Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a complex syndrome characterized by immunodeficiency, bone marrow failure, somatic abnormalities, and predisposition to cancer.
T lymphocyte dysfunction is caused by a defect in telomerase complexes, whose function is to protect telomeres from degradation. When telomerase complexes do not function correctly, telomeres are unprotected and their degradation speeds up. DC is caused by alterations in the genes that encode the proteins that compose the telomerase and shelterin complexes.
Are you a healthcare professional?
This content is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals.
The content is for informational purposes only and is not intended for the general public.