Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR 3) gene (above) have been linked to achondroplasia, or dwarfism. Sperm analysis shows that mutations associated with dwarfism gradually increased by about two per cent for every year of age.
Persons with achondroplasia have a 50 percent chance to pass the gene to a child, resulting in the condition. If both parents have achondroplasia, with each pregnancy, there is a 50 percent chance to have a child with achondroplasia, a 25 percent chance that the child will not inherit the gene and be of average height, and a 25 percent chance that the child will inherit one abnormal gene from each parent, which can lead to severe skeletal problems that often result in early death.
About Genetic Counselor
A Genetic Counselor a part of a larger health care team. They work to provide information and support to families with members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for inherited conditions. Their education is centered around biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work. A Master's Degree is required from one of over 30 accredited U.S. graduate programs to become a genetic counselor.
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