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— Collin Farrel

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"It is truly amazing how this group has begun to reach across the world, uniting families together who felt so alone with the news. While social media can have its drawbacks, this group is a light, shining across the oceans. But mostly as a grandparent, it makes my heart swell to see all this beautiful, smiling faces and know that each of them is such a blessing to us all. "   — Leslie Ray

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Download a PDF printable version of all the information on this page from Unique. 

So you just found out that someone you love has DYRK1A Syndrome. Your mind is probably racing. Here are some questions you might be thinking:

• What does this mean?
• Is there anyone else out there going through what we are going through?
• Will my child ever talk?

Trust me, we know how you feel. We have been exactly where you are and that's why we are here. We are a small but growing community of families that care for someone with a change affecting the DYRK1A gene. The change can range from being a small change in the DNA or bigger change in the Chromosome that affects the DYRK1A gene. These changes cause a loss of function meaning one of the DYRK1A genes doesn’t function properly. When one of the genes doesn’t function it causes a similar set of signs and symptoms that include:

• Microcephaly (small head and brain size)
• Low Birth Weight
• Feeding Issues at Birth (Frequent Vomiting)
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Developmental Delay / Cognitive Impairment
• Autism and/or Ritualized behavior
• Growth Delay
• Unsteady Gait
• Ear Anomalies
• Epilepsy / Seizures / Febrile Seizures
• Chronic Constipation
• and More

Science is still learning about this newly identified condition.  Below you will find some brief information about what we know. Visit our research section for more official infographics and documentation. 

“ Every milestone is a wonderful achievement to be celebrated and never to be forgotten or taken for granted. When I was pregnant I once said: I don’t think a second child can ever be as exciting as a firstborn, because you know every milestone will be surpassed by an even greater one. So we were given a child where every single milestone is simply awe inspiring and momentous. ”

What is DYRK1A syndrome?

DYRK1A is a gene that is involved in brain growth. It was identified several years ago but only recognised to be associated with a neurodevelopmental condition in 2008. The DYRK1A gene is on chromosome 21q22.13 and is one of the genes that is missing in the 21q22.13 deletion syndrome. When we compare children with the 21q22.13 microdeletion syndrome and those with changes in the DYRK1A gene, many of their features are similar. We now think that the key features of 21q22.13 microdeletion syndrome are caused by absence of DYRK1A.

Most common features
Most common features All children with the DYRK1A syndrome who have been identified to date have at least a moderate degree of learning disability and developmental delay. Some of these features are also found in many other genetic conditions so children may not be easily recognized without genetic investigations. Other typical features include:

• Microcephaly (small head)
• Epilepsy Speech delay
• Short stature
• Ritualised behaviour and/or autism
• Common facial appearance.

How many people have this condition?

DYRK1A syndrome is a rare condition, first described in the medical literature in 2008. To date, around 30 children have been reported with this condition. However, with the increasing use of the latest ‘gene sequencing’ technology, it is expected that many more people will be diagnosed over the next few years (including adults). One large research study in the United Kingdom (Deciphering Developmental Disorders), which is seeking to identify the genetic causes of developmental delay in children, has so far identified DYRK1A as being one of the 10 most frequent genes involved.

Why did this happen?

When children are conceived their parents’ genetic material is copied in the egg and sperm that makes a new child. The biological copying method is not perfect and occasionally random, rare changes may occur in the genetic code of children for the first time. Such changes, therefore, cannot be found in a child’s parents. DYRK1A disorder occurs when one of these random, rare changes affects the DYRK1A gene on chromosome 21. In all families that we know about so far, the DNA change in DYRK1A occurred ‘out of the blue’ in this way (this is what you may hear a geneticist referring to as a de novo change, or a ‘new mutation’).

Can it happen again? 

The possibility of having another child affected by a rare gene disorder depends on the genetic code of the parents. For the DYRK1A disorder where parents do not carry the same DYRK1A change as their child, the chances of having another child are almost certainly no higher than anyone else in the population. Empirically, this risk is less than 1%. The reason why there is some residual risk of recurrence is due to a rare phenomenon called ‘germline mosaicism’. This is when a parent carries a genetic change, but it is limited to a small cluster of egg or sperm cells. The genetic change would not, therefore, be detected in the parents’ blood test. For specific advice about the chance of a DYRK1A change happening again, it would be sensible to speak to a clinical geneticist or a genetic counsellor so that they can give you specific advice for your family.

Was the diagnosis helpful?

• Definitely. It was almost like a jigsaw puzzle being completed. 
• Even though we started therapies before a formal diagnosis, it has been very helpful in terms of connecting with other families and knowing what to expect, what aspects of his life can we improve on and what aspects we should accept. 
• The initial information given to us by the hospital’s pediatrician was not supportive at all and gave a very negative outlook to our daughter’s condition, life expectancy and quality of life.

What is 21q22.13 deletion syndrome and how is it related to DYRK1A syndrome? DYRK1A syndrome? 

Sometimes deletions can occur, removing a large segment of DNA from a chromosome. Such deletions may remove many adjacent genes. One chromosomal deletion, which removes a single copy of the DYRK1A gene along with neighbouring genes, is the 21q22.13 deletion. For this reason, the 21q22.13 deletion syndrome has features that overlap with DYRK1A syndrome. To date, around 30 children have been described with 21q22.13 deletions. All have very similar clinical features, but none has an identical chromosomal deletion. Broadly speaking, children with a 21q22.13 deletion have the same types of problems as are found in DYRK1A syndrome. So far, there is no evidence that children with a 21q22.13 deletion are more severely affected than children with a DYRK1A gene mutation. However, it is possible that wider deletions involving other neighbouring genes could phenotype.

Development

Medical Concerns

These disorders have been found in children with either a 21q22.13 deletion including DYRK1A or a change [mutation] in DYRK1A. They are not found in all children and your child may not be affected. 

Management Recommendations

At diagnosis

• EEG (measurement of brain’s electrical activity), if seizures are suspected
• Brain imaging with MRI Ophthalmology (vision) assessment
• Feeding management if necessary
• Consider heart and kidney ultrasound scans to rule out structural anomalies. 

Behavior

Many children have been reported as having autistic tendencies, anxiety, hyperactivity and hand stereotypies (flapping), but most have a happy disposition. MAny parents have reported the following behavior:

• Hand Flapping
• Enjoys Being Upside Down
• Water fascination
• Doesn't Understand Safety Fears
• Poor Appetite
• Toe walking
• Autistic Behavior
• Chews things constantly
• High Pitch Cry
• Noise Sensitivity

See the graph below to get a visual idea of he most and least prominent behaviors parents have reported.

Other Features

Some families and doctors have noticed additional features. It is not known yet whether or not they are related to the DYRK1A spectrum. Here's a list of other features reported by families with DYRK1A children. 

• Endocrine defects (growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, precocious puberty)
• Hallux valgus [the big toe is angled inwards]
• Cleft palate
• Scoliosis [curve in the spine] and contractures [joints cannot be flexed because muscles are shortened]
• Pulmonary stenosis (structural anomaly of the heart )
• Kidney missing or with a structural anomaly
• Recurrent infections.
• Microcephaly
• Developmental Delay
• Speech Difficulties
• Feeding difficulties at birth / Reflux / Threw up often (baby)
• Low Birth Weight
• Delayed Growth
• Chronic Constipation
• Cognitive Impairment
• Unsteady gait
• Seizures
• Febrile sezuires
• Ear Anomalies
• Eye Muscle Anomalies
• Many children share similar subtle facial features including deep-set eyes, a small chin (micrognathia) and a thin upper lip.
• IUGR
• Umbilical Cord Defect

“ We never did anything for charities before but now often take part for the charities or organizations that have helped us and our daughter. Channing has introduced us to a whole new world of people who we would never have met previously. She has managed to improve our quality of life in a way we would never have thought possible. ” - 21⁄2 years

Many thanks to Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, G1, for compiling much of this information.

Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, G1, The Stables, Station Road West, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9EE, United Kingdom Tel/Fax: +44(0)1883 723356 info@rarechromo.org I www.rarechromo.org