Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy–Candidiasis–Ectodermal Dystrophy in Two Siblings: Same Mutations but Very Different Phenotypes

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), caused by mutations in the <i>AIRE</i> gene, is mainly characterized by the triad of hypoparathyroidism, primary adrenocortical insufficiency and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, but can include many other manifes...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Andrea Carpino, Raffaele Buganza, Patrizia Matarazzo, Gerdi Tuli, Michele Pinon, Pier Luigi Calvo, Davide Montin, Francesco Licciardi, Luisa De Sanctis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
Series:Genes
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/12/2/169
Description
Summary:Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), caused by mutations in the <i>AIRE</i> gene, is mainly characterized by the triad of hypoparathyroidism, primary adrenocortical insufficiency and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, but can include many other manifestations, with no currently clear genotype–phenotype correlation. We present the clinical features of two siblings, a male and a female, with the same mutations in the <i>AIRE</i> gene associated with two very different phenotypes. Interestingly, the brother recently experienced COVID-19 infection with pneumonia, complicated by hypertension, hypokalemia and hypercalcemia. Although APECED is a monogenic disease, its expressiveness can be extremely different. In addition to the genetic basis, epigenetic and environmental factors might influence the phenotypic expression, although their exact role remains to be elucidated.
ISSN:2073-4425