Proteus syndrome caused by novel somatic AKT1 duplication
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: July 5, 2019
Talal AlAnzi1, Eman Al-Mashharawi, Amal Alhashem
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetic, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. talanzi@psmmc.med.sa.
Abstract:
Proteus syndrome (PS) is a rare overgrowth disorder that presents with asymmetrical growth of the bone and fat tissues following a mosaic pattern mutation. The estimated worldwide incidence is approximately one in one million live births. Proteus syndrome causes disfigurement and psychological impact through its effects on somatic tissue. Due to its rarity and diversity of tissues involved, it represents a significant challenge to caregivers and multidisciplinary medical teams. Here, we report a Saudi girl, with a large left cervical mass discovered antenatally. This mass was identified as a growing cystic hygroma, and she had features of overgrowth and hemangiomas. Whole exome sequencing was negative from the blood lymphocytes and affected tissue sample. However, deletion duplication analysis from tissue shows a novel mosaic somatic mutation of the AKT1 gene. Somatic mutation remains an obstacle, and the geneticist has an essential role in its management, providing an established genetic diagnosis, prognosis, and family counselling.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Abnormal Proliferation
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Pleiotropy

