FOXC2 haploinsufficient mice are a model for human autosomal dominant lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome.
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Lymphedema-distichiasis (LD) (OMIM 153400) is a rare autosomal-dominant condition characterized by pubertal onset of lower limb lymphedema and an aberrant second row of eyelashes arising from the meibomian glands. In some patients cardiac, skeletal and other defects coexist. We previously identified inactivating, nonsense and frameshift mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXC2 in affected members of LD families. To further delineate the relationship of FOXC2 deficiency to the clinical (and lymphangiodysplastic) phenotype in this syndrome, we performed dynamic lymphatic imaging and immunohistochemical examination of lymphatic tissues in mice heterozygous (+/-) for a targeted disruption of Foxc2. Adult heterozygote mice characteristically exhibited a generalized lymphatic vessel and lymph node hyper plasia and rarely exhibited hindlimb swelling. Retrograde lymph flow through apparently incompetent interlymphangion valves into the mesenteric nodes, intestinal wall and liver was also observed. In addition, Foxc2 +/- mice uniformly displayed distichiasis. We conclude that Foxc2 haploinsufficient mice mimic closely the distinctive lymphatic and ocular phenotype of LD patients. Furthermore, the craniofacial, cardiovascular and skeletal abnormalities sometimes associated with LD have previously been shown to be fully penetrant in homozygous Foxc2 null mice. This Foxc2 mutant mouse thus provides an ideal model for exploring molecular mechanisms and physiologic events in mesenchymal differentiation associated with lymphatic growth and development and the clinical abnormalities seen in human LD syndrome. (+info)
An appropriate diagnostic workup for suspected vascular birthmarks.
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Birthmarks are common and commonly ignored by patients and primary care doctors. Yet they sometimes represent significant vascular anomalies that require diagnosis and treatment. We summarize when and how to work up a variety of vascular anomalies. (+info)
Histopathological reporting of paediatric cutaneous vascular anomalies in relation to proposed multidisciplinary classification system.
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BACKGROUND: The terminology applied to vascular anomalies has been variable in previously published literature making interpretation suboptimal. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) has proposed a revised classification based on clinical features and histopathological findings. This classification is increasingly being accepted as clinically useful and a platform for future studies. AIMS: To examine the extent to which the ISSVA classification can be practically applied to diagnostic histopathological specimens. METHODS: Cutaneous vascular lesions received in a single paediatric pathology unit during a 2-year period (2004-5) were reviewed, including glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) immunostaining where required, and lesions were reclassified according to the ISSVA classification. RESULTS: 144 specimens were identified. Appropriate full clinical information was provided in only 17% of cases at submission. Infantile haemangiomas comprised 46% of cases, 18% of which were regressive type, initially inaccurately identified as vascular malformations before GLUT1 immunostaining. 30% of lymphatic malformations and all lymphovenous malformations were previously classified as vascular malformations, not otherwise specified. CONCLUSIONS: The ISSVA classification of vascular anomalies provides a useful framework for histopathologists to classify vascular anomalies. However, meaningful and appropriate use of such a system is dependent on the adequacy of clinical information provided and routine use of immunohistochemical markers. (+info)
Mutations in FOXC2 are strongly associated with primary valve failure in veins of the lower limb.
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BACKGROUND: Mutations in the FOXC2 gene cause lymphedema distichiasis, an inherited primary lymphedema in which a significant number of patients have varicose veins. Because lymphedema distichiasis is believed to be caused by lymphatic valve failure (reflux), and FOXC2 is highly expressed on venous valves in mouse embryos, we tested the hypothesis that FOXC2 mutations may be linked to venous valve failure and reflux. METHODS AND RESULTS: The venous system of the leg was investigated with Duplex ultrasound. Pathological reflux was recorded by color Duplex ultrasound in all 18 participants with a FOXC2 mutation, including 3 without lymphedema. Every participant with a mutation in FOXC2 showed reflux in the great saphenous vein (n=18), compared with only 1 of 12 referents (including 10 family members; P<0.0001, Fisher exact test). Deep vein reflux was recorded in 14 of 18 participants. CONCLUSIONS: FOXC2 is the first gene in which mutations have been strongly associated with primary venous valve failure in both the superficial and deep veins in the lower limb. This gene appears to be important for the normal development and maintenance of venous and lymphatic valves. (+info)
Binding of ras to phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110alpha is required for ras-driven tumorigenesis in mice.
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Ras proteins signal through direct interaction with a number of effector enzymes, including type I phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinases. Although the ability of Ras to control PI 3-kinase has been well established in manipulated cell culture models, evidence for a role of the interaction of endogenous Ras with PI 3-kinase in normal and malignant cell growth in vivo has been lacking. Here we generate mice with mutations in the Pi3kca gene encoding the catalytic p110alpha isoform that block its interaction with Ras. Cells from these mice show proliferative defects and selective disruption of signaling from growth factors to PI 3-kinase. The mice display defective development of the lymphatic vasculature, resulting in perinatal appearance of chylous ascites. Most importantly, they are highly resistant to endogenous Ras oncogene-induced tumorigenesis. The interaction of Ras with p110alpha is thus required in vivo for certain normal growth factor signaling and for Ras-driven tumor formation. (+info)
Genetic causes of vascular malformations.
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Vascular malformations are localized defects of vascular development. They usually affect a limited number of vessels in a restricted area of the body. Although most malformations are sporadic, inheritance is observed, enabling genetic analysis. Usually, sporadic forms present with a single lesion whereas multiple lesions are observed in familial cases. The last decade has seen unraveling of several causative genes and beginning of elucidation of the pathophysiological pathways involved in the inherited forms. In parallel, definition of the clinical phenotypes has improved and disorders such as Parkes-Weber syndrome (PKWS), first thought to be sporadic, is now known to be part of a more common inheritable phenotype. In addition, the concept of double-hit mechanism that we proposed earlier to explain the incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity and multifocality of lesions in inherited venous anomalies is now becoming confirmed, as some somatic mutations have been identified in venous, glomuvenous and cerebral cavernous malformations. It is thus tempting to suggest that familial forms of vascular malformations follow paradominant inheritance and that sporadic forms, the etiopathogenic causes of which are still unelucidated, are caused by somatic mutations in the same genes. (+info)
Congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, and epidermal nevi (CLOVE) syndrome: CNS malformations and seizures may be a component of this disorder.
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Paediatric vascular birthmarks--the psychological impact and the role of the GP.
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BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the psychosocial impact on the family of a child with a vascular birthmark and examine the role of the general practitioner in meeting the family's needs. METHOD: Nineteen families were interviewed with a questionnaire before their assessment at the Sydney Children's Hospital (New South Wales) Vascular Birthmarks Clinic. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of parents overestimated the size of their child's lesion when asked to draw it; 15% said some lifestyle modifications had to be made to accommodate their child's condition; 63% were concerned about their child being teased at school; and 36% had issues of self blame and embarrassment. Expectations from the clinic included information (68%), treatment (47%) and reassurance (26%). CONCLUSION: Vascular birthmarks are common. Treatment strategies are improving, but there is a need to adequately address the psychosocial impact that these lesions have, both on parents and children. The GP is the carer best placed to meet these needs. (+info)