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McCune-Albright syndrome


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Definition

McCune-Albright syndrome is a genetic disease that affects the bones and color (pigmentation) of the skin.


Alternative Names

Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

McCune-Albright syndrome is caused by mutations in the GNAS1 gene. The abnormal gene is present in a fraction, but not all, of the patient's cells (mosaicism).

This disease is not inherited. It is caused by a new change (mutation) to the DNA that occurs in the womb while the baby is developing. This mutation is not passed on to any of the person's children.



Review Date: 09/10/2010
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




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