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Keywords = Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

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11 pages, 1434 KB  
Case Report
Clinical Variability of Classical Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Family with Rare COL5A1 Variant and Case-Based Review
by Karina E. Akhiiarova, Ekaterina N. Loginova, Rita R. Kildiyarova, Rita I. Khusainova and Anton V. Tyurin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177952 - 7 Sep 2026
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The 2017 International Classification of EDS delineates 13 subtypes, which are caused by pathogenic variants in 19 distinct genes encoding various collagen types or proteins involved in collagen metabolism. EDS is [...] Read more.
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The 2017 International Classification of EDS delineates 13 subtypes, which are caused by pathogenic variants in 19 distinct genes encoding various collagen types or proteins involved in collagen metabolism. EDS is characterized by considerable clinical variability, both across EDS subtypes and in terms of phenotypic polymorphism and disease severity within individual subtypes. The present study describes a clinical case of classical-type Ehlers–Danlos syndrome segregating across three generations, illustrating the clinical variability observed within a single family carrying a single rare pathogenic variant, NM_000093.5(COL5A1):c.4050dup (p.Gly1351fs). Furthermore, this report clarifies and expands the phenotypic spectrum associated with this specific variant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Advanced Therapies of Genetic Disorders)
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24 pages, 951 KB  
Review
Precision Medicine in Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease (Htad): From Molecular Mechanisms to Genotype-Driven Risk Stratification and Timing of Intervention
by Than Xuan Le, Quy Phu Hoang, Dung Duc Doan, Dong Xuan Pham and Thanh Xuan Nguyen
Cardiogenetics 2026, 16(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics16030017 - 28 Aug 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Background: Heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) accounts for approximately 20–25% of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) cases and is a major cause of premature death in young adults. Methods: This is a narrative, non-systematic review. We performed a selective synthesis of clinical [...] Read more.
Background: Heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) accounts for approximately 20–25% of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) cases and is a major cause of premature death in young adults. Methods: This is a narrative, non-systematic review. We performed a selective synthesis of clinical practice guidelines (ACC/AHA 2022, EACTS/STS 2024), the revised Ghent nosology, large multicenter cohort studies (Montalcino Aortic Consortium), randomized pharmacotherapy trials, and molecular mechanism data published between 2010 and 2025; quantitative figures are reported as published in individual primary sources and were not pooled or re-analyzed. Results: The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has driven a paradigm shift in HTAD management, from risk assessment based purely on phenotype (aortic diameter) to risk stratification based on genotype (molecular mutation). The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline identifies eleven genes with confirmed high-penetrance risk for HTAD; these, together with the established Loeys–Dietz gene TGFB3 (recognized through gene–disease validity assessment rather than the ACC/AHA list), can be grouped into three pathogenic mechanisms: extracellular matrix dysregulation, TGF-β signaling dysregulation, and vascular smooth muscle contractile dysfunction. Gene–disease association should be distinguished from guideline-defined classification and regarded as evolving, since additional candidate genes such as LTBP3 are already emerging in gene-negative families. Multigene panel testing identifies a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in roughly 8% of patients referred for suspected HTAD, a yield that rises substantially when applied to syndromic or strongly familial presentations. Prophylactic surgical thresholds are individualized by gene and are generally lower (around 4.0 cm) for high-risk TGFBR1/TGFBR2 and PRKG1 variants and higher (around 5.0 cm) for FBN1 and TGFB3, in contrast with the uniform 5.5 cm threshold historically applied to all patients. Randomized trials over the past decade—including the AIMS irbesartan trial, the Marfan Treatment Trialists’ individual patient data meta-analysis, and the celiprolol and irbesartan trials in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome—now provide direct evidence that angiotensin receptor blockade slows the rate of aortic root dilation in Marfan syndrome, with more limited evidence in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and uncertain effects on dissection or mortality, while valve-sparing aortic root replacement provides durable long-term outcomes in reported single-center experience. These thresholds and pharmacotherapy recommendations rest predominantly on observational cohort, registry, and randomized trial data of varying maturity and should be interpreted as graded, evolving recommendations rather than fixed cut-points. Conclusions: This review synthesizes the molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic nosology, gene-specific epidemiologic and prognostic data, genetic testing yield, pharmacotherapy evidence, surgical outcomes, and updated prophylactic intervention algorithms per the ACC/AHA (2022) and EACTS/STS (2024) guidelines, providing a practical reference framework for individualizing surveillance and surgical decision-making in patients with HTAD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Genetics in Clinical Practice)
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22 pages, 20599 KB  
Article
An Adamts2 Knock-In Model of Dermatosparaxis Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Reveals Defective Collagen Maturation
by Taylor Petrucci-Nelson, Amy Weintraub, Matthew Huff, Emma Mach, Cortney Gensemer, Cara Virgin, Madalyn Osterhaus, Kathryn Byerly, Erika Bistran, Sydney Severance, Brian Loizzi, Jan Guz, Fu Lei Tang, Molly Griggs, Sunil Patel and Russell A. Norris
Biomedicines 2026, 14(9), 1928; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14091928 - 27 Aug 2026
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dermatosparaxis Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (dEDS) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in ADAMTS2, which encodes the primary N-proteinase responsible for fibrillar procollagen processing. Although defective procollagen cleavage is the defining molecular feature of dEDS, how [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dermatosparaxis Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (dEDS) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in ADAMTS2, which encodes the primary N-proteinase responsible for fibrillar procollagen processing. Although defective procollagen cleavage is the defining molecular feature of dEDS, how ADAMTS2 deficiency disrupts extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and tissue integrity remains incompletely understood. Here we characterized the structural, molecular, and cellular consequences of a knock-in Adamts2 mouse model harboring a disease-associated variant and assessed its phenotypic and mechanistic resemblance to human dEDS. Methods: We generated Adamts2Q226* mice carrying a variant analogous to a human dEDS-causing mutation. Skin from homozygous, heterozygous, and control animals was evaluated using histologic, ultrastructural, biochemical, digital pathology, and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing approaches. Pathway enrichment analyses and the computational tool CellChat were used to infer altered molecular programs and changes in intercellular communication. Results: Homozygous knock-in mice exhibited near-complete loss of dermal ADAMTS2 protein expression, impaired type I procollagen processing, disrupted dermal architecture, and irregular hieroglyphic collagen fibrils characteristic of dEDS. Digital pathology demonstrated reduced collagen bulk, diminished assembled and total collagen, increased fine collagen, and loss of mature collagen architecture, with intermediate changes in heterozygous animals. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing identified fibroblasts as the most affected population, with coordinated downregulation of collagen, microfibrillar, and other ECM-associated genes. Pathway analyses implicated altered ECM organization, receptor-linked signaling, cytoskeletal regulation, protein processing, and metabolism, while CellChat inferred widespread reductions in intercellular communication. Conclusions: ADAMTS2 deficiency causes fibroblast-enriched transcriptional remodeling, impaired collagen processing and ECM maturation, and disrupted tissue-wide cellular communication. This model provides a translational platform for studying dEDS pathogenesis and strategies to restore ECM homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Connective Tissue Diseases)
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19 pages, 608 KB  
Review
Characterising Vocal Function and Laryngeal Structural Alterations in Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes: Insights from a Scoping Review
by Carmen Morales-Luque, Marta González-García, Laura Carrillo-Franco, Adriana Perales-Guerra, Ana Redondo-Fernández, Manuel Víctor López-González and Marc Stefan Dawid-Milner
Biology 2026, 15(14), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15141099 - 8 Jul 2026
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDSs) are heritable connective tissue disorders caused by defects in collagen and related extracellular matrix proteins. Because the vocal fold (VF) lamina propria is a collagen-dependent structure, the voice might be expected to be affected, yet voice and laryngeal involvement has [...] Read more.
Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDSs) are heritable connective tissue disorders caused by defects in collagen and related extracellular matrix proteins. Because the vocal fold (VF) lamina propria is a collagen-dependent structure, the voice might be expected to be affected, yet voice and laryngeal involvement has received comparatively little attention. This scoping review, conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and reported following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), mapped the available evidence on voice and laryngeal manifestations in adults with EDS. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to 11 March 2026, and thirteen studies were included: four questionnaire-based and nine clinical or instrumental. Self-reported voice complaints were common across EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorder populations, ranging from mild-to-moderate handicap in large cohorts to frequent, fluctuating difficulties in professional singers, although their prevalence varied with population and assessment method. Direct laryngeal examination revealed a recurring substrate of cricoarytenoid joint subluxation or fixation, arytenoid prolapse, and hyolaryngeal instability, together with microvascular and mucosal fragility, characteristically accompanied by preserved VF mobility. Muscle tension dysphonia was the most frequent diagnosis in high-vocal-demand cohorts. Reflux, vocal load, and autonomic comorbidities such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome were frequently reported and may modulate the clinical picture. The evidence indicates that voice and laryngeal involvement is a plausible, multi-level manifestation of EDS that remains under-recognised. The current literature is limited by small, heterogeneous, and largely uncontrolled studies; prospective research using standardised multimodal assessment is needed to clarify its prevalence, mechanisms, and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology)
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10 pages, 5799 KB  
Case Report
A Homozygous Missense COL1A1 Variant (p.Glu684Lys) Associated with an Arthrochalasia-like Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Phenotype: A Case Report
by Tatiana Markova, Evgeniya Melnik, Maksim Kurelev, Tatiana Cherevatova, Alexandra Nikolaeva, Daria Gorodilova, Nina Demina and Elena Dadali
Genes 2026, 17(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17060679 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 793
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Arthrochalasia Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (aEDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe joint hypermobility, congenital hip dislocation, skin hyperextensibility, and muscle hypotonia. It is typically caused by heterozygous splice-site variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2, leading to exon 6 skipping. Autosomal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Arthrochalasia Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (aEDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe joint hypermobility, congenital hip dislocation, skin hyperextensibility, and muscle hypotonia. It is typically caused by heterozygous splice-site variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2, leading to exon 6 skipping. Autosomal recessive forms are extremely rare and have been reported predominantly in families from Saudi Arabia carrying the homozygous COL1A1 missense variant c.2050G>A, p.(Glu684Lys), with clinical presentations ranging from severe to mild. Methods: Clinical and molecular genetic evaluation of the patient was performed. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out, followed by confirmatory Sanger sequencing in the proband and both parents. Results: A 10-month-old boy presented with severe congenital hypotonia, bilateral hip dislocation, generalized joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and craniofacial dysmorphism. A homozygous likely pathogenic variant NM_000088.4:c.2050G>A, p.(Glu684Lys) was identified in exon 31 of COL1A1; both healthy parents were confirmed to be heterozygous carriers of this variant. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in the Russian population and one of the few cases described worldwide of an autosomal recessive arthrochalasia-like EDS phenotype. Conclusions: This case further refines the phenotypic characterization associated with the recurrent homozygous COL1A1 p.(Glu684Lys) variant, demonstrating an arthrochalasia-like EDS phenotype of intermediate severity between the severe neonatal form with respiratory distress and recurrent fractures and the classical EDS. It further highlights the importance of considering collagenopathies in the differential diagnosis of congenital hypotonia, particularly in cases initially suggestive of neuromuscular disorders. Full article
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11 pages, 232 KB  
Article
Pain, Sleep Latency, and Mental and Physical Health in Individuals with Self-Reported Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
by Frank Tudini, Caitlin Crews-Stowe and David Levine
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111573 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 874
Abstract
Background: Individuals with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) frequently report chronic pain, sleep-related complaints, and reduced mental and physical health. While sleep disturbance has been described in this population, less is known about how pain frequency relates to sleep initiation and broader health burden. [...] Read more.
Background: Individuals with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) frequently report chronic pain, sleep-related complaints, and reduced mental and physical health. While sleep disturbance has been described in this population, less is known about how pain frequency relates to sleep initiation and broader health burden. This study aimed to examine the associations between pain frequency, sleep latency, and mental and physical health burden in individuals with hEDS. Methods: This analysis used cross-sectional survey data collected from adults with self-reported EDS. Pain frequency was treated as an ordinal variable. Sleep disturbance was assessed via self-reported sleep latency, and mental and physical health burden were defined as reporting 14 or more days of poor health in the prior 30 days. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine associations between pain frequency and sleep latency, adjusting for age group. Binary logistic regression models examined associations between pain frequency and mental and physical health burden. Results: A total of 2365 respondents with self-reported hEDS were included in the analysis. Increasing pain frequency was associated with progressively longer sleep latency, demonstrating a clear dose–response relationship (p < 0.001). Greater pain frequency was also independently associated with increased odds of reporting frequent poor mental health days (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.26, 1.45], p < 0.001) and poor physical health days (OR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.66, 1.99], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pain frequency was significantly associated with longer sleep latency and overall health burden in individuals with hEDS. These findings suggest that pain and sleep disturbance are interconnected components of a broader symptom burden rather than isolated clinical features. Routine assessment of sleep disturbance in individuals with frequent pain may help identify those at greater risk for broader health burden. Full article
32 pages, 6824 KB  
Article
Cardiovascular and Clinical Manifestations of Marfan Syndrome and Other Inherited Connective Tissue Disorders with Coexisting Genetic Variants
by Maria Elena Soto, Gilberto Vargas-Alarcón, Claudia Huesca-Gómez, Israel Pérez-Torres, José Antonio Arias-Godínez, Sergio Enrique Meza-Toledo, Regina de la Mora-Cervantes, Hugo Rodríguez-Zanella, Gabriela Meléndez-Ramírez, Linaloe Manzano-Pech, Giovanny Fuentevilla-Álvarez and Ricardo Gamboa
Cells 2026, 15(11), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15111001 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MS), Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS), Beals–Hecht syndrome (BHS), Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), and individuals with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) exhibit phenotypic overlap, suggesting a likelihood of genotypic coexistence. Our objective was to evaluate genetic variants (GVs), encoding 174 genes related to aortopathies, [...] Read more.
Marfan syndrome (MS), Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS), Beals–Hecht syndrome (BHS), Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), and individuals with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) exhibit phenotypic overlap, suggesting a likelihood of genotypic coexistence. Our objective was to evaluate genetic variants (GVs), encoding 174 genes related to aortopathies, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, structural heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia, and their relationship to clinical and cardiovascular damage in these syndromes. This was a prospective study in Mexican patients with MS, LDS, EDS, BHS, and UCTD. One hundred and seventy-four genes related to hereditary diseases were studied using next-generation sequencing targeting coding regions. Of the 136 patients, 25 were identified with the recurrent and coexisting GV of MYBPC3. In the MS group, in addition to the presence of GV in FBN1, eight patients had GV in MYBPC3, six in FBN2, and five in COL3A1 and COL5A1. In the LDS group, in addition to GV in TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and SMAD3, four patients presented with GV in MYBPC3 and two with FBN2. In the BHS group, in addition to FBN2, two patients had GV in MYBPC3 and one with TGFBR2. In the UCTD group, nine patients had GV in MYBPC3 and two in COL5A1 and COL5A2. All syndromes coexisted with GV in genes related to arrhythmias, sarcomeres, and hypercholesterolemia. In EDS, coexistence with several sarcomere proteins was found. Full article
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23 pages, 2690 KB  
Article
Genetic Causes and Ankle Instability in Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS): An Integrated Analysis Using Whole-Exome Sequencing and Stress Imaging
by Jae-Yoon Kim, Ho-Yeon Lee, Seon-Yeop Kim, Sun-Woo Lee, Minjoo Cho, Jeong Woen Shin, Yeo-Gyeong Yoon, Jinhyuk Lee, Yea Eun Kang, Da Hyun Kang, Seong Kyeong Jo, Chan Kang, Namshin Kim and Jae Hwang Song
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3881; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103881 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 1259
Abstract
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS), the most common EDS subtype, is characterized by chronic pain and joint laxity, yet no definitive causative genes or imaging-based diagnostic criteria have been established. This study investigated the genetic basis of hEDS using whole-exome sequencing (WES) [...] Read more.
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS), the most common EDS subtype, is characterized by chronic pain and joint laxity, yet no definitive causative genes or imaging-based diagnostic criteria have been established. This study investigated the genetic basis of hEDS using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and objectively evaluated ankle instability. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study with a case–control comparison, including 22 patients and a three-generation Korean family (six individuals, four affected) diagnosed with hEDS by the 2017 criteria. WES was performed; ankle laxity was assessed by the anterior drawer test (ADT), stress ultrasonography, and stress radiography. Healthy young adults (n = 24, Beighton score < 5) from our previous study served as controls. Results: The hEDS cohort had a mean Beighton score of 8.5, with all participants reporting a family history of hypermobility and musculoskeletal complications. Family-based WES identified variants in CD44 (c.1516 + 1G > A), ITIH2 (c.783C > G), and ADAM21 (c.397C > T) in all affected individuals. In 22 unrelated patients, 114 variants in 103 candidate genes were identified; 17 patients harbored variants in genes from the same pathways as the family-derived causative genes. Compared with controls, the hEDS group showed significantly greater manual ADT grade, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) length at rest and under stress, dynamic ATFL change, anterior talar translation, and talar tilt. Conclusions: These findings provide molecular evidence that hEDS is a multifactorial disorder involving interconnected biological pathways, and confirm ankle instability as a clinically meaningful diagnostic feature. These complementary approaches may improve diagnostic accuracy and provide insights into the prognosis and therapeutic strategies for hEDS. Full article
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11 pages, 484 KB  
Review
Association Between JAK2 V617F Somatic Mutation and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
by Simon Collins, Mohammad A. Zafar and John A. Elefteriades
Genes 2026, 17(4), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040364 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1338
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysms have long been associated with germline mutations such as FBN1, TGFBR2, and COL3A1, which predispose to Marfan, Loeys–Dietz, and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, respectively. However, recent research has identified a correlation between the JAK2 V617F somatic mutation and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysms have long been associated with germline mutations such as FBN1, TGFBR2, and COL3A1, which predispose to Marfan, Loeys–Dietz, and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, respectively. However, recent research has identified a correlation between the JAK2 V617F somatic mutation and thoracic aortic aneurysm formation. This review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the relationship between JAK2 V617F and TAA development. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed reviewed articles up to June 2025. Search terms included “thoracic aortic aneurysm”, “somatic mutations” and “JAK2 V617F”. Relevant clinical datasets and population-based cohort studies were identified and evaluated. Results: The available studies demonstrated a consistent association between JAK2 V617F and thoracic aortic aneurysm formation, with JAK2 V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) being a valuable biomarker of aneurysm risk. The mutation is accompanied by the onset of increased cytokine production, pro-inflammatory leukocytes, and elevated expression levels of MMPs—all of which drive elastin degradation and are classically associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm development. Conclusions: Compelling emerging evidence supports an association between the JAK2 V617F somatic mutation and the formation of thoracic aortic aneurysms, with VAF acting as a valuable biomarker for aneurysm risk. However, no studies have evaluated whether increasing VAF influences aneurysm growth rate, highlighting the need for future clinical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Insights into Aortic Aneurysm Disease)
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39 pages, 13943 KB  
Article
Characterizing Initial Cervical Spine and Neurovascular Findings in 84 Consecutive Patients with Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
by Ross A. Hauser, Morgan Griffiths, Ashley Watterson, Danielle Matias and Benjamin R. Rawlings
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062212 - 14 Mar 2026
Viewed by 5214
Abstract
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) can present as a complex interplay of widespread symptomatology and multisystem involvement, posing diagnostic and treatment challenges. Objective characterization of cervical spine and neurovascular findings in hEDS has been limited. Previous studies have emphasized upper cervical spine [...] Read more.
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) can present as a complex interplay of widespread symptomatology and multisystem involvement, posing diagnostic and treatment challenges. Objective characterization of cervical spine and neurovascular findings in hEDS has been limited. Previous studies have emphasized upper cervical spine complications in hEDS, yet the relevance and mechanisms underlying associated symptomatology have not been elucidated. This study examined objective test findings in patients with hEDS at an outpatient neck clinic to explore cervical spine and neurovascular pathology that could contribute to further understanding the clinical profile of a subset of patients with hEDS. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included patients with hEDS aged 20–50 years from 1 January 2022–31 December 2024, at an outpatient neck center. It excluded previous neck surgery, traumatic events, or related injury. Demographic, clinical, and diagnostic data were collected through a retrospective chart review, including measurements from standard clinical diagnostic protocols: digital motion X-ray (videofluoroscopy), cone beam CT, Doppler ultrasound, and tonometry. Results: More than 71% of patients reported ≥29 symptoms. Nearly all patients exhibited co-occurring forward head, decreased depth of curve, ligamentous cervical instability, and decreased internal jugular vein (IJV) and vagus nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). Vagus nerve CSA was found to be significantly smaller than the comparative healthy/normal population. IJV CSA was significantly smaller at C1 than at C4–C5, suggesting evidence of carotid sheath compression at C1. Conclusions: This study offers novel evidence that cervical spine pathology, IJV compression, and vagus nerve degeneration are uniformly prevalent in hEDS, which may contribute to, or be an etiological basis for, the multisystem involvement in a subset of patients with this disorder. These findings provide hypothesis-generating data to inform future mechanistic and therapeutic studies, including exploration of new diagnostic and treatment targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 242 KB  
Brief Report
Dysphagia Symptoms in Patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A Qualitative Study
by Sherry Zimmermann and Svetlana Blitshteyn
Neurol. Int. 2026, 18(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint18030044 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 5280
Abstract
Background: Difficulty swallowing is a common complaint in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), but there are no qualitative studies that examine dysphagia in patients with POTS, resulting in a significant gap in clinical understanding and research. Methods: A structured [...] Read more.
Background: Difficulty swallowing is a common complaint in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), but there are no qualitative studies that examine dysphagia in patients with POTS, resulting in a significant gap in clinical understanding and research. Methods: A structured interview of patients with autonomic disorders was conducted utilizing the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI). Results: Eleven participants (age range 21–71, mean age 46 years, eight women) were selected using purposive sampling through online support communities and referrals from Dysautonomia Clinic. All had POTS, and eight had comorbid Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. The data gathered from participants were used to construct thematic descriptions of their lived experiences. The mean DHI score in this cohort was 4.5, indicating significant impairment in swallowing. Four themes emerged from the participant narratives: (1) the negative physical impact of dysphagia, (2) the negative psychological impact of dysphagia, (3) the impact on daily life and relationships, and (4) reduced healthcare satisfaction. Conclusions: We found significant impairment due to reported dysphagia symptoms in patients with POTS. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiology, severity and type of dysphagia in POTS and to develop targeted therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research of CNS Diseases and Neurological Disorders)
19 pages, 6700 KB  
Article
Prevalence of Intracranial and Cervical Artery Abnormalities in Patients with Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Presenting to an Academic Headache Clinic
by Todd D. Rozen, Katelyn A. Bruno, Ethan M. Rozen, Frances C. Wilson, Marysia S. Tweet, Raymond C. Shields, Sharonne N. Hayes, Dacre R. T. Knight, Shilpa N. Gajarawala, Sukhwinder J. S. Sandhu, Alok A. Bhatt and DeLisa Fairweather
Neurol. Int. 2026, 18(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint18020033 - 11 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2967
Abstract
Background/Objective: It remains unknown whether patients with the more common forms of hypermobility carry an elevated risk for the development of intracranial/cervical artery abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, spontaneous cervical artery dissections, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: It remains unknown whether patients with the more common forms of hypermobility carry an elevated risk for the development of intracranial/cervical artery abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, spontaneous cervical artery dissections, and fibromuscular dysplasia in patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) who presented to an academic headache clinic. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. We used an electronic medical record to look for all patients seen at the Mayo Clinic Florida Headache Center and EDS Clinic between 2019 and 2025 with a diagnosis of hEDS or HSD and neuroimaging of both the intracranial and cervical arteries. Results: There were 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between hEDS and HSD patients in developing cerebral/cervical arterial anomalies. Of the sample, 95% of the hypermobile patients with abnormal neuroimaging also had migraine. A total of eleven (10.7%) patients (hEDS + HSD) were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Trends included age less than 50 years, small aneurysms in the anterior circulation, and having migraine with aura. Five (4.8%) patients were diagnosed with spontaneous cervical artery dissection with trends for HSD, over the age of 50 years, vertebral artery involvement and a history of migraine without aura. Six (5.8%) patients were diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia with trends for HSD, over the age of 50 years, carotid artery involvement and a history of migraine with aura. Conclusions: This is the first study to identify that patients with the more common type of EDS, HSD and hEDS, and a possible concomitant history of migraine have a heightened risk for the development of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, spontaneous cervical artery dissections, and fibromuscular dysplasia. Our findings suggest the need for targeted screening with intracranial and extracranial arterial imaging for this unique patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pain Research)
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27 pages, 2219 KB  
Article
Multi-System Genetic Architecture of Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: Integrating Machine Learning with Subject-Level Genomic Analysis
by Arash Shirvani, Purusha Shirvani and Michael F. Holick
Genes 2026, 17(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17020211 - 9 Feb 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8488
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) remains genetically unexplained despite decades of clinical investigation, with the molecular basis undefined for the vast majority of cases. This study employs integrated machine learning approaches with rigorous subject-level statistical methods to decode the genetic architecture underlying [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) remains genetically unexplained despite decades of clinical investigation, with the molecular basis undefined for the vast majority of cases. This study employs integrated machine learning approaches with rigorous subject-level statistical methods to decode the genetic architecture underlying hEDS. Methods: We analyzed 35,923 rare genetic variants (gnomAD MAF < 0.2) across 116 subjects from 43 families (86 hEDS patients diagnosed per 2017 international criteria; 30 unaffected intrafamilial controls) using whole-exome sequencing. Machine learning analysis employed Random Forest feature selection, deep neural networks, and ensemble methods with subject-stratified cross-validation to prevent data leakage. Statistical association testing used subject-level Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction (α = 3.77 × 10−6 for 13,281 genes). Sensitivity analyses assessed robustness to family structure. Results: Subject-level analysis identified statistically significant enrichment in variants associated with three major biological systems: (1) collagen biosynthesis pathway variants (present in 63% of hEDS subjects vs. 17% of controls, Fisher’s p = 1.06 × 10−5, OR = 8.4), predominantly affecting COL5A1, COL18A1, COL17A1, and post-translational modification enzymes; (2) HLA/adaptive immune axis variants (74% of hEDS vs. 30% of controls, p = 2.23 × 10−5, OR = 6.8), involving HLA-B, HLA-A, HLA-C, and TAP transporters; (3) mitochondrial respiratory chain variants (34% of hEDS vs. 7% of controls, p = 2.29 × 10−3, OR = 7.1), with striking 4.2-fold enrichment in pediatric fracture cases (52% vs. 21%, p = 0.021, 95% CI: 1.2–14.6). These associations require independent validation and functional studies to determine their mechanistic relevance. Genome-wide analysis identified seven genes achieving Bonferroni significance (p < 3.77 × 10−6), all encoding structural/cytoskeletal proteins. Machine learning models with proper subject-stratified cross-validation achieved 80% accuracy (95% CI: 73–86%, sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 77%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hEDS may involve genetic variation across multiple biological systems beyond classical collagen pathways. These hypothesis-generating associations require validation in independent cohorts and functional studies before mechanistic or clinical conclusions can be drawn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)
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22 pages, 858 KB  
Review
The Genetic and Epigenetic Architecture of Keratoconus: Emerging Pathways and Clinical Implications
by Francesco Cappellani, Matteo Capobianco, Federico Visalli, Cosimo Mazzotta, Fabiana D’Esposito, Daniele Tognetto, Caterina Gagliano and Marco Zeppieri
Genes 2026, 17(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17010066 - 6 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3286
Abstract
Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia and a leading cause of corneal transplantation in young adults. Once regarded as a biomechanical disorder, KC is now recognized as a complex disease driven by genetic predisposition, epigenetic modulation, and environmental triggers. Advances in [...] Read more.
Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia and a leading cause of corneal transplantation in young adults. Once regarded as a biomechanical disorder, KC is now recognized as a complex disease driven by genetic predisposition, epigenetic modulation, and environmental triggers. Advances in genomics and transcriptomics have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying corneal thinning and ectasia. Objectives: This review synthesizes two decades of evidence on the genetic and epigenetic architecture of keratoconus, highlights key molecular pathways implicated by these findings, and discusses translational implications for early diagnosis, risk prediction, and novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: A narrative review was conducted of peer-reviewed human, animal, and in vitro studies published from 2000 to 2025, with emphasis on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), sequencing data, methylation profiling, and non-coding RNA analyses. Findings were integrated with functional studies linking genetic variation to molecular and biomechanical phenotypes. Results: Genetic studies consistently implicate loci such as ZNF469, COL5A1, LOX, HGF, FOXO1, and WNT10A, alongside rare variants in Mendelian syndromes (e.g., brittle cornea syndrome, Ehlers–Danlos spectrum). Epigenetic research demonstrates altered DNA methylation, dysregulated microRNAs (e.g., MIR184, miR-143, miR-182), and aberrant lncRNA networks influencing extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen cross-linking, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling. Gene–environment interactions, particularly with eye rubbing and atopy, further shape disease expression. Translational progress includes polygenic risk scores, tear-based biomarkers, and early preclinical studies using RNA-based approaches (including siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides targeting matrix-degrading and profibrotic pathways) and proof-of-concept gene-editing strategies demonstrated in corneal cell and ex vivo models. Conclusions: Keratoconus arises from the convergence of inherited genomic risk, epigenetic dysregulation, and environmental stressors. Integrating multi-omic insights into clinical practice holds promise for earlier detection, precision risk stratification, and development of targeted therapies that move beyond biomechanical stabilization to disease modification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epigenomics)
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49 pages, 2444 KB  
Review
Genetic Determinants of Wound Healing: Monogenic Disorders and Polygenic Influence
by Stephanie M. Mueller, Nalani Miller, Jasleen Gill, LaYow C. Yu, Michael Drake Pike and Dennis P. Orgill
Cells 2026, 15(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15010074 - 1 Jan 2026
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5025
Abstract
(1) Background: Wound healing is a highly coordinated process encompassing hemostasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, keratinocyte migration, collagen deposition, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Successful repair also requires adequate nutrient and oxygen delivery through a well-developed vascular supply. Disruption of these processes can occur through aberrations [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Wound healing is a highly coordinated process encompassing hemostasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, keratinocyte migration, collagen deposition, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Successful repair also requires adequate nutrient and oxygen delivery through a well-developed vascular supply. Disruption of these processes can occur through aberrations in diverse biological pathways, including extracellular matrix organization, cellular adhesions, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. (2) Methods: We reviewed mechanisms of impaired tissue repair in monogenic disorders by focusing on three categories—connective tissue, hematological/immunological, and aging-related disorders—to illustrate how single-gene defects disrupt inflammation, cellular proliferation, and matrix remodeling. Additionally, we reviewed various polygenic disorders—chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity—to contrast complex multifactorial pathologies with single-gene defects. (3) Results: This review establishes that genetic impediments, despite their distinct etiologies, monogenic and polygenic disorders share critical downstream failures in the wound healing cascade. While monogenic diseases illustrate direct causal links between specific protein deficits and repair failure, polygenic diseases demonstrate how multifactorial stressors overwhelm the body’s regenerative capacity. (4) Conclusions: This review synthesizes current evidence on both monogenic diseases and polygenic contributions to impaired wound healing. These findings highlight that genetic susceptibility is a decisive factor in the ability to restore tissue homeostasis. This underscores the profound impact of genetic background on the efficacy of hemostasis, inflammation, and remodeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Wound Repair)
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