HDAC4

2q37 deletion syndrome

2q37 deletion syndrome is caused by deletions of genetic material near the end of the long (q) arm of chromosome 2, at a location designated 2q37. The signs and symptoms of 2q37 deletion syndrome vary widely, but affected individuals generally have intellectual disability, behavioral problems, obesity, and skeletal abnormalities that often include unusually short fingers and toes (brachydactyly).

The chromosomal region that is deleted in 2q37 deletion syndrome varies among affected individuals and can contain many genes, but it always includes the HDAC4 gene. As a result of the deletion, people with this condition have only one copy of the HDAC4 gene in each cell instead of the usual two copies. Researchers believe that deletion of the HDAC4 gene, and a reduction in the amount of histone deacetylase 4 produced, accounts for many of the features of 2q37 deletion syndrome. A shortage of histone deacetylase 4 enzyme likely disrupts the regulation of many genes and contributes to intellectual disability, behavioral problems, skeletal abnormalities, and other features of 2q37 deletion syndrome.

Some people with a mutation in only the HDAC4 gene have brachydactyly with no other health problems, while others have many features of 2q37 deletion syndrome. Researchers are studying why mutations in this gene can lead to a wide variety of signs and symptoms and what role the other genes on 2q37 play in the disorder.