Novel NECTIN4 Mutations in Ectodermal Dysplasia Syndactyly Syndrome in Two Families
Dania Abu Assab1, Abraham Zlotogorski1, Vered Molho-Pessach1
1Department of Dermatology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Two new NECTIN4 gene mutations were identified in families with ectodermal dysplasia-syndactyly syndrome (EDSS). This study expands the understanding of genetic causes for this rare disorder.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ectodermal dysplasia-syndactyly syndrome (EDSS) is a rare genetic disorder.
- EDSS is caused by mutations in the NECTIN4 (also known as PVRL4) gene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel and rare mutations in the NECTIN4 gene.
- To investigate two unrelated families diagnosed with EDSS.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of six patients from two families using next-generation and Sanger sequencing.
- Literature review to identify previously reported EDSS cases.
Main Results:
- A homozygous mutation (c.680A>G p.His227Arg) and a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.79+1G>A) in NECTIN4 were identified in affected individuals.
- Both identified mutations impact the extracellular domain of the nectin-4 protein.
- Only 13 families with EDSS have been previously reported in the literature.
Conclusions:
- Two families with six affected members presented with EDSS due to two novel NECTIN4 mutations.
- The study contributes to the understanding of the genetic basis of EDSS.
- A review of existing medical literature on EDSS was conducted.
Related Concept Videos
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
3.2K
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
3.2K
Structure of Cadherins
3.6K
The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This...
3.6K
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
2.4K
Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
2.4K
Desmosomes
5.8K
The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein...
5.8K
Notch Signaling Pathway
4.4K
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
4.4K
Nucleotide Excision Repair
3.8K
DNA Distortion and Damage
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
3.8K


