Warsaw breakage syndrome - Genetics Home Reference

Warsaw breakage syndrome - Genetics Home Reference

Warsaw breakage syndrome

On this page:

 

• Description 
• Genetic changes 
• Inheritance 
• Diagnosis 
• Additional information 
• Other names
• Glossary definitions

Reviewed February 2014

What is Warsaw breakage syndrome?

Warsaw breakage syndrome is a condition that can cause multiple abnormalities. People with Warsaw breakage syndrome have intellectual disability that varies from mild to severe. They also have impaired growth from birth leading to short stature and a small head size (microcephaly). Affected individuals have distinctive facial features that may include a small forehead, a short nose, a small lower jaw, a flat area between the nose and mouth (philtrum), and prominent cheeks. Other common features include hearing loss caused by nerve damage in the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss) and heart malformations.

How common is Warsaw breakage syndrome?

Warsaw breakage syndrome is a rare condition; at least four cases have been described in the medical literature.

What genes are related to Warsaw breakage syndrome?

Mutations in the DDX11 gene cause Warsaw breakage syndrome. The DDX11 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called ChlR1. This enzyme functions as a helicase. Helicases are enzymes that attach (bind) to DNA and temporarily unwind the two spiral strands (double helix) of the DNA molecule. This unwinding is necessary for copying (replicating) DNA in preparation for cell division, and for repairing damaged DNA and any mistakes that are made when DNA is copied. In addition, after DNA is copied, ChlR1 plays a role in ensuring proper separation of each chromosome during cell division. By helping repair mistakes in DNA and ensuring proper DNA replication, the ChlR1 enzyme is involved in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.

DDX11 gene mutations severely reduce or completely eliminate ChlR1 enzyme activity. As a result, the enzyme cannot bind to DNA and cannot unwind the DNA strands to help with DNA replication and repair. A lack of functional ChlR1 impairs cell division and leads to an accumulation of DNA damage. This DNA damage can appear as breaks in the DNA, giving the condition its name. It is unclear how these problems in DNA maintenance lead to the specific abnormalities characteristic of Warsaw breakage syndrome.

Read more about the DDX11 gene.

How do people inherit Warsaw breakage syndrome?

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.

Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Warsaw breakage syndrome?

These resources address the diagnosis or management of Warsaw breakage syndrome and may include treatment providers.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hearing Loss in Children
• Genetic Testing Registry: Warsaw breakage syndrome
• MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Hearing Loss--Infants

You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of Warsaw breakage syndrome inEducational resources and Patient support.

General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing, particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests.

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 Warsaw breakage syndrome?

You may find the following resources about Warsaw breakage syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.

• MedlinePlus - Health information (4 links)
• Additional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health (2 links)
• Educational resources - Information pages (8 links)
• Patient support - For patients and families (4 links)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.

• Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)
• PubMed - Recent literature
• OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog

What other names do people use for Warsaw breakage syndrome?

• WABS

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 Warsaw breakage syndrome?

Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

• What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?
• What are the different ways in which a genetic condition can be inherited?
• If a genetic disorder runs in my family, what are the chances that my children will have the condition?
• Why are some genetic conditions more common in particular ethnic groups?

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

• Genetics and health
• Resources for Patients and Families
• Resources for Health Professionals

What glossary definitions help with understanding Warsaw breakage syndrome?

autosomal ; autosomal recessive ; cell ; cell division ; chromosome ; DNA ; DNA damage ;DNA replication ; double helix ; enzyme ; gene ; helicase ; microcephaly ; molecule ; philtrum ; recessive ;sensorineural ; sensorineural hearing loss ; short stature ; stature ; syndrome

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (4 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.