Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a recessive disease characterized by compound heterozygosity

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene. Historically, PXE has been suggested to be inherited either in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. To determine the exact mode of inheritance of PXE and to address the question of phenotypic expression in mutation carriers, we identified seven pedigrees with affected individuals in two different generations and sequenced the entire coding region of ABCC6 in affected individuals, presumed carriers with a limited phenotype and unaffected family members. Two allelic mutations were identified in each individual with unambiguous diagnosis of PXE, as well as in those with only minimal clinical signs suggestive of PXE but with positive skin biopsy. Missense mutations were frequently detected in the latter cases. In conclusion, PXE is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and presence of disease in two generations is due to pseudodominance.