Sclerosteosis is an autosomal recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SOST gene, which encodes sclerostin, a secreted Wnt signaling antagonist. This entry focuses on SOST-related sclerosteosis within the broader SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia spectrum. Loss of sclerostin leads to unopposed Wnt-mediated osteoblast activation and massive progressive bone formation throughout life. The condition is characterized by generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis of the skull, mandible, ribs, clavicles, and long bones, leading to cranial nerve compression and potentially lethal intracranial-pressure complications. Hand malformations (syndactyly) and tall stature distinguish sclerosteosis from the related SOST-regulatory deletion disorder van Buchem disease. LRP4-related sclerosteosis-like disease is a separate genetic boundary condition affecting sclerostin signaling rather than SOST itself. The majority of affected individuals have been reported in the South African Afrikaner population due to a founder effect. Discovery of SOST led to development of anti-sclerostin antibodies (romosozumab) for osteoporosis.
Ask a research question about Sclerosteosis. OpenScientist will conduct autonomous deep research using the Disorder Mechanisms Knowledge Base and PubMed literature (typically 10-30 minutes).
Do not include personal health information in your question. Questions and results are cached in your browser's local storage.
name: Sclerosteosis
creation_date: '2026-02-13T00:31:42Z'
category: Mendelian
description: >
Sclerosteosis is an autosomal recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia
caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SOST gene, which encodes sclerostin,
a secreted Wnt signaling antagonist. This entry focuses on SOST-related
sclerosteosis within the broader SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia
spectrum. Loss of sclerostin leads to unopposed Wnt-mediated osteoblast
activation and massive progressive bone formation throughout life. The
condition is characterized by generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis of the
skull, mandible, ribs, clavicles, and long bones, leading to cranial nerve
compression and potentially lethal intracranial-pressure complications. Hand
malformations (syndactyly) and tall stature distinguish sclerosteosis from the
related SOST-regulatory deletion disorder van Buchem disease. LRP4-related
sclerosteosis-like disease is a separate genetic boundary condition affecting
sclerostin signaling rather than SOST itself. The majority of affected
individuals have been reported in the South African Afrikaner population due
to a founder effect. Discovery of SOST led to development of anti-sclerostin
antibodies (romosozumab) for osteoporosis.
disease_term:
preferred_term: sclerosteosis
term:
id: MONDO:0017838
label: sclerosteosis
parents:
- Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias
has_subtypes:
- name: SOST-related Sclerosteosis
subtype_term:
preferred_term: sclerosteosis 1
term:
id: MONDO:0010016
label: sclerosteosis 1
genes:
- preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
description: >
Classic sclerosteosis caused by biallelic SOST loss-of-function variants,
with progressive skull and mandibular overgrowth, syndactyly, tall stature,
cranial nerve entrapment, and increased intracranial-pressure risk.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "biallelic pathogenic variants in SOST (in individuals with SOST-related sclerosteosis)"
explanation: >-
GeneReviews states the molecular criterion for this subtype: biallelic
SOST pathogenic variants.
- name: Van Buchem Disease
subtype_term:
preferred_term: van Buchem disease
term:
id: MONDO:0009395
label: hyperostosis corticalis generalisata
genes:
- preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
description: >
SOST-related endosteal hyperostosis, van Buchem type, is caused by a
biallelic 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream of SOST. It is generally
milder than SOST-related sclerosteosis, lacks syndactyly or other digit
deformities, and has apparently normal life span. The SOST binding above
records the affected locus, not a coding variant: the lesion is the
downstream enhancer deletion rather than a SOST coding allele. MONDO's
primary label for this concept is "hyperostosis corticalis generalisata"
(MONDO:0009395), whose definition names van Buchem disease as the alternate
name; it is bound here because this entry follows the GeneReviews grouping
of the two SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias, not to assert a MONDO
subclass edge under sclerosteosis. Van Buchem disease also has its own full
dismech entry, Van_Buchem_Disease.yaml, which is anchored at this same
MONDO term as its `disease_term` and carries the enhancer (ECR5) mechanism
in depth. The duplication is deliberate and follows the existing convention
for a subtype row that is also a standalone entry - SOX10 Neurocristopathy
Spectrum binds MONDO:0012198 for its PCWH row while PCWH_syndrome.yaml is
anchored at the same term - so this row is a pointer into that entry, not a
competing account of the disease.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in individuals with van Buchem disease)"
explanation: >-
GeneReviews states the molecular lesion distinguishing van Buchem disease
from SOST-coding-variant sclerosteosis.
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "Individuals with van Buchem disease do not have syndactyly or other digit deformities. Life span appears not to be altered."
explanation: >-
Sources the milder-phenotype contrast asserted in this subtype's
description.
- name: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
display_name: Sclerosteosis 2 (LRP4)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: sclerosteosis 2
term:
id: MONDO:0013679
label: sclerosteosis 2
genes:
- preferred_term: LRP4
term:
id: hgnc:6696
label: LRP4
description: >
MONDO records a second sclerosteosis locus, sclerosteosis 2
(MONDO:0013679), defined as sclerosteosis caused by LRP4 variants. It is
listed here as a subtype row so that the LRP4 locus is reachable from this
umbrella entry, which is keyed at MONDO:0017838 (sclerosteosis). The
mechanism is distinct from SOST loss: LRP4 variants impair the receptor's
sclerostin-facilitator function, so sclerostin is produced but cannot act,
and circulating sclerostin is raised rather than absent. The entry's
`genetic:` record for LRP4 carries the supporting evidence and the
differential-diagnosis reasoning.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal Recessive
description: >
Autosomal recessive inheritance. High incidence in the South African
Afrikaner population due to a founder effect. Two nonsense mutations
and one splice site mutation identified.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
explanation: "Confirms autosomal recessive inheritance of sclerosteosis."
classifications:
isds_skeletal_category:
- classification_value: osteosclerotic_disorders
notes: >-
ISDS Nosology of Genetic Skeletal Disorders. Assigned from the 2019 revision
(Mortier et al., PMID:31633310), Table 1 group 24 "Other sclerosing bone
disorders"; listed as "Sclerosteosis". The 2023 revision (Unger et al.,
PMID:36779427) dissolved that group into group 25 "Osteosclerotic disorders",
fusing the neonatal osteosclerotic dysplasias with the other sclerosing bone
disorders, so the value is carried forward here. Membership has not been
re-verified against the 2023 table.
prevalence:
- population: South African Afrikaner founder population
measure_type: POINT_PREVALENCE
prevalence_class: BAND_1_9_PER_100000
rate_per_100000: 1.333333
percentage: 1 in 75,000
notes: >-
A nationwide South African investigation reported a minimum prevalence of
1 in 75,000 in the Afrikaner community, reflecting the well-known founder
effect in this population.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:187366
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis - an autosomal recessive disorder"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The minimum prevalence of the contition in this community is 1 in 75,000." # codespell:ignore-line
explanation: This nationwide study provides a direct minimum prevalence estimate for sclerosteosis in the South African Afrikaner population.
- reference: PMID:11179006
reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The majority of affected individuals have been reported in the Afrikaner population of South Africa, where a high incidence of the disorder occurs as a result of a founder effect."
explanation: This later molecular study corroborates the strong Afrikaner founder effect underlying the reported prevalence.
pathophysiology:
- name: Loss of Sclerostin (SOST Loss-of-Function)
description: >
SOST encodes sclerostin, a secreted glycoprotein with a cysteine-knot
motif that functions as an antagonist of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
pathway by binding to LRP5/LRP6 coreceptors on osteoblasts. Loss-of-function
mutations abolish sclerostin production, removing the
physiological brake on bone formation.
genes:
- preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
genetic_context:
gene:
preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
variant_origin: GERMLINE
zygosity: HOMOZYGOUS
functional_impact_category: LOSS_OF_FUNCTION
description: >-
Biallelic SOST loss-of-function variants (two nonsense and one splice-site
variant in the original sclerosteosis cohorts) abolish sclerostin
production. Van Buchem disease is caused instead by a biallelic 52-kb
regulatory deletion downstream of SOST, which is why it is modeled as a
separate subtype of this entry rather than as another SOST coding allele.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
explanation: "Establishes that SOST loss causes massive bone formation and that sclerostin normally suppresses bone formation."
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "This new gene encodes a protein with a signal peptide for secretion and a cysteine-knot motif"
explanation: "Characterizes sclerostin as a secreted cysteine-knot protein."
- reference: PMID:11179006
reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "The SOST gene encodes a protein that shares similarity with a class of cystine knot-containing factors including dan, cerberus, gremlin, prdc, and caronte"
explanation: "Places sclerostin in the DAN family of BMP/Wnt antagonists."
downstream:
- target: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
description: >-
With no secreted sclerostin to antagonise LRP5/LRP6, the Wnt/beta-catenin
brake on osteoblasts is absent and bone formation proceeds unopposed.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
explanation: >-
The founding positional-cloning study concludes that the normal role of
the lost protein is suppression of bone formation, which is the brake
whose removal the target node models.
- name: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
description: >
Loss of sclerostin removes the physiological brake on Wnt/beta-catenin
signaling in osteoblasts, leading to continuous, unopposed osteoblast
activity and massive accumulation of structurally normal bone throughout
life. SOST is an important therapeutic target for osteoporosis
(anti-sclerostin antibody romosozumab).
genes:
- preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Wnt Signaling Pathway
term:
id: GO:0016055
label: Wnt signaling pathway
- preferred_term: Ossification
term:
id: GO:0001503
label: ossification
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Osteoblast
term:
id: CL:0000062
label: osteoblast
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11179006
reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "the SOST gene encodes an important new regulator of bone homeostasis"
explanation: "Confirms SOST as a key regulator of bone metabolism."
downstream:
- target: Progressive Cranial Hyperostosis and Nerve Compression
description: >-
Unrestrained osteoblast activity deposits bone most heavily in the
calvarium and mandible, so the skull is where progressive hyperostosis and
foraminal narrowing develop.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "progressive skeletal overgrowth, most pronounced in the skull and mandible"
explanation: >-
Sources the cranial and mandibular predilection of the overgrowth that
this edge asserts.
- target: Generalized Osteosclerosis
description: >-
The same unopposed osteoblast activity thickens and sclerosses the axial
and appendicular skeleton, not only the skull.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "with mandible, ribs, clavicles and all long bones also being affected"
explanation: >-
Establishes that the hyperostosis is generalised rather than confined to
the calvarium.
- target: Mandibular Prognathia
description: >-
Mandibular overgrowth is one of the sites where the excess bone formation
is clinically apparent, producing prognathism in childhood.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "Facial distortion due to frontal bossing and mandibular overgrowth is seen in nearly all individuals and becomes apparent in early childhood with progression into adulthood."
explanation: >-
Attributes the facial distortion, including mandibular overgrowth, to
the bone-overgrowth process this node models.
- target: Tall Stature
description: >-
Generalised skeletal overgrowth also increases linear growth, which is
what distinguishes sclerosteosis from van Buchem disease, where stature is
typically normal.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
directness: INDIRECT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "both disorders of progressive bone overgrowth due to increased bone formation"
explanation: >-
Names increased bone formation as the shared process; the step from
generalised overgrowth to increased stature is an inference, hence
INDIRECT.
- name: Impaired Sclerostin Action at LRP4
description: >
In the LRP4-related form (sclerosteosis 2), sclerostin is produced but
cannot act. Bone-overgrowth-associated LRP4 variants impair the receptor's
interaction with sclerostin and its sclerostin-facilitator function, so
Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in osteoblasts escapes sclerostin restraint by a
different route than in SOST loss. Because sclerostin is still made but not
retained or presented in bone, circulating sclerostin is raised rather than
absent, which is the biochemical feature that distinguishes this form from
SOST-related sclerosteosis.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
subtypes:
- LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
genes:
- preferred_term: LRP4
term:
id: hgnc:6696
label: LRP4
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Osteoblast
term:
id: CL:0000062
label: osteoblast
downstream:
- target: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
description: >-
Failure of sclerostin to act through LRP4 leaves Wnt/beta-catenin
signaling in osteoblasts unrestrained, converging on the same downstream
bone-overgrowth mechanism as SOST loss.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21471202
reference_title: "Bone overgrowth-associated mutations in the LRP4 gene impair sclerostin facilitator function."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
We found that these mutations impair LRP4 interaction with sclerostin and
its concomitant sclerostin facilitator effect.
explanation: >-
Establishes the molecular defect this node models: loss of the
LRP4-sclerostin interaction rather than loss of sclerostin itself.
- reference: PMID:26751728
reference_title: "A Novel Domain-Specific Mutation in a Sclerosteosis Patient Suggests a Role of LRP4 as an Anchor for Sclerostin in Human Bone."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We demonstrate that impaired sclerostin binding to the mutated LRP4
protein leads to dramatic increase in circulating sclerostin in this
patient.
explanation: >-
Sources the raised-circulating-sclerostin contrast asserted in this
node's description, in a patient rather than in vitro.
- name: Progressive Cranial Hyperostosis and Nerve Compression
description: >
Massive bone accumulation preferentially affects the skull and mandible,
progressively narrowing cranial nerve foramina. This causes facial nerve
palsy, hearing loss, and optic atrophy.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Bone Development
term:
id: GO:0060348
label: bone development
locations:
- preferred_term: Cranium
term:
id: UBERON:0003128
label: cranium
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur"
explanation: "Cranial nerve foramen narrowing from progressive bone overgrowth causes neurological complications."
downstream:
- target: Cranial Hyperostosis
description: >-
The calvarial thickening and skull sclerosis that are the radiographic
expression of this node.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Radiologically, it is characterized by a generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis leading to a markedly thickened and sclerotic skull"
explanation: >-
Sources the thickened, sclerotic skull as the radiographic read-out of
the hyperostosis.
- target: Facial Palsy
description: >-
Narrowing of the facial-nerve canal by skull-base hyperostosis entraps the
seventh cranial nerve.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
explanation: >-
The South African natural-history cohort attributes facial palsy to
cranial nerve entrapment, which is the step this edge asserts.
- target: Hearing Impairment
description: >-
Entrapment of the eighth cranial nerve by the same foraminal narrowing
produces hearing loss.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
explanation: >-
The same cohort sentence attributes deafness to cranial nerve
entrapment.
- target: Optic Atrophy
description: >-
Narrowing of the optic canal compresses the second cranial nerve.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur"
explanation: >-
States foraminal narrowing as the cause of optic nerve atrophy.
- target: Increased Intracranial Pressure
description: >-
Calvarial overgrowth reduces intracranial volume, raising intracranial
pressure; this was the leading cause of death in the natural-history
cohort.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth."
explanation: >-
Attributes raised intracranial pressure to calvarial overgrowth in 24
deaths within the cohort.
phenotypes:
- name: Cranial Hyperostosis
description: >
Progressive calvarial thickening causes marked skull sclerosis and
narrowing of cranial nerve foramina.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cranial hyperostosis
term:
id: HP:0004437
label: Cranial hyperostosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Radiologically, it is characterized by a generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis leading to a markedly thickened and sclerotic skull"
explanation: "Supports cranial hyperostosis as a hallmark radiographic phenotype."
- name: Generalized Osteosclerosis
description: >
Diffuse skeletal sclerosis extends beyond the skull to the mandible, ribs,
clavicles, and long bones, with cortical widening of tubular bones.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Generalized osteosclerosis
term:
id: HP:0005789
label: Generalized osteosclerosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "with mandible, ribs, clavicles and all long bones also being affected"
explanation: "Shows that the diffuse sclerosing process involves the axial and appendicular skeleton beyond the skull."
- reference: PMID:7891385
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in a Spanish male: first report in a person of Mediterranean origin."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "the typical radiological features, including generalised bone sclerosis and cortical widening of the tubular bones"
explanation: "Independent case report corroborates generalized bone sclerosis with long-bone cortical widening."
- name: Finger Syndactyly
description: >
Syndactyly is a common early manifestation and often involves asymmetric
cutaneous fusion of the index and middle fingers.
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Finger syndactyly
term:
id: HP:0006101
label: Finger syndactyly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:223247
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in South Africa."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
explanation: "Establishes syndactyly as an early presenting manifestation."
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults and syndactyly in 48 (76%)."
explanation: "Syndactyly occurred in 48 of 63 affected individuals (76%), which falls in the FREQUENT band."
- reference: PMID:11385236
reference_title: "Syndactyly/brachyphalangy and nail dysplasias as marker lesions for sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Besides generalized bone changes the presence of asymmetric cutaneous syndactyly of the index and middle fingers is characteristic."
explanation: "Specifies the characteristic morphology as asymmetric index-middle finger cutaneous syndactyly."
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
snippet: "Affected individuals appear normal at birth except for syndactyly."
explanation: >-
Places syndactyly at birth, before any of the progressive bone overgrowth
that this entry's cascade describes, so the hand malformation is not a
consequence of postnatal hyperostosis.
- name: Nail Dysplasia
description: >
Nail dysplasia may accompany the hand malformation, especially involving
the index fingers.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Nail dysplasia
term:
id: HP:0002164
label: Nail dysplasia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11385236
reference_title: "Syndactyly/brachyphalangy and nail dysplasias as marker lesions for sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "In many cases this syndactyly is associated with nail dysplasia"
explanation: "Supports nail dysplasia as a recurring hand phenotype associated with sclerosteosis syndactyly."
- name: Tall Stature
description: >
Large stature is a distinguishing clinical feature relative to van Buchem
disease.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tall stature
term:
id: HP:0000098
label: Tall stature
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Sclerosteosis is clinically and radiologically very similar to van Buchem disease, mainly differentiated by hand malformations and a large stature in sclerosteosis patients."
explanation: "Supports tall stature as a distinguishing phenotype of sclerosteosis."
- name: Mandibular Prognathia
description: >
Mandibular overgrowth is common in adults and contributes to chin
protrusion and striking orofacial enlargement.
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Mandibular prognathia
term:
id: HP:0000303
label: Mandibular prognathia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults"
explanation: "The natural history abstract reports mandibular overgrowth in 73% of affected adults, which falls in the FREQUENT band."
- reference: PMID:11570544
reference_title: "Dental and oral manifestations of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Gross asymmetrical hypertrophy of the mandible was present in all eight patients"
explanation: "Dedicated oral evaluation confirms severe mandibular enlargement as a consistent orofacial manifestation."
- name: Facial Palsy
description: >
Facial palsy results from compression of the facial nerve as progressive
skull overgrowth narrows cranial foramina.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
term:
id: HP:0007285
label: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy"
explanation: "Directly supports facial palsy as a consequence of skull-base hyperostosis."
- reference: PMID:223247
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in South Africa."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
explanation: "Shows that facial palsy is an early recognized clinical manifestation."
phenotype_contexts:
- onset:
onset_category: CHILDHOOD
notes: Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
explanation: "Supports childhood onset of facial palsy due to cranial nerve entrapment."
- name: Hearing Impairment
description: >
Hearing loss results from cranial nerve entrapment caused by progressive
skull-base hyperostosis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hearing impairment
term:
id: HP:0000365
label: Hearing impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
explanation: "Directly supports hearing loss caused by cranial nerve foraminal narrowing."
phenotype_contexts:
- onset:
onset_category: CHILDHOOD
notes: Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
explanation: "Supports childhood onset of deafness/hearing impairment due to cranial nerve entrapment."
- name: Optic Atrophy
description: >
Optic nerve compromise can develop when skull overgrowth narrows the optic
canals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Optic atrophy
term:
id: HP:0000648
label: Optic atrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
explanation: "Supports compressive optic neuropathy manifesting as optic atrophy."
- name: Increased Intracranial Pressure
description: >
Calvarial overgrowth can elevate intracranial pressure and drive
life-threatening neurologic complications.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Increased intracranial pressure
term:
id: HP:0002516
label: Increased intracranial pressure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12694228
reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth."
explanation: "The natural history cohort links calvarial overgrowth directly to elevated intracranial pressure."
- reference: PMID:8433139
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure"
explanation: "Neurosurgical series independently confirms raised intracranial pressure as a presenting manifestation."
genetic:
- name: SOST Mutations
gene_term:
preferred_term: SOST
term:
id: hgnc:13771
label: SOST
association: Causative
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
variant_origin: GERMLINE
subtype: SOST-related Sclerosteosis
notes: >
Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOST on chromosome 17q12-q21.
Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation identified. Affected
Afrikaners carry a nonsense mutation near the amino terminus; an unrelated
person of Senegalese origin carries a splicing mutation in the single
intron. No SOST mutations found in Van Buchem disease patients, who
instead have a 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation were identified in sclerosteosis patients"
explanation: "Identifies the three types of SOST mutations in sclerosteosis."
- reference: PMID:11179006
reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Affected Afrikaners carry a nonsense mutation near the amino terminus of the encoded protein, whereas an unrelated affected person of Senegalese origin carries a splicing mutation within the single intron of the gene"
explanation: "Details the specific mutations in Afrikaner and Senegalese patients."
- name: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis-like Disease
association: Causative for sclerosteosis 2 (MONDO:0013679); a differential diagnosis for SOST-related sclerosteosis
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
variant_origin: GERMLINE
subtype: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
gene_term:
preferred_term: LRP4
term:
id: hgnc:6696
label: LRP4
notes: >
LRP4-related sclerosteosis is a separate genetic condition that overlaps
clinically through impaired sclerostin signaling. Unlike SOST-related
sclerosteosis, LRP4-related disease can show increased circulating
sclerostin because mutant LRP4 fails to retain/facilitate sclerostin action
in bone.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21471202
reference_title: "Bone overgrowth-associated mutations in the LRP4 gene impair sclerostin facilitator function."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
We found that these mutations impair LRP4 interaction with sclerostin and
its concomitant sclerostin facilitator effect.
explanation: >-
Supports LRP4-related bone overgrowth as a mechanistically distinct
sclerostin-signaling disorder.
- reference: PMID:26751728
reference_title: "A Novel Domain-Specific Mutation in a Sclerosteosis Patient Suggests a Role of LRP4 as an Anchor for Sclerostin in Human Bone."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We demonstrate that impaired sclerostin binding to the mutated LRP4
protein leads to dramatic increase in circulating sclerostin in this
patient.
explanation: >-
Elevated circulating sclerostin helps distinguish LRP4-related
sclerosteosis-like disease from SOST loss-of-function disease.
diagnosis:
- name: Clinical, Radiographic, and Molecular Diagnosis
description: >-
Sclerosteosis is diagnosed from generalized progressive bone overgrowth
with tall stature, facial features of cranial sclerosis, syndactyly, and
raised intracranial pressure or cranial nerve palsies from skull thickening.
Molecular testing confirms SOST-related sclerosteosis by identifying
biallelic loss-of-function SOST variants and distinguishes van Buchem
disease caused by a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
term:
id: NCIT:C19770
label: Molecular Analysis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
explanation: >-
Defines sclerosteosis as a recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia, the clinical/radiographic basis of diagnosis.
- reference: PMID:11181578
reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
explanation: >-
Supports SOST loss-of-function molecular testing as the basis of confirmation.
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
The diagnosis of a SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia is established
in a proband with typical clinical and radiographic findings and biallelic
pathogenic variants in SOST (in individuals with SOST-related
sclerosteosis) or a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in
individuals with van Buchem disease) identified on molecular genetic
testing.
explanation: >-
GeneReviews provides the diagnostic boundary between SOST-related
sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease.
treatments:
- name: Cranial Decompression and Intracranial Pressure Management
description: >
Cranial hyperostosis requires close monitoring for raised intracranial
pressure, brainstem-herniation risk, facial nerve entrapment, hearing loss,
optic neuropathy, and regrowth after surgery. Management may include
decompressive craniotomy, posterior fossa decompression, craniectomy, and
ventriculoperitoneal drainage when clinically indicated.
therapeutic_modality: SURGERY
treatment_term:
preferred_term: surgical procedure
term:
id: NCIT:C15329
label: Surgical Procedure
located_in:
preferred_term: cranium
term:
id: UBERON:0003128
label: cranium
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Increased intracranial pressure
term:
id: HP:0002516
label: Increased intracranial pressure
- preferred_term: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
term:
id: HP:0007285
label: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
- preferred_term: Optic atrophy
term:
id: HP:0000648
label: Optic atrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:8433139
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with
cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure; sudden death may
occur without neurosurgical intervention.
explanation: >-
Supports neurosurgical surveillance and intervention for raised
intracranial pressure and cranial nerve compromise.
- reference: PMID:8433139
reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Patients should be followed closely since the regrowth of bone may
necessitate repeated decompressive procedures.
explanation: >-
Supports ongoing post-decompression monitoring because bone regrowth can
require repeat procedures.
- name: Audiologic Management
description: >
Hearing loss from cranial nerve or middle-ear involvement should be followed
with audiology and managed with hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or
cochlear implantation according to the hearing-loss mechanism and severity.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Hearing impairment
term:
id: HP:0000365
label: Hearing impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Hearing aids with middle ear surgery or cochlear implant depending on the
nature of the hearing loss
explanation: >-
GeneReviews directly supports hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or
cochlear implantation according to hearing-loss type.
- name: Ophthalmologic and Optic Nerve Surveillance
description: >
Ophthalmology follow-up should monitor proptosis, intraocular pressure, and
optic nerve papilla/optic atrophy because cranial hyperostosis can compress
the optic nerve and threaten vision.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Optic atrophy
term:
id: HP:0000648
label: Optic atrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
annual ophthalmology examination to assess for proptosis, intraocular
pressure, and evaluation of the optic nerve papilla
explanation: >-
GeneReviews supports routine ophthalmologic surveillance for vision-risk
complications.
- name: Dental, Orthodontic, and Mandibular Management
description: >
Dental and craniofacial care should assess mandibular overgrowth,
malocclusion, tooth alignment, delayed eruption or anodontia, difficult
extraction risk, drooling, and mastication problems. Selected patients may
need orthodontic care, craniofacial-team management, or surgical reduction
of mandibular overgrowth.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Mandibular prognathia
term:
id: HP:0000303
label: Mandibular prognathia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
surgical reduction of mandibular overgrowth; orbital decompression for
proptosis; treatment of dental manifestations per orthodontist and/or
craniofacial team
explanation: >-
GeneReviews supports mandibular reduction and dental/craniofacial team
management.
- reference: PMID:11570544
reference_title: "Dental and oral manifestations of sclerosteosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Accurate differentiation of sclerosteosis from the other sclerosing bone
dysplasias is crucial for effective dental prognostication and management.
explanation: >-
Dedicated oral/dental evaluation supports diagnosis-specific dental
prognostication and management.
- name: Syndactyly Correction
description: >
Syndactyly should be assessed in infancy or childhood, with surgical
correction considered when the anatomy limits hand function or care.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: surgical repair
term:
id: NCIT:C15329
label: Surgical Procedure
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Finger syndactyly
term:
id: HP:0006101
label: Finger syndactyly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "surgical correction of syndactyly."
explanation: >-
GeneReviews lists surgical correction of syndactyly as treatment of a
manifestation.
- name: Avoid Bone-Overgrowth-Exacerbating Agents
description: >
Avoid antiresorptive and bone-anabolic agents that could worsen the high
bone-mass state, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, selective estrogen
receptor modulators, teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Agents known to suppress bone resorption (e.g., bisphosphonates,
denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators) and agents known to
stimulate bone formation (e.g., teriparatide, abaloparatide, romozosumab).
explanation: >-
GeneReviews explicitly lists these antiresorptive and bone-anabolic
agents as agents to avoid because they can exacerbate bone overgrowth.
- name: Genetic Counseling
description: >
Genetic counseling for affected families should cover autosomal recessive
inheritance, carrier testing of relatives and reproductive partners,
prenatal/preimplantation testing once familial variants are known, and
founder variants in high-risk ancestries such as the South African
Afrikaner population.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Genetic Counseling
term:
id: NCIT:C15240
label: Genetic Counseling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias are inherited in an autosomal
recessive manner.
explanation: >-
GeneReviews supports autosomal recessive counseling for the SOST-related
sclerosing bone dysplasia spectrum.
- reference: PMID:36508511
reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Once the pathogenic variants associated with a SOST-related sclerosing
bone dysplasia have been identified in an affected family member, carrier
testing for at-risk family members and prenatal/preimplantation genetic
testing are possible.
explanation: >-
Supports carrier testing and reproductive counseling once familial SOST
variants are known.
notes: >-
Two phenotypes in this entry are deliberately left without an incoming causal
edge. Syndactyly and the nail dysplasia that accompanies it are present from
birth, whereas every other manifestation here follows from progressive
postnatal bone accumulation, so the sclerostin-loss cascade modelled above does
not explain them. The sources cited for those two phenotypes establish them as
congenital marker lesions of sclerosteosis and state no developmental mechanism
linking loss of sclerostin to interdigital or nail morphogenesis; wiring them to
the hyperostosis node would assert a causal step none of them supports.
references:
- reference: url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587318/
title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias - GeneReviews® - NCBI Bookshelf"
findings: []
tags:
- GeneReviews