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Published on: August 15, 2019
Case Report: A heterozygous loss-of-function variant of the ERG gene in a family with vascular pathologies
Philipp Erhart1, Nicola Dikow2, Eva M C Schwaibold2
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Background:
The transcription factor ERG (erythroblast transformation-specific-related gene) has been identified as a key regulator of vascular function by suppressing inflammation in endothelial cells (ECs). Dysregulation of ERG due to genetic risk variants is linked to chronic inflammation in conditions such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms.
Case Presentation:
This research work investigates the role of the ERG gene in the development of a systemic arterial aneurysm manifestation. Given the previous implication of ERG in vascular development, we now report a loss-of-function variant (Leu212*) in the ERG gene, segregating in a family with vascular pathologies. Multiple arterial aneurysms were observed in one family member, and early onset of vascular-associated stroke in another individual carrying the familial ERG variant. Histological analysis of arterial aneurysm specimen showed comparable expression of ERG in endothelial cells of the vasa vasorum in samples from the patient and controls.
Conclusion:
Our report discusses the possibility that loss-of-function variants in ERG may act as a risk factor for arterial disease.
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