs disease in Educational resources and Patient support. General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. Where can I find additional information about Kufs disease?You may find the following resources about Kufs disease helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for Kufs disease?
For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook. What if I still have specific questions about Kufs disease?Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful. What glossary definitions help with understanding Kufs disease?acids ; ataxia ; autosomal ; autosomal dominant ; autosomal recessive ; cell ; ceroid ; cognition ; dementia ; dysarthria ; extrapyramidal ; fatty acids ; gene ; inheritance ; involuntary ; lysosome ; molecule ; mutation ; nerve cell ; nervous system ; neuron ; pattern of inheritance ; protein ; recessive ; seizure ; sign ; symptom ; syndrome ; tic ; tremor You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (5 links)
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. |