Synonyms of Fucosidosis - Alpha-L-Fucosidase Deficiency
Disorder Subdivisions
- Fucosidosis Type 1
- Fucosidosis Type 2
- Fucosidosis Type 3 (proposed)
General DiscussionFucosidosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-fucosidase, which is required to break down (metabolize) certain complex compounds (e.g., fucose-containing glycolipids or fucose-containing glycoproteins). Fucose is a type of the sugar required by the body to perform certain functions (essential sugar). The inability to breakdown fucose-containing compounds results in their accumulation in various tissues in the body. Fucosidosis results in progressive neurological deterioration, skin abnormalities, growth retardation, skeletal disease and coarsening of facial features. The symptoms and severity of fucosidosis are highly variable and the disorder represents a disease spectrum in which individuals with mild cases have been known to live into the third or fourth decades. Individuals with severe cases of fucosidosis can develop life-threatening complications early in childhood.
The disorder belongs to a group of diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders. Lysosomes are particles bound in membranes within cells that function as the primary digestive units within cells. Enzymes within lysosomes break down or digest particular nutrients, such as certain fats and carbohydrates. Low levels or inactivity of the alpha-L-fucosidase enzyme leads to the abnormal accumulation of fucose-containing compounds in the tissues of individuals with fucosidosis.
Organizations related to Fucosidosis - CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Climb Building
Crewe Intl CW2 6BG
Phone #: +44- 87-0 7700 325
800 #: --
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk
- GOLD, Global Organisation For Lysosomal Diseases
P.O. Box 609
Chalfont St Giles None HP8 4WU
Phone #: +44- 14-94-870708
800 #: N/A
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.goldinfo.org
- Hide & Seek Foundation for Lysosomal Disease Research
4123 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood CA 91602-2828
Phone #: 818-762-8621
800 #: N/A
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.hideandseek.org
- International Society for Mannosidosis & Related Diseases, Inc.
1030 Saxon Hill Drive
Cockeysville MD 21030
Phone #: 410-628-9991
800 #: N/A
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www/mannosidosis.org
- Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles CA 90024
Phone #: 310-264-0826
800 #: N/A
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
- March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains NY 10605
Phone #: 914-428-7100
800 #: 888-663-4637
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.marchofdimes.com
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
Bethesda MD 20892-2540
Phone #: 301-496-5751
800 #: 800-352-9424
e-mail: [email protected]ov
Home page: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
- National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, Inc.
2001 Beacon Street
Brighton MA 02135
Phone #: 617-277-4463
800 #: 800-906-8723
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.NTSAD.org
- The Arc (a national organization on mental retardation)
1010 Wayne Ave
Silver Spring MD 20910
Phone #: 301-565-3842
800 #: 800-433-5255
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.thearc.org/
- Vaincre Les Maladies Lysosomales
2 ter avenue de Fance
Massy None 91300
Phone #: 01 -69 -75 40 30
800 #: --
e-mail: [email protected]
Home page: http://www.vml-asso.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ? (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html