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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

A Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Venous Malformation
Published on: June 15, 2020
GLMN causing vascular malformations: the clinical and genetic differentiation of cutaneous venous malformations
Mollie Helena McMahon1, Nasim Tahir2, Meena Balasubramanian3,4
1Department of Paediatrics, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Insights
Glomuvenous malformations (GVMs) are genetic vascular anomalies often presenting as skin lesions. A two-hit genetic model involving the GLMN gene explains familial GVMs, as seen in affected siblings.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cutaneous venous malformations (VMs) manifest as blue-pink lesions, causing pain, cosmetic concerns, and bleeding.
- Familial occurrence is noted in some VMs, particularly glomuvenous malformations (GVMs).
Observation:
- GVMs are hypothesized to arise from a 'two-hit' genetic mechanism.
- This involves an initial germline pathogenic variant in the GLMN gene, followed by a second somatic hit.
Findings:
- This report details siblings diagnosed with GVMs via genetic testing.
- Literature review highlights clinical and genetic distinctions among VM subtypes.
Implications:
- Understanding the genetic basis of GVMs aids in diagnosis and management.
- Differentiating VM types is crucial for patient care and genetic counseling.
Abstract:
Cutaneous venous malformations frequently present with blue-pink lesions on the skin or mucosal surfaces. They can be problematic for patients who experience pain or unsightly lesions and can also be associated with significant bleeding. A proportion of venous malformations have been noted to occur in families, in particular glomuvenous malformations (GVMs). A 'two-hit' occurrence of genetic pathogenic variants appears to explain the appearance of GVMs, with the initial change in the germline copy of GLMN followed by a second somatic hit. Here we discuss a report of siblings experiencing such lesions, which were diagnosed as GVMs by genetic testing. We include a review of the literature regarding the clinical and genetic differences between these groups of venous malformations.
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