Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

06:41
In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome
Michael Jude Welsch1, Aleksandar Krunic, Maria M Medenica
1University of Chicago, Department of Medicine - Section of Dermatology, IL 60637, USA. mjudew@hotmail.com
International Journal of Dermatology
|August 17, 2005
Summary
Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome (BHDS) is a genetic disorder linked to skin lesions, kidney tumors, and lung issues. Early identification of BHDS-related skin findings aids in diagnosing associated internal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome (BHDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder.
- Characterized by fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons.
- Recent studies link fibrofolliculoma/trichodiscoma lesions to renal neoplasms and pneumothoraces.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of melanoma presented for routine surveillance.
- Facial fibrofolliculoma/trichodiscoma lesions were identified.
- Diagnostic work-up revealed multinodular goiter, pulmonary cyst, and renal mass.
Findings:
- The patient subsequently developed pneumothorax.
- Histological findings of the skin lesions are distinctive.
- BHDS protein folliculin has been identified.
Implications:
- Early recognition of skin manifestations can facilitate diagnosis of associated conditions.
- Highlights the importance of a comprehensive work-up for patients with suspected BHDS.
- Discusses clinical manifestations, histology, associations, and management of Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Genetic Lingo
Overview
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Huntington disease or HD is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.PathophysiologyIt is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), producing an abnormal huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. This misfolded protein disrupts cellular function, leading to neuronal death. Normal alleles have ≤26 repeats, 27–35 are intermediate (risk of expansion), 36–39 show reduced penetrance,...
Pedigree Analysis
Overview
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...

