Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
Clinical Variability Within the PLOD2-Associated Phenotypic Continuum: Three Novel Variants in Four Patients from a
Elena S Merkuryeva1, Evgeniya A Melnik1, Vladimir M Kenis2
1Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia.
Bruck syndrome type 2, caused by PLOD2 gene variants, presents diverse bone fragility and skeletal deformities, even without congenital contractures. This expands understanding of PLOD2-associated disease and aids diagnosis in unexplained bone fragility cases.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Skeletal Dysplasias
Background:
- Bruck syndrome type 2 (BS2) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- It is part of the osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) spectrum.
- BS2 results from pathogenic variants in the PLOD2 gene, crucial for collagen cross-linking in bone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the clinical and molecular spectrum of PLOD2-associated disease.
- To identify novel variants and expand the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.
- To aid in the diagnosis of unexplained bone fragility.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive case series of four patients from three families.
- Clinical, radiological, and molecular evaluations.
- Next-generation sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing for variant analysis.
Main Results:
- Four PLOD2 variants identified, three previously unreported.
- Clinical severity varied, with fractures occurring between 3 months and 4 years.
- Severe OI-like phenotype observed without congenital contractures; axial and pelvic involvement noted in older patients.
Conclusions:
- This series broadens the clinical presentation of PLOD2-associated disease.
- Severe bone fragility can occur without congenital contractures.
- PLOD2 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained bone fragility and skeletal deformities.
Related Concept Videos
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Pleiotropy
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Variability: Analysis
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

