Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1, which encodes fibrillin-1. It affects multiple organ systems including the cardiovascular system (aortic root dilation and dissection), skeleton (tall stature, arachnodactyly, scoliosis), and eyes (ectopia lentis).
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name: Marfan Syndrome
creation_date: '2025-12-04T16:57:31Z'
updated_date: '2026-04-27T12:39:26Z'
description: Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1, which encodes fibrillin-1. It affects multiple organ systems including the cardiovascular system (aortic root dilation and dissection), skeleton (tall stature, arachnodactyly, scoliosis), and eyes (ectopia lentis).
category: Genetic
parents:
- Connective Tissue Disorder
mappings:
icd10cm_mappings:
- term:
id: ICD10CM:Q87.4
label: Marfan syndrome
mapping_predicate: skos:exactMatch
mapping_source: ORPHA:558
mapping_justification: Orphanet lists ICD-10 Q87.4 as an exact cross-reference for Marfan syndrome.
consistency:
- reference: ORPHA:558
consistent: CONSISTENT
notes: "ICD-10:Q87.4 | Exact"
icd11f_mappings:
- term:
id: icd11f:236564145
label: Marfan syndrome
mapping_predicate: skos:exactMatch
mapping_source: ORPHA:558
mapping_justification: Orphanet lists ICD-11 LD28.01 as an exact cross-reference; the local ICD-11 Foundation ontology represents this as icd11f:236564145.
consistency:
- reference: ORPHA:558
consistent: CONSISTENT
notes: "ICD-11:LD28.01 | Exact"
mondo_mappings:
- term:
id: MONDO:0007947
label: Marfan syndrome
mapping_predicate: skos:exactMatch
mapping_source: ORPHA:558
mapping_justification: Orphanet lists MONDO:0007947 as an exact cross-reference for Marfan syndrome.
consistency:
- reference: ORPHA:558
consistent: CONSISTENT
notes: "MONDO:0007947 | Exact"
definitions:
- name: Orphanet disease definition
definition_type: CASE_DEFINITION
description: >
Orphanet defines Marfan syndrome as a systemic connective-tissue disease
with cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, ophthalmic, and pulmonary
manifestations.
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "Marfan syndrome is a systemic disease of connective tissue characterized by a variable combination of cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, ophthalmic and pulmonary manifestations."
explanation: Orphanet's definition supports the multisystem connective-tissue framing of this entry.
external_assertions:
- name: Orphanet Marfan syndrome record
source: Orphanet
assertion_type: Structured disease record
external_id: ORPHA:558
url: http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=558
description: >
Orphanet structured record for Marfan syndrome, including curated
cross-references to MONDO, ICD-10, ICD-11, OMIM, MeSH, MedDRA, and UMLS
identifiers.
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "MONDO:0007947 | Exact"
explanation: The Orphanet cross-reference table exactly maps ORPHA:558 to MONDO:0007947.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "ICD-10:Q87.4 | Exact"
explanation: The Orphanet cross-reference table exactly maps ORPHA:558 to ICD-10 Q87.4.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "ICD-11:LD28.01 | Exact"
explanation: The Orphanet cross-reference table exactly maps ORPHA:558 to ICD-11 LD28.01.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "UMLS:C0024796 | Exact"
explanation: The Orphanet cross-reference table exactly maps ORPHA:558 to UMLS C0024796.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal dominant inheritance
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal dominant inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000006
label: Autosomal dominant inheritance
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "Autosomal dominant"
explanation: Orphanet records autosomal dominant inheritance for Marfan syndrome.
prevalence:
- population: Global
percentage: 0.01-0.02
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21308160
reference_title: "Marfan's syndrome: an overview."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan's syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition with an estimated prevalence of one in 10,000 to 20,000 individuals.
explanation: The statement is partially supported as the prevalence is given in a range (0.01-0.02) which matches the statement's value range, but it's not explicitly stated as a percentage of the global population.
- reference: PMID:26631233
reference_title: "Prevalence, incidence, and age at diagnosis in Marfan Syndrome."
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We identified a total of 1628 persons with possible Marfan syndrome. We confirmed the diagnosis in 412, whereof 46 were deceased, yielding a maximum prevalence of 6.5/100,000 at the end of 2014.
explanation: This study reports a maximum prevalence of 6.5/100,000, which is lower than the 0.01-0.02 percentage range stated in the question.
- population: Worldwide (Orphanet point prevalence)
percentage: 0.01-0.05
notes: Orphanet reports a worldwide point-prevalence class of 1-5 per 10,000.
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "1-5 / 10 000 | Worldwide | Point prevalence | PMID:20301510"
explanation: The Orphanet epidemiology table provides a worldwide point-prevalence class for Marfan syndrome.
progression:
- phase: Onset
age_range: All ages
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "Age of onset: All ages"
explanation: Orphanet records all ages as the age-of-onset category for Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:28383843
reference_title: "[Marfan syndrome in childhood and adolescence]."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The expression of the Marfan syndrome varies from the severe neonatal presentation to the classical manifestations of the child and young adult, but also comprises isolated features.
explanation: The reference indicates that Marfan syndrome can manifest from neonatal stages to young adulthood, but it does not fully cover the all-age onset category.
- reference: PMID:35420547
reference_title: "A clinical scoring system for early onset (neonatal) Marfan syndrome."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Distinct from classical Marfan syndrome in phenotype and morbidity, eoMFS can be diagnosed clinically using an objective scoring system encompassing the typical physical features and cardiac disease manifestations.
explanation: This reference discusses early onset Marfan syndrome (eoMFS), which can be diagnosed in early childhood. However, it does not specify that the onset is restricted to childhood-adolescence.
- reference: PMID:26631233
reference_title: "Prevalence, incidence, and age at diagnosis in Marfan Syndrome."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: 'We found a median age at diagnose of 19.0 years (range: 0.0-74).'
explanation: This study reports a broad age-at-diagnosis range from birth to older adulthood, partially supporting a broad age-of-recognition spectrum while not directly measuring biological onset.
- reference: PMID:38728377
reference_title: "Mitral annular disjunction and its progression during childhood in Marfan syndrome."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: MAD was found in children of all ages, increased +0.18 mm/year (95% CI +0.14, +0.22) during a median duration of 5.5 years (IQR 3.1, 7.5 years).
explanation: This study indicates that mitral annular disjunction (MAD) associated with Marfan syndrome can be detected in children of all ages, but it does not confirm that the onset of Marfan syndrome itself is restricted to childhood-adolescence.
mechanistic_hypotheses:
- hypothesis_group_id: canonical_fbn1_tgfb_dysregulation_model
hypothesis_label: Canonical FBN1 Loss / TGF-β Dysregulation Model
status: CANONICAL
description: >-
Heterozygous FBN1 pathogenic variants reduce or qualitatively alter fibrillin-1 microfibrils, the extracellular scaffold that both confers elastic-fiber mechanical integrity and sequesters latent TGF-β complexes. Loss of microfibrillar function therefore produces a dual lesion: (1) structural weakness of elastin-rich tissues (aortic media, suspensory ligament of the lens, dura, lung, skin, mitral valve) and (2) excess bioavailable TGF-β with downstream Smad2/3 and non-canonical pathway activation in aortic wall and other tissues. The result is the characteristic multisystem phenotype — progressive aortic root aneurysm and dissection, ectopia lentis, dolichostenomelia, scoliosis, dural ectasia, mitral valve prolapse, and pulmonary blebs. Losartan and other angiotensin/TGF-β-axis inhibitors that reduce aortic-wall TGF-β signaling provide interventional support for the TGF-β-dysregulation component.
notes: >-
Retained as CANONICAL. The 2026 falcon
hypothesis-search report
(kb/hypotheses/Marfan_Syndrome/canonical_fbn1_tgfb_dysregulation_model;
openscientist timed out) confirms the dual-lesion model:
heterozygous FBN1 variants cause microfibrillar mechanical
failure AND excess bioavailable TGF-β with downstream Smad2/3
activation. Three qualifications: (1) the relative contribution
of structural-weakness vs TGF-β-signaling components varies
by tissue and variant — ectopia lentis is primarily structural
while aortic aneurysm involves substantial TGF-β-driven
medial degeneration and matrix remodeling; (2) losartan's
clinical benefit on aortic root growth in pediatric MFS is
modest in head-to-head trials with atenolol, indicating that
TGF-β antagonism alone does not fully prevent dissection
risk and that hemodynamic stress reduction remains critical;
(3) Loeys-Dietz syndrome (TGFBR1/TGFBR2 mutations) and
related TGF-β-pathway disorders display a more aggressive
aneurysm phenotype, indicating that the TGF-β-axis can be
pathogenic even when fibrillin-1 is intact, qualifying the
necessity of microfibrillar disruption for the aortic
phenotype.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39096853
reference_title: "Generation of Marfan syndrome-specific induced pluripotent stem cells harboring FBN1 mutations."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: "Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene."
explanation: >
iPSC generation paper from Marfan patient-derived cells with FBN1 mutations;
used as seed reference for the falcon hypothesis-search deep-research run.
Documents the canonical FBN1-mutation → fibrillin-1-dysfunction axis at the
cellular level.
pathophysiology:
- name: FBN1 Gene Mutation
conforms_to: "aortopathy_tgfbeta_dysregulation#Aortic Wall ECM or Contractile Apparatus Defect"
description: Mutations in the FBN1 gene result in defective fibrillin-1 protein, which affects the elasticity and strength of connective tissues.
gene:
preferred_term: FBN1
description: Gene encoding fibrillin-1, a structural glycoprotein essential for elastic fiber formation in connective tissue.
term:
id: hgnc:3603
label: FBN1
cell_types:
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: elastic fiber assembly
term:
id: GO:0048251
label: elastic fiber assembly
modifier: DECREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:8180508
reference_title: "Identification of defects in the fibrillin gene and protein in individuals with the Marfan syndrome and related disorders."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The gene encoding for fibrillin, the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15, has been identified as the defective gene causing the Marfan syndrome. Fibrillin is the large glycoprotein with a repetitive domain structure and is a major protein component of microfibrils, a fibrillar system closely associated with elastin in connective tissue.
explanation: The statement is supported by the identification of the FBN1 gene as the cause of Marfan syndrome and its role in the structure of connective tissue.
- reference: PMID:39096853
reference_title: "Generation of Marfan syndrome-specific induced pluripotent stem cells harboring FBN1 mutations."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene. Genetic mutations in the FBN1 locus impact the function of the encoded protein, Fibrillin 1, a structural molecule forming microfibrils found in the connective tissue.
explanation: The statement is supported by the description of FBN1 mutations affecting the function of fibrillin-1, which is crucial for connective tissue structure.
- reference: PMID:17657824
reference_title: "The importance of mutation detection in Marfan syndrome and Marfan-related disorders: report of 193 FBN1 mutations."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Mutations in the FBN1 gene have been characterised in patients affected by Marfan syndrome and Marfan-related disorders.
explanation: The statement is supported by the identification of FBN1 mutations in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: PMID:12938084
reference_title: "Update of the UMD-FBN1 mutation database and creation of an FBN1 polymorphism database."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Fibrillin is the major component of extracellular microfibrils. Mutations in the fibrillin gene on chromosome 15 (FBN1) were first described in the heritable connective disorder, Marfan syndrome (MFS).
explanation: The statement is supported by the role of fibrillin as a major component of microfibrils and the impact of FBN1 mutations on connective tissue.
- reference: PMID:24555249
reference_title: "[Marfan syndrome]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue caused by mutations in FBN1 gene.
explanation: The statement is supported by the description of Marfan syndrome as a genetic disorder caused by FBN1 mutations.
- reference: PMID:36004597
reference_title: "[Ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is an orphan disease that is caused by a mutation in the FBN1 gene located on chromosome 15 (15q21.1) and is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
explanation: The statement is supported by the identification of FBN1 mutations as the cause of Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:25729264
reference_title: "C596G mutation in FBN1 causes Marfan syndrome with exotropia in a Chinese family."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: A C596G mutation in FBN1 was identified in a Chinese family with MFS. Our results expand the spectrum of FBN1 mutations and contribute to the understanding of the role of FBN1 in the pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The statement is supported by the identification of specific FBN1 mutations in Marfan syndrome patients and their impact on connective tissue.
downstream:
- target: Dysregulated TGF-beta Signaling
description: Defective fibrillin microfibrils fail to properly sequester latent TGF-beta complexes.
- target: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
description: Loss of normal fibrillin scaffold destabilizes elastic fiber architecture and ECM integrity.
- target: Impaired Mechanotransduction
description: Altered fibrillin-integrin interactions impair mechanosensing in load-bearing connective tissues.
- name: Dysregulated TGF-beta Signaling
conforms_to: "aortopathy_tgfbeta_dysregulation#TGF-beta Signaling Dysregulation"
description: Defective fibrillin-1 microfibrils fail to sequester latent TGF-beta complexes, leading to increased bioavailable TGF-beta and excessive SMAD2/3 signaling that drives vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and ECM remodeling.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway
term:
id: GO:0007179
label: transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: SMAD protein signal transduction
term:
id: GO:0060395
label: SMAD protein signal transduction
modifier: INCREASED
cell_types:
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
locations:
- preferred_term: aorta
term:
id: UBERON:0000947
label: aorta
downstream:
- target: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
description: Excess SMAD signaling increases protease activity and maladaptive ECM turnover.
- target: Aortic Root Aneurysm
description: Persistent TGF-beta activity accelerates medial degeneration and progressive root dilation.
- target: Tall Stature
description: Dysregulated growth factor signaling contributes to long bone overgrowth.
- target: Arachnodactyly
description: Abnormal connective tissue growth signaling contributes to elongated digits.
- name: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
conforms_to: "aortopathy_tgfbeta_dysregulation#Aortic Medial Degeneration and Wall Weakening"
description: Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity, elastic fiber fragmentation, altered collagen composition, and proteoglycan accumulation (especially versican) weaken the aortic wall medial layer.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: extracellular matrix organization
term:
id: GO:0030198
label: extracellular matrix organization
modifier: DYSREGULATED
- preferred_term: proteolysis
term:
id: GO:0006508
label: proteolysis
cell_types:
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
- preferred_term: fibroblast
term:
id: CL:0000057
label: fibroblast
locations:
- preferred_term: aorta tunica media
term:
id: UBERON:0003618
label: aorta tunica media
downstream:
- target: Aortic Aneurysm
description: Elastic fiber fragmentation and collagen disarray weaken the aortic wall.
- target: Mitral Valve Prolapse
description: Connective tissue degeneration in valve leaflets promotes prolapse.
- target: Ectopia Lentis
description: Weak zonular microfibrils predispose to lens displacement.
- target: Scoliosis
description: Ligamentous laxity and vertebral connective tissue weakness promote spinal curvature.
- target: Spontaneous Pneumothorax
description: Fragile connective tissue in lung apices increases risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
- name: Impaired Mechanotransduction
description: Perturbed integrin-fibrillin interactions alter focal adhesion signaling and mechanosensing, contributing to maladaptive vascular smooth muscle cell responses to hemodynamic stress.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: cellular response to mechanical stimulus
term:
id: GO:0071260
label: cellular response to mechanical stimulus
- preferred_term: integrin-mediated signaling pathway
term:
id: GO:0007229
label: integrin-mediated signaling pathway
cell_types:
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
- preferred_term: endothelial cell
term:
id: CL:0000115
label: endothelial cell
locations:
- preferred_term: aorta
term:
id: UBERON:0000947
label: aorta
downstream:
- target: Aortic Root Aneurysm
description: Maladaptive vascular smooth muscle responses to pulsatile stress accelerate root enlargement.
- name: Vascular Inflammation
description: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling and chemokine pathways recruit macrophages and promote inflammatory mediators that exacerbate vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and ECM degradation.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: inflammatory response
term:
id: GO:0006954
label: inflammatory response
- preferred_term: leukocyte migration
term:
id: GO:0050900
label: leukocyte migration
cell_types:
- preferred_term: macrophage
term:
id: CL:0000235
label: macrophage
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
locations:
- preferred_term: aorta tunica intima
term:
id: UBERON:0003619
label: aorta tunica intima
- preferred_term: aorta tunica media
term:
id: UBERON:0003618
label: aorta tunica media
downstream:
- target: Aortic Dissection
description: Inflammatory ECM damage and smooth muscle dysfunction increase risk of acute intimal tearing.
- name: Mitochondrial Dysfunction
description: Emerging evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells as contributors to thoracic aortic aneurysm progression in Marfan syndrome.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: mitochondrial ATP synthesis coupled electron transport
term:
id: GO:0042775
label: mitochondrial ATP synthesis coupled electron transport
- preferred_term: response to oxidative stress
term:
id: GO:0006979
label: response to oxidative stress
cell_types:
- preferred_term: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000359
label: vascular associated smooth muscle cell
- preferred_term: endothelial cell
term:
id: CL:0000115
label: endothelial cell
locations:
- preferred_term: aorta
term:
id: UBERON:0000947
label: aorta
downstream:
- target: Aortic Dissection
description: Oxidative injury amplifies wall fragility and susceptibility to dissection in advanced disease.
phenotypes:
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Aortic Aneurysm
description: Progressive dilation of the aortic root beginning in childhood, with risk of life-threatening aortic dissection.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
sequelae:
- target: Aortic Dissection
description: Progressive dilation weakens the aortic wall, predisposing to acute dissection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16321689
reference_title: "Determinants of rapid progression of aortic root dilatation and complications in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Aortic dissection occurred more frequently in group R (7 patients, 47%) than in group S (0%, P < 0.001).
explanation: This study demonstrates that rapid aortic root dilation significantly increases dissection risk, with 47% dissection rate in rapidly progressing patients.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21797750
reference_title: "Cardiovascular surgery in Marfan syndrome: implications of new molecular concepts in thoracic aortic disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: MFS is one of the most common inherited connective tissue disorders affecting 1 in 5000 individuals. Although the phenotype of MFS can be quite variable, aneurysmal dilation of the aortic root and consecutive acute aortic dissection is the leading cause of death in this patient population.
explanation: This reference confirms that aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection are frequent cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan Syndrome.
- reference: PMID:36058493
reference_title: "Early Onset Marfan Syndrome with multivalvular insufficiency: Report from a tertiary hospital in Tanzania, and a review of the recurrent c.7606G>A p.0 variant in FBN1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Early Onset Marfan Syndrome is at the severe end of the Marfan syndrome spectrum and is frequently associated with variants in exons 24-32 of the FBN1 gene.
explanation: The literature discusses the severe cardiovascular manifestations of Marfan Syndrome, supporting the frequent occurrence of aortic aneurysm and dissection.
- reference: PMID:20364556
reference_title: "Clinical presentation and echocardiographic findings of Thai patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The majority of those individuals had significant organ involvement including dilatation of ascending aorta (78%).
explanation: This study indicates a high frequency of aortic dilation, a precursor to aortic aneurysm, among Marfan Syndrome patients.
- reference: PMID:32290873
reference_title: "Clinical significance of family history and bicuspid aortic valve in children and young adult patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of the connective tissue, whose cardinal features affect eyes, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular system.
explanation: The study highlights the cardiovascular system as a primary area affected in Marfan Syndrome, supporting the frequent occurrence of aortic aneurysms and dissection.
- reference: PMID:7911041
reference_title: "Cardiovascular molecular genetics."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The relation between Marfan syndrome and fibrillin mutations and that between supravalvular aortic stenosis and William syndromes and elastin mutations are reviewed.
explanation: This reference discusses the genetic basis of cardiovascular issues in Marfan Syndrome, supporting the frequent occurrence of aortic aneurysm and dissection.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0004942 | Aortic aneurysm | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies aortic aneurysm as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Aortic Aneurysm
description: Abnormal dilation of the aorta due to weakening of the vessel wall.
term:
id: HP:0004942
label: Aortic aneurysm
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Tall Stature
description: Disproportionately tall stature with long limbs and increased arm span-to-height ratio.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28846673
reference_title: "Skeletal evolution in Marfan syndrome: growth curves from a French national cohort."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Boys and girls from the MFS group were significantly taller than those in the non-MFS group and in the reference group at all ages (P<0.0001).
explanation: The study found that children with Marfan syndrome were significantly taller than their non-MFS counterparts at all ages, supporting the statement that tall stature is a very frequent musculoskeletal diagnostic feature of Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:36058493
reference_title: "Early Onset Marfan Syndrome with multivalvular insufficiency: Report from a tertiary hospital in Tanzania, and a review of the recurrent c.7606G>A p.0 variant in FBN1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Early Onset Marfan Syndrome is at the severe end of the Marfan syndrome spectrum and is frequently associated with variants in exons 24-32 of the FBN1 gene... presented with tall stature.
explanation: The report mentions that tall stature is frequently associated with Early Onset Marfan Syndrome, supporting the statement.
- reference: PMID:31751304
reference_title: "Genetic investigation of patients with tall stature."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We selected 42 patients with tall stature after exclusion of pathologies in GH/IGF1 axis and divided them into syndromic (n = 30) and non-syndromic (n = 12) subgroups... FBN1 = 3...
explanation: The genetic investigation identified FBN1 mutations, which are associated with Marfan syndrome, in patients with tall stature, supporting the statement.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001519 | Disproportionate tall stature | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies disproportionate tall stature as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Disproportionate tall stature
description: Height significantly above the population mean with disproportionate limb and body proportions.
term:
id: HP:0001519
label: Disproportionate tall stature
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Arachnodactyly
description: Abnormally long, slender fingers and toes (spider-like digits), often demonstrated by positive wrist and thumb signs.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34021688
reference_title: "Arachnodactyly represented in art."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Arachnodactyly, a term used since 1902 to describe abnormally long (spider-like) fingers, is a pathologic feature of several heritable conditions, notably the Marfan syndrome...
explanation: The literature states that arachnodactyly is a notable feature of Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:23478494
reference_title: "Arachnodactyly--a key to diagnosing heritable disorders of connective tissue."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Arachnodactyly literally means spidery fingers, and describes the long, slender fingers typical of patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS).
explanation: This reference confirms that arachnodactyly is a typical feature of Marfan syndrome.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001166 | Arachnodactyly | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies arachnodactyly as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome, independently supporting the VERY_FREQUENT frequency assertion.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Arachnodactyly
description: Abnormally long and slender fingers and toes resembling spider legs.
term:
id: HP:0001166
label: Arachnodactyly
- category: Ocular
name: Ectopia Lentis
description: Superior and temporal displacement of the lens due to weakened zonular fibers, affecting visual acuity.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
notes: Dislocation of the lens
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28902582
reference_title: "Marfan's Syndrome with Ectopia Lentis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan's Syndrome with Ectopia Lentis.
explanation: The title directly links Marfan Syndrome with ectopia lentis.
- reference: PMID:24853997
reference_title: "Ocular findings in 87 adults with Ghent-1 verified Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: In this strictly defined MFS group fulfilling the Ghent-1 criteria, the prevalence of EL was 62.1%.
explanation: The study reports a high prevalence (62.1%) of ectopia lentis in individuals with Marfan Syndrome, supporting the statement that it is a frequent ocular diagnostic feature.
- reference: PMID:18090894
reference_title: "Pathophysiology of zonular diseases."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The mechanisms implicated in the clinical manifestations of zonular diseases, especially ectopia lentis, are reviewed.
explanation: The abstract mentions ectopia lentis as a clinical manifestation of zonular diseases, which includes Marfan Syndrome.
- reference: PMID:17134646
reference_title: "Current concepts of ocular manifestations in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is a widespread disorder of connective tissue. It is characterized by systemic and ocular features due to mutations in the fibrillin gene.
explanation: This reference supports the ocular diagnostic aspect of Marfan Syndrome.
- reference: PMID:11705149
reference_title: "Management of ectopia lentis in children."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome, homocystinuria, trauma, and simple ectopia lentis are the most common causes of pediatric lens subluxation.
explanation: This reference supports the association of Marfan Syndrome with ectopia lentis.
- reference: PMID:6984233
reference_title: "Ectopia lentis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Ectopia lentis may cause a marked reduction in visual acuity, which varies with the type and degree of dislocation and the presence of other ocular abnormalities.
explanation: This reference provides information on the clinical significance of ectopia lentis.
- reference: PMID:36670079
reference_title: "Clinical and genetic findings in Chinese families with congenital ectopia lentis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Congenital ectopia lentis (EL) refers to the congenital dysplasia or weakness of the lens suspensory ligament, resulting in an abnormal position of the crystalline lens, which can appear as isolated EL or as an ocular manifestation of a syndrome, such as the Marfan syndrome.
explanation: This reference supports the statement by linking ectopia lentis as an ocular manifestation of Marfan Syndrome.
- reference: PMID:38088571
reference_title: "Uncovering the Hidden World of Aqueous Humor Proteins for Discovery of Biomarkers for Marfan Syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Ectopia lentis is a hallmark of Marfan syndrome (MFS), a genetic connective tissue disorder affecting 1/5000 to 1/10 000 individuals worldwide.
explanation: This reference supports the statement by identifying ectopia lentis as a hallmark of Marfan Syndrome.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001083 | Ectopia lentis | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies ectopia lentis as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ectopia Lentis
description: Displacement or malposition of the crystalline lens from its normal location.
term:
id: HP:0001083
label: Ectopia lentis
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Scoliosis
description: Lateral curvature of the spine occurring in approximately 63% of Marfan syndrome patients, often progressive.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: PMID:9076882
reference_title: "Infantile scoliosis in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The data on all patients seen at one institution who had Marfan syndrome and scoliosis by age three were reviewed.
explanation: The study documents cases of scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome, supporting the statement that scoliosis is a frequent musculoskeletal diagnostic in Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:37270806
reference_title: "Analysis of GPR126 polymorphisms and their relationship with scoliosis in Marfan syndrome and Marfan-like syndrome in Mexican patients."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: A large cross-sectional study revealed a 63% prevalence of scoliosis among patients with MFS.
explanation: This study provides statistical evidence of a high prevalence of scoliosis in Marfan syndrome patients, reinforcing that scoliosis is frequent in this condition.
- reference: PMID:34916231
reference_title: "Impact of pathogenic FBN1 variant types on the development of severe scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Among the several musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with Marfan syndrome, spinal deformity causes pain and respiratory impairment and is a great hindrance to patients' daily activities.
explanation: This study highlights scoliosis as one of the significant musculoskeletal manifestations in Marfan syndrome, supporting its frequent occurrence.
- reference: PMID:35248143
reference_title: "Musculoskeletal diseases in Marfan syndrome: a nationwide registry study."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: 'One out of six with Marfan syndrome was registered with scoliosis (HR: 36.7 (27.5-48.9).'
explanation: The nationwide epidemiological study confirms that scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal diagnosis in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002650 | Scoliosis | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies scoliosis as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Scoliosis
description: Lateral curvature of the vertebral column.
term:
id: HP:0002650
label: Scoliosis
- category: Respiratory
name: Spontaneous Pneumothorax
description: Spontaneous lung collapse occurring in 5-11% of patients due to apical blebs from connective tissue abnormalities.
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: Orphanet classifies spontaneous pneumothorax as Very frequent (99-80%), whereas PMID:25765122 reports 5-11%; frequency is retained as OCCASIONAL based on the direct quantitative clinical estimate.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31883816
reference_title: "[Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax revealing Marfan's syndrome]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Though cardiovascular, skeletal and ophthalmological manifestations are the most frequent features, the respiratory system can also be involved.
explanation: The reference mentions that Marfan syndrome can involve the respiratory system, including pneumothorax.
- reference: PMID:25765122
reference_title: "[Respiratory manifestations of Marfan's syndrome]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan's syndrome is a rare genetic disorder...but minor diagnostic criteria also include pulmonary manifestations. Pneumothorax, frequently relapsing, affects 5 to 11% of patients.
explanation: The reference states that pneumothorax affects 5 to 11% of patients with Marfan syndrome, supporting the statement that it occurs occasionally.
- reference: PMID:33896616
reference_title: "Optimal treatment of pneumothorax in adolescents with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Pneumothorax often develops in patients with Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The reference confirms that pneumothorax is a common occurrence in patients with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:21252480
reference_title: "Pneumothorax and bullae in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax has been described in patients with Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The reference supports the statement by indicating an increased risk of pneumothorax in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002108 | Spontaneous pneumothorax | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet supports the more specific spontaneous pneumothorax phenotype term for Marfan syndrome, but its Very frequent classification conflicts with the 5-11% estimate from PMID:25765122.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Spontaneous pneumothorax
description: Pneumothorax occurring without traumatic injury to the chest or lung.
term:
id: HP:0002108
label: Spontaneous pneumothorax
- category: Respiratory
name: Sleep Apnea
description: Intermittent cessation of airflow during sleep, reflecting sleep-related breathing involvement reported in Marfan syndrome.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0010535 | Sleep apnea | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies sleep apnea as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Sleep apnea
description: Intermittent cessation of airflow at the mouth and nose during sleep.
term:
id: HP:0010535
label: Sleep apnea
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Aortic Dissection
description: Life-threatening tear in the aortic wall allowing blood to enter between tissue layers, the leading cause of death in untreated Marfan syndrome.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21797750
reference_title: "Cardiovascular surgery in Marfan syndrome: implications of new molecular concepts in thoracic aortic disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: MFS is one of the most common inherited connective tissue disorders affecting 1 in 5000 individuals. Although the phenotype of MFS can be quite variable, aneurysmal dilation of the aortic root and consecutive acute aortic dissection is the leading cause of death in this patient population.
explanation: This reference directly states that aortic dissection is the leading cause of death in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: PMID:16321689
reference_title: "Determinants of rapid progression of aortic root dilatation and complications in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Aortic dissection occurred more frequently in group R (7 patients, 47%) than in group S (0%, P < 0.001).
explanation: This study demonstrates that aortic dissection is a frequent complication in patients with rapid aortic root dilation.
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002647 | Aortic dissection | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies aortic dissection as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Aortic Dissection
description: Tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall allowing blood to flow between layers.
term:
id: HP:0002647
label: Aortic dissection
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Mitral Valve Prolapse
description: Myxomatous degeneration of mitral valve leaflets causing prolapse into the left atrium during systole, often accompanied by mitral regurgitation.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001634 | Mitral valve prolapse | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies mitral valve prolapse as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Mitral valve prolapse
description: Abnormal systolic displacement of mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium.
term:
id: HP:0001634
label: Mitral valve prolapse
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Tricuspid Valve Prolapse
description: Abnormal systolic displacement of tricuspid valve leaflets into the right atrium, representing right-sided atrioventricular valve involvement.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001704 | Tricuspid valve prolapse | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies tricuspid valve prolapse as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tricuspid valve prolapse
description: Tricuspid valve leaflets bulge back into the right atrium during right ventricular contraction.
term:
id: HP:0001704
label: Tricuspid valve prolapse
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Aortic Root Aneurysm
description: Progressive enlargement of the aortic root diameter, typically measured by echocardiography and tracked using Z-scores adjusted for age and body surface area.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002616 | Aortic root aneurysm | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies aortic root aneurysm as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Aortic root aneurysm
description: Abnormal widening of the aortic root.
term:
id: HP:0002616
label: Aortic root aneurysm
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Ascending Tubular Aorta Aneurysm
description: Localized widening of the tubular ascending aorta, distinct from the aortic root and relevant to thoracic aortic surveillance.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0004970 | Ascending tubular aorta aneurysm | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies ascending tubular aorta aneurysm as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ascending tubular aorta aneurysm
description: Localized dilatation of the tubular portion of the ascending aorta.
term:
id: HP:0004970
label: Ascending tubular aorta aneurysm
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Pectus Carinatum
description: Protrusion of the sternum and anterior chest wall, a common skeletal manifestation in Marfan syndrome.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000768 | Pectus carinatum | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies pectus carinatum as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pectus carinatum
description: Protrusion of the sternum and ribs.
term:
id: HP:0000768
label: Pectus carinatum
- category: Dermatologic
name: Striae Distensae
description: Stretch marks caused by connective-tissue fragility, often occurring without major weight change.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001065 | Striae distensae | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies striae distensae as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Striae distensae
description: Linear dermal atrophic streaks caused by skin stretching.
term:
id: HP:0001065
label: Striae distensae
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Pes Planus
description: Flattening of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001763 | Pes planus | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies pes planus as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pes planus
description: Flat foot with reduced or absent medial arch.
term:
id: HP:0001763
label: Pes planus
- category: Constitutional
name: Slender Build
description: Thin body habitus with reduced soft-tissue bulk relative to height.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001533 | Slender build | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies slender build as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Slender build
description: Thin body habitus.
term:
id: HP:0001533
label: Slender build
- category: Neurological
name: Dural Ectasia
description: Widening or ballooning of the dural sac, typically in the lumbosacral spine, reflecting connective-tissue weakness.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0100775 | Dural ectasia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies dural ectasia as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Dural ectasia
description: Abnormal widening of the dural sac.
term:
id: HP:0100775
label: Dural ectasia
- category: Constitutional
name: Chronic Fatigue
description: Persistent fatigue disproportionate to activity level, reported as a very frequent quality-of-life burden in Marfan syndrome.
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0012432 | Chronic fatigue | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies chronic fatigue as Very frequent (99-80%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Chronic fatigue
description: Fatigue persisting for six months or longer.
term:
id: HP:0012432
label: Chronic fatigue
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Pectus Excavatum
description: Depression of the sternum and anterior chest wall, producing a caved-in chest-wall contour.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000767 | Pectus excavatum | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies pectus excavatum as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pectus excavatum
description: Depression of the sternum giving the chest a caved-in appearance.
term:
id: HP:0000767
label: Pectus excavatum
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Joint Hypermobility
description: Increased passive or active joint range of motion beyond normal physiological limits.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001382 | Joint hypermobility | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies joint hypermobility as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Joint hypermobility
description: Ability of joints to move beyond normal limits along physiological axes.
term:
id: HP:0001382
label: Joint hypermobility
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Protrusio Acetabuli
description: Intrapelvic bulging of the medial acetabular wall, a skeletal feature included in systemic diagnostic scoring.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0003179 | Protrusio acetabuli | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies protrusio acetabuli as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Protrusio acetabuli
description: Intrapelvic bulging of the medial acetabular wall.
term:
id: HP:0003179
label: Protrusio acetabuli
- category: Ocular
name: Myopia
description: Refractive error with clear near vision and blurred distance vision, reflecting ocular involvement in Marfan syndrome.
frequency: FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000545 | Myopia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies myopia as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Myopia
description: Nearsighted refractive error with blurred distance vision.
term:
id: HP:0000545
label: Myopia
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Mitral Regurgitation
description: Incompetence of the mitral valve causing retrograde blood flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001653 | Mitral regurgitation | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies mitral regurgitation as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Mitral regurgitation
description: Retrograde leaking of blood through the mitral valve upon ventricular contraction.
term:
id: HP:0001653
label: Mitral regurgitation
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Aortic Regurgitation
description: Aortic valve insufficiency causing backward blood flow from the aorta into the left ventricle.
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:558
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome (Orphanet structured-database record)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001659 | Aortic regurgitation | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet's curated HPO frequency annotation classifies aortic regurgitation as Frequent (79-30%) in Marfan syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Aortic regurgitation
description: Backward blood flow from the aorta into the left ventricle due to aortic valve insufficiency.
term:
id: HP:0001659
label: Aortic regurgitation
biochemical:
- name: Fibrillin-1 Protein
presence: Abnormal
context: Can be used in research settings but not routine diagnostics.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:8180508
reference_title: "Identification of defects in the fibrillin gene and protein in individuals with the Marfan syndrome and related disorders."
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Analysis of fibrillin protein or gene defects in individuals with related phenotypes has revealed that a perinatal lethal syndrome, termed neonatal Marfan syndrome, is due to FBN1 gene mutations.
explanation: The literature indicates that fibrillin-1 protein abnormalities are directly linked to Marfan syndrome, which is relevant for both research and diagnostic purposes.
- reference: PMID:9586151
reference_title: "[Marfan syndrome: diagnosis of cardiovascular manifestations]."
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: New diagnostic insights have eventually led to revised nosologic criteria for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The literature discusses the importance of fibrillin-1 in the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, indicating its relevance in routine diagnostics.
- reference: PMID:22705998
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome: from gene to therapy."
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: Although historically Marfan syndrome (MFS) has always been considered as a condition caused by the deficiency of a structural extracellular matrix protein, fibrillin-1, the study of Marfan mouse models and Marfan-related conditions has shifted our current understanding to a pathogenic model that involves dysregulation of the cytokine-transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling.
explanation: The literature highlights the role of fibrillin-1 in the pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome, which is essential for both research and diagnostic purposes.
- reference: PMID:37688493
reference_title: "The usefulness of the genetic panel in the classification and refinement of diagnostic accuracy of Mexican patients with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders."
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystem genetic disorder with over 3000 mutations described in the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene.
explanation: The literature underscores the diagnostic importance of identifying fibrillin-1 mutations in Marfan syndrome.
genetic:
- name: FBN1
association: Pathogenic Variants
notes: Primary causative gene encoding fibrillin-1, a structural ECM glycoprotein.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31163209
reference_title: "FBN1 gene mutations in 26 Hungarian patients with suspected Marfan syndrome or related fibrillinopathies."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: FBN1 gene mutations lead to MFS and related connective tissue disorders.
explanation: The abstract directly states that FBN1 gene mutations are associated with Marfan syndrome and related disorders.
- reference: PMID:34916231
reference_title: "Impact of pathogenic FBN1 variant types on the development of severe scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We retrospectively evaluated 278 patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic FBN1 variants.
explanation: The study focuses on patients with Marfan syndrome who have pathogenic FBN1 variants, supporting the association.
- reference: PMID:32130918
reference_title: "Pathogenic FBN1 Genetic Variation and Aortic Dissection in Patients With Marfan Syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Aortic risk has not been evaluated in patients with Marfan syndrome and documented pathogenic variants in the FBN1 gene.
explanation: The study describes aortic risks in patients with Marfan syndrome with pathogenic FBN1 variants, supporting the association.
- reference: PMID:35419902
reference_title: "The fibrillinopathies: New insights with focus on the paradigm of opposing phenotypes for both FBN1 and FBN2."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Different pathogenic variants in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome and acromelic dysplasias.
explanation: The abstract states that pathogenic variants in FBN1 cause Marfan syndrome, supporting the association.
- reference: PMID:36004597
reference_title: "[Ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is an orphan disease that is caused by a mutation in the FBN1 gene located on chromosome 15 (15q21.1).
explanation: The article reviews studies concerning the potential ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome caused by FBN1 mutations.
- reference: PMID:30485715
reference_title: "Autosomal dominant Marfan syndrome caused by a previously reported recessive FBN1 variant."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Pathogenic variants in FBN1 cause autosomal dominant Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The abstract states that pathogenic variants in FBN1 cause autosomal dominant Marfan syndrome, supporting the association.
- reference: PMID:19059503
reference_title: "Compound-heterozygous Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We report two families in which the probands have compound-heterozygous Marfan syndrome (MFS).
explanation: The study reports cases of Marfan syndrome associated with compound-heterozygous FBN1 mutations, supporting the association.
- reference: CGGV:assertion_d3fc0bea-4d6e-449e-885c-b204e6a0b2bf-2019-03-04T170000.000Z
reference_title: "FBN1 / Marfan syndrome (Definitive)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "FBN1 | HGNC:3603 | Marfan syndrome | MONDO:0007947 | AD | Definitive"
explanation: ClinGen classifies the FBN1-Marfan syndrome gene-disease relationship as definitive with autosomal dominant inheritance.
- name: TGFBR1
association: Implicated
notes: Type I TGF-beta receptor; variants can cause overlapping Loeys-Dietz syndrome phenotype.
- name: TGFBR2
association: Implicated
notes: Type II TGF-beta receptor; mutations alter TGF-beta signaling in aortic disease.
- name: SMAD2
association: Implicated
notes: Canonical TGF-beta signaling mediator; nuclear translocation drives ECM remodeling.
- name: SMAD3
association: Implicated
notes: TGF-beta effector involved in medial remodeling and inflammatory responses.
- name: ACTA2
association: Implicated
notes: Alpha-smooth muscle actin; pathogenic variants cause familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.
- name: AGTR1
association: Implicated
notes: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor; modulates hemodynamic stress and pro-fibrotic signaling.
- name: ITGAV
association: Implicated
notes: Integrin alpha-V subunit; mediates cell-ECM adhesion and mechanotransduction.
- name: NOS2
association: Implicated
notes: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; upregulated in inflamed aortic tissue.
- name: VCAN
association: Implicated
notes: Versican proteoglycan; accumulation drives AKT/NOS2 pathways in aortic disease.
diagnosis:
- name: Genetic Testing for FBN1 Mutations
description: Sequencing of the FBN1 gene to identify pathogenic variants causing Marfan syndrome.
presence: Positive in affected individuals
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17657824
reference_title: "The importance of mutation detection in Marfan syndrome and Marfan-related disorders: report of 193 FBN1 mutations."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Mutations in the FBN1 gene have been characterised in patients affected by Marfan syndrome and Marfan-related disorders.
explanation: This study confirms that FBN1 mutations are present in individuals affected by Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:26903455
reference_title: "Genetic testing in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Genetic testing is aiding rapid diagnosis of Marfan syndrome as a basis for management of eye, heart and skeletal disease.
explanation: This article supports the presence of genetic testing for FBN1 mutations in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:27234404
reference_title: "Genetic testing of the FBN1 gene in Chinese patients with Marfan/Marfan-like syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Here, we performed genetic testing of the FBN1 gene in 39 Chinese probands with Marfan/Marfan-like syndrome and their related family members by Sanger sequencing.
explanation: This research supports the presence of FBN1 mutations in affected individuals through genetic testing.
- reference: PMID:27906200
reference_title: "Evaluating the quality of Marfan genotype-phenotype correlations in existing FBN1 databases."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Genetic FBN1 testing is pivotal for confirming the clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The study highlights the importance of FBN1 genetic testing in diagnosing Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:30166242
reference_title: "Correction of the Marfan Syndrome Pathogenic FBN1 Mutation by Base Editing in Human Cells and Heterozygous Embryos."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Taking advantage of this technology, we corrected a Marfan syndrome pathogenic mutation, FBN1T7498C.
explanation: This study demonstrates the presence of a specific FBN1 mutation in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:25652400
reference_title: "The clinical presentation of Marfan syndrome is modulated by expression of wild-type FBN1 allele."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder mainly caused by mutations within FBN1 gene.
explanation: This article supports the presence of FBN1 mutations in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:19059503
reference_title: "Compound-heterozygous Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We report two families in which the probands have compound-heterozygous Marfan syndrome (MFS).
explanation: This study supports the presence of FBN1 mutations in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:20709720
reference_title: "Cardiovascular manifestations in men and women carrying a FBN1 mutation."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: In patients with Marfan syndrome and other type-1 fibrillinopathies, genetic testing is becoming more easily available, leading to the identification of mutations early in the course of the disease.
explanation: The article supports the identification of FBN1 mutations in individuals with Marfan syndrome through genetic testing.
- reference: PMID:25652356
reference_title: "Decreased frequency of FBN1 missense variants in Ghent criteria-positive Marfan syndrome and characterization of novel FBN1 variants."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Testing yielded 207 pathogenic or likely pathogenic FBN1 variants.
explanation: This study supports the presence of FBN1 mutations in individuals who meet the Ghent criteria for Marfan syndrome.
- name: Echocardiogram
description: Ultrasound imaging to measure aortic root diameter and assess cardiac valve function.
presence: Aortic root dilation
notes: Often used to monitor cardiovascular complications.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:9586151
reference_title: "[Marfan syndrome: diagnosis of cardiovascular manifestations]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The diagnostic reliability as well as the advantage and limitation of these recent diagnostic strategies are discussed; moreover diagnostic concepts for patients with neonatal as well as classic Marfan syndrome are presented and discussed in the context of the clinical management...
explanation: The reference discusses the use of echocardiography, among other diagnostic tools, in the evaluation and management of cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: PMID:33843540
reference_title: "Comparability of different Z-score equations for aortic root dimensions in children with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Aortic root dilation is a major complication of Marfan syndrome and is one of the most important criteria in establishing the diagnosis.
explanation: The reference highlights that aortic root dilation is a significant complication of Marfan syndrome and is a key criterion for diagnosis, which is typically monitored using echocardiography.
- reference: PMID:35550817
reference_title: "Prevalence and Outcomes of Primary Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Marfan Syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Even in the absence of significant valvular disease, patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) have evidence of impaired left ventricular (LV) performance, suggestive of a primary cardiomyopathy.
explanation: The reference indicates that echocardiography is used to monitor left ventricular performance and other cardiovascular complications in Marfan syndrome patients.
- reference: PMID:29972109
reference_title: "Utility of serial 12-lead electrocardiograms in children with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Children ≤18 years who met the revised Ghent criteria for Marfan syndrome and received a 12-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiogram within a 3-month period were included.
explanation: The reference confirms that echocardiograms are routinely used to monitor cardiovascular complications in children with Marfan syndrome.
- name: Slit Lamp Exam
description: Ophthalmic examination using magnified light to detect lens subluxation and other ocular abnormalities.
presence: Ectopia lentis
notes: Used to detect lens dislocation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24853997
reference_title: "Ocular findings in 87 adults with Ghent-1 verified Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The position of the lens was noted by observing the eye in different gaze directions in maximal mydriasis during slit lamp examination.
explanation: The study confirms that slit lamp examination is used to detect lens dislocation (ectopia lentis) in patients with Marfan syndrome.
environmental:
- name: Physical Activity Restrictions
description: Avoidance of strenuous isometric exercise and contact sports to reduce hemodynamic stress on the aorta.
effect: Reduces risk of aortic dissection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:9789865
reference_title: "Exercise and the Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The person with Marfan syndrome is often tall and agile and may unknowingly participate in certain physical activities and sports, putting himself or herself at risk for aortic dissection and sudden death.
explanation: The article suggests that physical activity restrictions are necessary to prevent aortic dissection in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- reference: PMID:36453629
reference_title: "Can 10 000 Healthy Steps a Day Slow Aortic Root Dilation in Pediatric Patients With Marfan Syndrome?"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We instructed patients to take 10 000 steps per day, tracked by an activity tracker... AoR Z score in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of change per year compared with the controls (rate of change, -0.24 versus +0.008; P=0.01).
explanation: The study indicates that controlled physical activity can reduce the rate of aortic root dilation, which is associated with a lower risk of aortic dissection.
- reference: PMID:28947563
reference_title: "Cardiovascular Benefits of Moderate Exercise Training in Marfan Syndrome: Insights From an Animal Model."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: Over the 5-month experimental period, aortic root dilation rate was significantly greater in the sedentary MF group, compared with the wild-type group (∆mm, 0.27±0.07 versus 0.13±0.02, respectively). Exercise significantly blunted the aortic root dilation rate in MF mice compared with sedentary MF littermates (∆mm, 0.10±0.04 versus 0.27±0.07, respectively).
explanation: Moderate dynamic exercise mitigates the progression of cardiovascular issues in Marfan syndrome, indirectly supporting the idea that physical activity restrictions can help manage aortic dissection risk.
exposure_term:
preferred_term: Physical activity exposure
description: Exposure to physical exertion that may impact cardiovascular stress.
term:
id: XCO:0000059
label: physical activity
treatments:
- name: Beta Blockers
description: Used to reduce stress on the aorta and prevent its enlargement.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36939732
reference_title: "Drug-based cardiovascular prevention in patients with Marfan Syndrome: a systematic review."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Beta-blockers remain the mainstay of therapy as they have proven to slow aortic enlargement. Angiotensin receptor blockers are a useful alternative and with proven benefit as an add-on therapy to limit aortic growth.
explanation: Beta-blockers are used to slow aortic enlargement, which indirectly reduces stress on the aorta. However, they do not prevent aortic enlargement entirely.
- reference: PMID:17845137
reference_title: "Therapy of Marfan syndrome."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Traditional medical therapies, such as beta-adrenergic receptor blockade, are used to slow pathologic aortic growth and decrease the risk of aortic dissection by decreasing hemodynamic stress.
explanation: Beta-blockers are used to slow aortic growth and decrease hemodynamic stress, but they do not completely prevent aortic enlargement.
- reference: PMID:17376944
reference_title: "Marfan's syndrome and the heart."
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Medical treatment with beta-blockers is probably helpful in most children with aortic root dilatation.
explanation: Beta-blockers are helpful in slowing the progression of aortic root dilatation, but they do not completely prevent it.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: beta adrenergic agent therapy
description: Treatment using medications that block beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
term:
id: MAXO:0000186
label: beta adrenergic agent therapy
- name: Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
description: ARBs such as losartan reduce aortic root growth by blocking angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling and modulating TGF-beta pathways. Pediatric data show superior tolerability and efficacy compared to beta-blockers.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
description: Treatment using medications such as losartan to modulate pathological signaling pathways.
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: losartan
term:
id: CHEBI:6541
label: losartan
- name: Aortic Surgery
description: Recommended for severe aortic dilation to prevent dissection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26586198
reference_title: "Overview of current surgical strategies for aortic disease in patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: To prevent such catastrophic aortic events, a lower threshold has been recommended for prophylactic interventions on the aortic root.
explanation: The literature mentions that prophylactic aortic root replacement is recommended to prevent severe aortic events such as dissections.
- reference: PMID:29948025
reference_title: "Predictors of Rapid Aortic Root Dilation and Referral for Aortic Surgery in Marfan Syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Few data exist regarding predictors of rapid aortic root dilation and referral for aortic surgery in Marfan syndrome (MFS).
explanation: The study investigates predictors for referral for aortic surgery in patients with Marfan syndrome, indicating that surgery is recommended for severe aortic dilation.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: surgical procedure
description: Operative intervention to repair or replace damaged anatomical structures.
term:
id: MAXO:0000004
label: surgical procedure
- name: Orthopedic Interventions
description: Treatments for scoliosis and other skeletal abnormalities.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11961443
reference_title: "Surgical treatment of scoliosis in Marfan syndrome: guidelines for a successful outcome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The authors recommend arthrodesing both the primary and secondary curves in all patients with Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The study discusses surgical treatment of scoliosis in Marfan syndrome and provides guidelines for successful outcomes through orthopedic interventions.
- reference: PMID:11880731
reference_title: "Marfan syndrome: orthopedic and genetic review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The major orthopedic manifestations of Marfan syndrome include scoliosis, chest wall deformity, dural ectasia, joint hypermobility, and acetabular protrusion.
explanation: This review highlights the orthopedic aspects of Marfan syndrome, including treatments for scoliosis and other skeletal abnormalities.
- reference: PMID:34916231
reference_title: "Impact of pathogenic FBN1 variant types on the development of severe scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: We elucidated the genetic risk factors for the development of severe scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The study investigates the genetic risk factors for severe scoliosis in Marfan syndrome, which is relevant to orthopedic interventions.
- reference: PMID:17945136
reference_title: "Spinal deformities in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Kyphoscoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and atlantoaxial subluxation are common spinal deformities in Marfan syndrome... Surgical correction is associated with complications, such as failure of fixation and additional deformity; however good results are possible when consideration is given to the unique challenges presented by patients who have Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The article discusses common spinal deformities in Marfan syndrome and the complexities of surgical correction, supporting the statement on orthopedic interventions.
- reference: PMID:26130954
reference_title: "Disease-specific Growth Charts of Marfan Syndrome Patients in Korea."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) presents with primary skeletal manifestations such as tall stature, chest wall abnormality, and scoliosis.
explanation: This study covers the primary skeletal manifestations of Marfan syndrome, including scoliosis, which require orthopedic interventions.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: surgical procedure
description: Operative intervention to correct skeletal abnormalities such as scoliosis.
term:
id: MAXO:0000004
label: surgical procedure
- name: Vision Correction
description: Management of ocular issues such as ectopia lentis with glasses or surgery.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24698610
reference_title: "Surgical management of lens subluxation in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Anterior lensectomy and limited vitrectomy with aphakic correction is safe and provides a consistent visual outcome in patients with lens subluxation secondary to Marfan syndrome.
explanation: The study discusses surgical management of ectopia lentis in Marfan syndrome patients, which supports the statement about managing ocular issues with surgery.
- reference: PMID:23661206
reference_title: "Ocular features and management challenges of Marfan's Syndrome in Benin City, Nigeria."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The ocular features were ectopia lentis in 92.3% of the patients... The best corrected visual acuity in 4 out of 5 patients who had cataract extraction at 8 weeks post op. was 6/60 to 6/12.
explanation: This study highlights the use of surgical intervention for vision correction in Marfan syndrome patients with ectopia lentis.
- reference: PMID:30260057
reference_title: "Ten-year reinvestigation of ocular manifestations in Marfan syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Our study indicates that even though EL typically occurs at an early stage in most MFS patients, there is still a risk of developing EL in adulthood.
explanation: The study confirms the management of ectopia lentis (EL) in Marfan syndrome, indicating the necessity for vision correction, which can include glasses or surgery.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: surgical procedure
description: Operative intervention to correct lens dislocation or other ocular abnormalities.
term:
id: MAXO:0000004
label: surgical procedure
datasets:
# ASAP thoracic aortic aneurysm study
- accession: geo:GSE26155
title: Advanced Study of Aortic Pathology (ASAP)
description: >-
Advanced Study of Aortic Pathology (ASAP) dataset comparing aortic
tissue gene expression from patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms
and bicuspid (BAV) vs tricuspid (TAV) aortic valves. Includes
mammary artery controls and transplant donor samples.
organism:
preferred_term: human
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
data_type: MICROARRAY
sample_types:
- preferred_term: thoracic aorta tissue
tissue_term:
preferred_term: thoracic aorta
term:
id: UBERON:0001515
label: thoracic aorta
sample_count: 96
conditions:
- dilated aorta BAV
- dilated aorta TAV
- non-dilated aorta
- mammary artery control
platform: Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST Array
notes: >-
Identifies immune response genes elevated in dilated TAV aortic
tissue. Relevant for studying aortic aneurysm pathogenesis in
connective tissue disorders including Marfan syndrome.
# Aortic dissection gene expression
- accession: geo:GSE52093
title: Genome-wide analysis of gene expression of ascending aorta from patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
description: >-
Gene expression profiling comparing dissected ascending aorta
tissue from acute Stanford type A aortic dissection patients
to normal aorta controls, identifying pathogenesis pathways.
organism:
preferred_term: human
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
data_type: MICROARRAY
sample_types:
- preferred_term: ascending aorta tissue
tissue_term:
preferred_term: ascending aorta
term:
id: UBERON:0001496
label: ascending aorta
sample_count: 12
conditions:
- acute aortic dissection
- normal aorta control
platform: Illumina HumanHT-12 V4.0 expression beadchip
notes: >-
Identifies genes with altered expression in aortic dissection,
providing insights into pathogenesis relevant to Marfan syndrome
cardiovascular complications
disease_term:
preferred_term: Marfan syndrome
description: A heritable connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1, characterized by cardiovascular, ocular, and skeletal abnormalities.
term:
id: MONDO:0007947
label: Marfan syndrome
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4
title: 'Prophylactic effect of angiotensin receptor blockers in children with genetic aortopathies: the early bird catches the worm'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285
title: The extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin-1 in health and disease
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fgene.2024.1463318
title: 'Marfan syndrome: insights from animal models'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/ijms25095025
title: Investigation of Strategies to Block Downstream Effectors of AT1R-Mediated Signalling to Prevent Aneurysm Formation in Marfan Syndrome
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/ijms25137367
title: Coding and Non-Coding Transcriptomic Landscape of Aortic Complications in Marfan Syndrome
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/ijms26073067
title: Analysis of FBN1, TGFβ2, TGFβR1 and TGFβR2 mRNA as Key Molecular Mechanisms in the Damage of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection in Marfan Syndrome
findings: []
Disease Pathophysiology Research Report
Target Disease - Disease Name: Marfan Syndrome - MONDO ID: MONDO:0007947 - Category: Genetic (autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder)
Pathophysiology description Marfan syndrome is caused predominantly by pathogenic variants in FBN1, encoding fibrillin‑1, a cysteine‑rich extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that assembles into 10–12 nm microfibrils and scaffolds elastic fiber assembly. Defective fibrillin‑1 compromises microfibril integrity, disrupts sequestration of latent TGF‑β complexes (via LTBPs), and increases bioavailable TGF‑β, leading to canonical SMAD2/3 and non‑canonical pathway activation in the aortic wall. These signals drive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching, ECM remodeling (elastic fiber fragmentation, increased MMP activity, altered proteoglycans), and medial degeneration, thereby promoting thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and dissection. Integrin–microfibril interactions and mechanotransduction are impaired, further coupling mechanical stress to maladaptive signaling. Emerging evidence integrates inflammatory mediators and mitochondrial dysfunction into this network, with inflammatory signaling and bioenergetic impairment compounding VSMC dysfunction and aortic wall weakening (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285; Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1463318). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
Key concepts and definitions with current understanding - Fibrillin‑1/microfibrils: FBN1 encodes the core microfibril protein. Loss‑of‑function or dominant‑negative variants impair microfibril assembly and elasticity, and dysregulate growth factor and integrin signaling. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Dysregulated TGF‑β signaling: Failure of microfibrils to sequester latent TGF‑β elevates active TGF‑β and downstream SMAD2/3 signaling, which reprograms VSMC phenotype, ECM synthesis/degradation, and inflammation. (Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1463318; Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024). (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - ECM remodeling: Increased protease activity (e.g., MMPs), elastic fiber fragmentation, and altered proteoglycan/collagen composition weaken medial architecture. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Mechanotransduction: Perturbed integrin interactions with fibrillin‑1 and matrix alter focal adhesion signaling and contribute to maladaptive responses to hemodynamic load. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024; Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - Inflammation: AT1R‑coupled signaling and chemokine axes contribute to vascular inflammation that exacerbates ECM degradation and VSMC dysfunction; high‑dose AT1R blockade reduces aneurysm progression in mice. (Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025). (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Mitochondrial dysfunction: Transcriptomic/epigenetic syntheses implicate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as emergent contributors to TAA in MFS. (Int J Mol Sci, 9 Jul 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137367). (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
Recent developments and latest research (2023–2024 prioritized) - FBN1 biology and integrin/TGF‑β coupling: A 2024 review details how FBN1 defects perturb integrin binding (e.g., αV integrin) and TGF‑β bioavailability, linking structural microfibril failure to signaling dysregulation and ECM proteolysis. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Systems/transcriptomic perspective: A 2024 review of coding and non‑coding changes in MFS aortopathy highlights TGF‑β pathways, ECM organization, inflammation, and mitochondrial metabolism (e.g., candidate targets including Tfam; miRNAs such as miR‑200c) as recurrent programs. (Int J Mol Sci, 9 Jul 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137367). (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - AT1R downstream targeting: In Fbn1C1041G/+ mice, high‑dose losartan (50 mg/kg/day) significantly slowed aortic aneurysm progression (1.73 ± 0.12 vs. 1.96 ± 0.08 mm, p=0.0033), while biased ligands (TRV027) or combinations (β‑arrestin blocker barbadin or CCR2 blockade) with low‑dose losartan did not add benefit—suggesting extensive AT1R blockade is needed in this model. (Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025). (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Pediatric real‑world ARB efficacy: In a retrospective pediatric cohort of 81 children/adolescents with genetic aortopathies (majority FBN1), both ARB and β‑blocker therapy reduced aortic root growth; ARB showed a more pronounced effect and markedly better tolerability (discontinuation 3% vs. 50% for β‑blockers). (Clinical Research in Cardiology, May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4). (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2)
Current applications and real‑world implementations - Medical therapy: ARBs (e.g., losartan) are widely used for blood pressure control and to modulate pathological signaling. Pediatric data support earlier ARB initiation for limiting aortic root growth and improving tolerance compared with β‑blockers, acknowledging interindividual heterogeneity and the need for dose optimization. (Clinical Research in Cardiology, May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4; Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025). (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Mechanism‑informed targets: Preclinical data emphasize the centrality of AT1R signaling and suggest that deeper receptor blockade can be necessary; ongoing exploration of biased agonism/β‑arrestin and chemokine axes continues, but additive benefits beyond robust ARB dosing were not observed in one MFS mouse study. (Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024). (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources - Contemporary reviews synthesize a convergent model: FBN1 defects → microfibril failure → increased TGF‑β signaling (SMAD2/3 and non‑canonical) → VSMC phenotypic change, ECM degradation, inflammation, and impaired mechanotransduction, with mitochondrial dysfunction increasingly recognized as a contributory hallmark. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024; Int J Mol Sci, 9 Jul 2024; Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - Therapeutic implications: ARBs are biologically plausible given their attenuation of AT1R‑linked profibrotic/inflammatory signaling that intersects TGF‑β pathways; clinical pediatric data indicate superior tolerability and greater reduction in aortic root growth versus β‑blockers, while preclinical results highlight the importance of sufficient dosing for efficacy. (Clinical Research in Cardiology, May 2023; Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024). (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Relevant statistics and data from recent studies - Pediatric cohort (n=81 on therapy; ages 5 months–18 years): both ARB and β‑blocker therapies improved aortic root z‑score trajectory; ARB showed a more pronounced reduction in growth (p<0.01) and far lower discontinuation (3% vs. 50%) than β‑blockers. (Clinical Research in Cardiology, May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4). (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2) - Mouse model dosing experiment: Losartan 50 mg/kg/day slowed aneurysm progression versus untreated MFS mice (1.73 ± 0.12 vs. 1.96 ± 0.08 mm, p=0.0033); biased/partial pathway strategies added to lower-dose losartan did not significantly improve outcomes. (Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025). (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Direct supporting quotes - “Both ARB and BB therapy showed significant improvement in aortic root growth, while the effect is significantly more pronounced in ARB … [and] ARBs were better tolerated … discontinuation rate (3%) compared to BB (50%).” (Clinical Research in Cardiology, May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4). (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2) - “A high dose of losartan (50 mg/kg/day) slowed down aneurysm progression compared to untreated MFS mice … TRV027 … and [combinations] with lower doses of losartan did not show a significant beneficial effect.” (Int J Mol Sci, 4 May 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025). (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Required Information 1) Core Pathophysiology - Primary mechanisms: FBN1 mutation → defective microfibrils → loss of latent TGF‑β sequestration → increased TGF‑β bioactivity; canonical SMAD2/3 and non‑canonical cascades alter VSMC phenotype and matrix turnover; impaired integrin‑mediated mechanotransduction; inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbate medial degeneration. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024; Int J Mol Sci, 9 Jul 2024; Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - Dysregulated pathways: TGF‑β/SMAD, AT1R/angiotensin signaling, integrin mechanotransduction, matrix proteolysis, inflammatory chemokine/cytokine signaling, and mitochondrial metabolism. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Affected cellular processes: VSMC phenotypic modulation, ECM synthesis/degradation, endothelial dysfunction/senescence, inflammatory cell recruitment/activation, bioenergetic stress. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
2) Key Molecular Players - Genes/Proteins (HGNC): FBN1; TGFBR1/2; SMAD2/3; ACTA2; AGTR1; ITGAV; NOS2. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Chemical entities (CHEBI): Losartan; Atenolol; Angiotensin II. (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Cell types (CL): VSMCs; endothelial cells; fibroblasts; macrophages. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Anatomical locations (UBERON): Aortic root; ascending aorta; lens. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
3) Biological Processes (GO terms) - TGF‑β signaling; SMAD signal transduction; ECM organization/remodeling; cellular response to mechanical stimulus (mechanotransduction); inflammatory response; mitochondrial respiration. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
4) Cellular Components - ECM microfibrils and elastic fibers (extracellular region); cell surface receptors (TGF‑β receptors, integrins) at plasma membrane; cytoplasm/nucleus for SMAD translocation; mitochondria for bioenergetics; focal adhesions for mechanotransduction. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
5) Disease Progression - Sequence of events: Genotype (FBN1 pathogenic variant) → microfibril insufficiency/aberrant structure → increased active TGF‑β and altered integrin signaling → VSMC reprogramming and ECM degradation → medial degeneration, elastic fiber fragmentation, proteoglycan accumulation → progressive aortic root/ascending aorta dilation and risk of dissection. The tempo can be modified by hemodynamic load and inflammatory cues; mitochondrial dysfunction may amplify progression. (Int J Mol Sci, 9 Jul 2024; Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024). (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
6) Phenotypic Manifestations - Cardiovascular: Thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection; valvular myxomatous change with regurgitation; aortic root dilation as hallmark imaging feature. (Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1463318; Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024). (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Ocular: Ectopia lentis due to zonular fiber (fibrillin‑rich) weakness. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Skeletal: Tall stature, arachnodactyly, scoliosis, chest wall deformities reflecting systemic ECM/connective tissue defects. (Frontiers in Cell & Dev Biol, 10 Jan 2024; Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2025). (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
Gene/protein annotations with ontology terms (examples) - FBN1 (HGNC:3603): ECM microfibril structural constituent; GO: extracellular matrix structural constituent; GO: regulation of TGF‑β activation via microfibrils; component: extracellular region/microfibril. (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - TGFBR1 (HGNC:11772) / TGFBR2 (HGNC:11773): GO: TGF‑β receptor signaling; component: plasma membrane; process: SMAD phosphorylation and translocation. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - AGTR1 (HGNC:336): GO: angiotensin receptor signaling; component: plasma membrane; process: regulation of MAPK/ERK and pro‑fibrotic pathways. (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - SMAD2/3 (HGNC:6767/6769): GO: SMAD signal transduction; component: cytoplasm→nucleus; function: transcriptional regulation of ECM/inflammatory genes. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11)
Phenotype associations (HP terms; examples) - HP:0002616 Thoracic aortic aneurysm; HP:0005110 Aortic root dilatation; HP:0001083 Ectopia lentis; HP:0001166 Arachnodactyly; HP:0002650 Scoliosis; HP:0001655 Mitral valve prolapse. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
Cell type involvement (CL terms; examples) - CL:0000192 Vascular smooth muscle cell; CL:0000115 Endothelial cell; CL:0000057 Fibroblast; CL:0000235 Macrophage. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Anatomical locations (UBERON terms; examples) - UBERON:0002048 Aortic root; UBERON:0000955 Ascending aorta; UBERON:0000965 Lens of eye. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
Chemical entities (CHEBI terms; examples) - CHEBI:6541 Losartan; CHEBI:26636 Atenolol; CHEBI:2719 Angiotensin II. (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2)
Embedded artifact: ontology‑anchored summary table | Category | Entity | Ontology (prefix:ID) | Role / Relevance in MFS | Key Evidence (citation IDs) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Gene / Protein | FBN1 (Fibrillin-1) | HGNC:FBN1 | Structural ECM microfibril scaffold; pathogenic variants → defective microfibrils, reduced sequestration of latent TGF-β → increased TGF-β activity and ECM weakening | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Gene / Protein | TGFBR1 | HGNC:TGFBR1 | Type I TGF-β receptor; variants perturb canonical/non-canonical TGF-β signaling contributing to aortopathy (overlap with Loeys–Dietz phenotypes) | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Gene / Protein | TGFBR2 | HGNC:TGFBR2 | Type II TGF-β receptor; mutations alter ligand/receptor dynamics and downstream SMAD activation in aortic disease | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Gene / Protein | SMAD2 | HGNC:SMAD2 | Canonical intracellular mediator of TGF-β signaling (pSMAD2 nuclear translocation) driving transcriptional programs that modulate ECM and VSMC phenotype | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Gene / Protein | SMAD3 | HGNC:SMAD3 | Canonical TGF-β effector implicated in medial remodeling, inflammatory responses, and aneurysm biology | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Gene / Protein | ACTA2 (α-SMA) | HGNC:ACTA2 | Smooth muscle contractile protein; pathogenic variants cause familial TAAD and drive VSMC dysfunction/phenotypic switching | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Gene / Protein | VCAN (Versican) | HGNC:VCAN | ECM proteoglycan; accumulation drives AKT activation → NOS2 induction → promotes aortic disease pathways (preclinical and human tissue evidence) | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Gene / Protein | NOS2 (iNOS) | HGNC:NOS2 | Inducible nitric oxide synthase upregulated in inflamed aortic tissue; implicated downstream of ECM/AKT signaling in aneurysm progression | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Gene / Protein | AGTR1 (AT1R) | HGNC:AGTR1 | Angiotensin II type 1 receptor mediates hemodynamic and signaling inputs (G protein / β-arrestin) that modulate TGF-β activity; therapeutic target for ARBs | (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2, olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2) | | Gene / Protein | ITGAV (Integrin αV) | HGNC:ITGAV | Integrin subunit mediating cell–ECM adhesion and mechanotransduction; integrin–fibrillin interactions influence TGF-β activation and VSMC responses | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Biological Process | TGF-β signaling | GO:TGF_BETA_SIGNALING | Central dysregulated pathway in MFS: increased bioavailability of TGF-β → altered VSMC phenotype, ECM gene expression, and medial remodeling | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Biological Process | SMAD signal transduction | GO:SMAD_SIGNAL_TRANSDUCTION | Nuclear transcriptional effectors (SMAD2/3) of TGF-β that regulate matrix genes, inflammation, and VSMC behavior | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Biological Process | ECM organization / remodeling | GO:ECM_ORGANIZATION | Elastic fiber fragmentation, altered collagen, increased MMP activity and proteoglycan (versican) accumulation → weakened aortic wall | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Biological Process | Cellular response to mechanical stimulus | GO:MECHANOTRANSDUCTION | Altered mechanosensing (integrins, focal adhesions) in VSMCs/ECs contributes to maladaptive remodeling in MFS | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Biological Process | Inflammatory response | GO:INFLAMMATORY_RESPONSE | Infiltrating immune cells and paracrine cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, MCP-1) amplify VSMC dysfunction and ECM degradation in aneurysm regions | (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Biological Process | Mitochondrial respiration / dysfunction | GO:MITOCHONDRIAL_RESPIRATION | Emerging hallmark: mitochondrial dysfunction in VSMCs/ECs contributes to energy failure, ROS generation, and aortic wall degeneration | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Cell Type | Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) | CL:VSMC | Principal aortic-media cell; undergoes phenotypic switching, senescence/apoptosis, and contractile loss in MFS leading to medial degeneration | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Cell Type | Endothelial cell (EC) | CL:Endothelial_cell | Endothelial dysfunction/senescence alters NO signaling and cell–ECM interactions, modulating aneurysm risk | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Cell Type | Fibroblast | CL:Fibroblast | Producers of ECM and LTBPs; altered fibroblast ECM secretion contributes to microfibril and matrix defects | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Cell Type | Macrophage | CL:Macrophage | Immune cells (e.g., CX3CR1+ subsets) localize to aortic intima/media and promote paracrine inflammation → VSMC dysfunction; potential therapeutic target | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Anatomical Location | Aortic root | UBERON:aortic_root | Predominant site of aneurysm in MFS; diameter-based thresholds guide imaging surveillance and prophylactic surgery | (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Anatomical Location | Ascending aorta | UBERON:ascending_aorta | Common location for TAAs/dissections in MFS; site of medial degeneration and ECM disruption | (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Anatomical Location | Lens | UBERON:lens | Ocular manifestation (ectopia lentis) due to fibrillin-1 defects in zonular fibers | (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) | | Chemical / Drug | Losartan (ARB) | CHEBI:losartan | Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker; pediatric cohort and preclinical data show reduced aortic-root growth/TGF-β markers and better tolerability vs β-blockers in some studies | (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) | | Chemical / Drug | Atenolol (β-blocker) | CHEBI:atenolol | Hemodynamic therapy via HR/BP reduction; clinical trials show variable impact on aortic growth vs ARBs | (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2, jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) | | Chemical / Drug | Angiotensin II | CHEBI:angiotensin_II | Endogenous vasoactive peptide acting via AT1R; upstream driver of hemodynamic load and pro-fibrotic signaling relevant to MFS pathology | (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) |
Table: Concise, ontology-annotated summary of genes, processes, cell types, anatomical sites, and drugs implicated in Marfan syndrome with mapped evidence identifiers (soto2025analysisoffbn1 pages 15-17, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 7-9) to support mechanistic synthesis and knowledge-base curation.
Evidence items (PMIDs/DOIs/URLs and dates when available) - Li L, Huang J, Liu Y. The extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin‑1 in health and disease. Frontiers in Cell & Developmental Biology. Published 10 Jan 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285 (li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7) - Udugampolage NS et al. Coding and Non‑Coding Transcriptomic Landscape of Aortic Complications in Marfan Syndrome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Published 9 Jul 2024. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137367. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137367 (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11) - Iacoviello M et al. Investigation of Strategies to Block Downstream Effectors of AT1R‑Mediated Signalling to Prevent Aneurysm Formation in Marfan Syndrome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Published 4 May 2024. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095025. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095025 (iacoviello2024investigationofstrategies pages 1-2) - Olfe J et al. Prophylactic effect of angiotensin receptor blockers in children with genetic aortopathies: the early bird catches the worm. Clinical Research in Cardiology. Published May 2023. DOI: 10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02221-4 (olfe2023prophylacticeffectof pages 1-2)
Notes on scope and limitations - Recent mechanistic items such as versican/AKT/NOS2 and certain interventional/surgical modality datasets were not fully represented in the gathered evidence set; the report emphasizes lines of evidence present in high‑level reviews and recent experimental/clinical studies retrieved above. Future updates should incorporate additional 2023–2024 primary data on ECM proteoglycans, endothelial senescence, and surgical outcomes where suitable evidence is available. (jiang2025marfansyndromeinsights pages 11-11, li2024theextracellularmatrix pages 6-7)
References
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