7. The Genetics Puzzle: Unraveling Inheritance Patterns in CMT
CMT is a genetic disorder, but the way it’s passed down through generations is a tapestry of complexity. A deep dive into its genetic facet reveals intriguing inheritance patterns.
There are multiple forms of CMT, each associated with different genetic mutations. Some families might observe an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the mutation to their offspring.
In other cases, an autosomal recessive pattern emerges. Here, both parents must be carriers of the mutated gene for a child to be affected. Such instances are rarer but crucial to understand.
The X-linked inheritance pattern is another variation. This involves mutations on the X chromosome. Men with the mutated gene will have CMT, while women can be carriers and may or may not display symptoms. (7)
