The RASopathy Family: Consequences of Germline Activation of the RAS/MAPK Pathway

Endocr Rev. 2018 Oct 1;39(5):676-700. doi: 10.1210/er.2017-00232.

Abstract

Noonan syndrome [NS; Mendelian Inheritance in Men (MIM) #163950] and related syndromes [Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (formerly called LEOPARD syndrome; MIM #151100), Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (MIM #607721), Costello syndrome (MIM #218040), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (MIM #115150), type I neurofibromatosis (MIM #162200), and Legius syndrome (MIM #611431)] are a group of related genetic disorders associated with distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay/mental retardation, and tumor predisposition. NS was clinically described more than 50 years ago, and disease genes have been identified throughout the last 3 decades, providing a molecular basis to better understand their physiopathology and identify targets for therapeutic strategies. Most of these genes encode proteins belonging to or regulating the so-called RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, so these syndromes have been gathered under the name RASopathies. In this review, we provide a clinical overview of RASopathies and an update on their genetics. We then focus on the functional and pathophysiological effects of RASopathy-causing mutations and discuss therapeutic perspectives and future directions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / genetics*
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • ras Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • ras Proteins