Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome(HGPS) or more commonly known as Progeria is a rare fatal genetic condition. This disease is characterized by aging in children. Progeria is caused by a mutation in the gene discovered in 2003 called LMNA which is believed to cause the premature aging. Progeria is not an inherited disease although a unique heritable form exist. There is only one documented case in a family in India (Video shown below). Children with Progeria start to show characteristics of accelerated aging at around 18-24 months. This disease was first described by Jonathan Hutchinson in 1886, and described independently by Hastings Gilford in 1897. Progeria is so rare it only occurs in 1 per 8 million births. Currently as of September 2010 there are 68 children living with Progeria in 30 different countries. There is a current campaign conducted by http://www.findtheother150.org/to find the 150 children in the world believed to have Progeria. It is important to learn about this disease because it will help gain a better understanding into the human aging process. More on WHAT CAUSES PROGERIA?
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome(HGPS) or more commonly known as Progeria is a rare fatal genetic condition. This disease is characterized by aging in children. Progeria is caused by a mutation in the gene discovered in 2003 called LMNA which is believed to cause the premature aging. Progeria is not an inherited disease although a unique heritable form exist. There is only one documented case in a family in India (Video shown below). Children with Progeria start to show characteristics of accelerated aging at around 18-24 months. This disease was first described by Jonathan Hutchinson in 1886, and described independently by Hastings Gilford in 1897. Progeria is so rare it only occurs in 1 per 8 million births. Currently as of September 2010 there are 68 children living with Progeria in 30 different countries. There is a current campaign conducted by http://www.findtheother150.org/to find the 150 children in the world believed to have Progeria. It is important to learn about this disease because it will help gain a better understanding into the human aging process. More on WHAT CAUSES PROGERIA?
