Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

What is pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency? Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder in which red blood cells break down too quickly, leading to chronic anemia. A person must have two variants in the PKLR gene, or two copies of a variant, in order to have this condition. People with just one variant… Continue reading Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome

What is Sjögren-Larsson syndrome? Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by scaly dry skin, intellectual disability, and persistent muscle stiffness. A person must have two variants in the ALDH3A2 gene in order to have this genetic condition. People with just one variant in the ALDH3A2 gene are called carriers. They’re not expected to… Continue reading Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome

MCAD Deficiency

What is MCAD deficiency?  MCAD Deficiency is a rare genetic disorder characterized by episodes of very low blood sugar while fasting or under stress. A person must have two variants in the ACADM gene in order to have this genetic condition. People with just one variant in the ACADM gene are called carriers. They’re not… Continue reading MCAD Deficiency

Familial Mediterranean Fever

What is familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)? Familial Mediterranean fever, or FMF, is a genetic disorder characterized by recurring short episodes of fever, as well as inflammation in the abdomen, chest, and joints. In most cases, a person must have two variants in the MEFV gene, or two copies of a variant, in order to have… Continue reading Familial Mediterranean Fever

Familial Dysautonomia

What is familial dysautonomia? Familial dysautonomia is a rare genetic disorder that affects many different areas of the body. It is characterized by severe dysfunction in different parts of the nervous system that control movement, the senses, and involuntary (automatic) functions.  The genetics behind familial dysautonomia Familial dysautonomia is caused by variants in the ELP1… Continue reading Familial Dysautonomia

Canavan Disease

What is Canavan disease? Canavan disease, also known as ASPA deficiency, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a loss of nerve cell function in the brain that gets worse over time. A person must have two variants in the ASPA gene, or two copies of a variant, in order to have this condition. People… Continue reading Canavan Disease

Bloom Syndrome

What is Bloom syndrome? Bloom syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired growth and an increased risk of infections and cancer. A person must have two variants in the BLM gene, or two copies of a variant, in order to have this condition. People with just one variant in the BLM gene are… Continue reading Bloom Syndrome

Wake-Up Time & Genetics

How it works  Not everyone’s internal alarm clock rings at the same time. Our biological sleep rhythms affect when we naturally prefer to fall asleep and wake up. It turns out your genes may be telling you when to hit the snooze button.  The genetics behind wake-up time 23andMe researchers discovered that there are genetic… Continue reading Wake-Up Time & Genetics

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