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Last updated: 02/08/2023
Years published: 1986, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2023
NORD gratefully acknowledges Junko Oshima, MD, PhD, Research Professor, International Registry of Werner Syndrome, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Werner syndrome is a rare progressive disorder that is characterized by the appearance of unusually accelerated aging (progeria). Although the disorder is typically recognized by the third or fourth decades of life, certain characteristic findings are present beginning during adolescence and early adulthood.
Individuals with Werner syndrome have an abnormally slow growth rate and growth stops at puberty. As a result, affected individuals have short stature and low weight relative to height. By age 25, those with the disorder typically experience early graying and premature loss of scalp hair (alopecia). As the disease progresses, additional abnormalities include loss of the layer of fat beneath the skin (subcutaneous adipose tissue); severe wasting (atrophy) of muscle tissue in certain areas of the body; and degenerative skin changes, particularly in the facial area, the upper arms and hands and the lower legs and feet (distal extremities). Due to degenerative changes affecting the facial area, individuals with Werner syndrome may have unusually prominent eyes, a beaked or pinched nose and/or other characteristic facial abnormalities.
Werner syndrome may also be characterized by development of a distinctive high-pitched voice; eye abnormalities, including premature clouding of the lenses of the eyes (bilateral senile cataracts); and certain endocrine defects, such as impaired functioning of the ovaries in females or testes in males (hypogonadism) or abnormal production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas and resistance to the effects of insulin (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). In addition, individuals with Werner syndrome may develop progressive thickening and loss of elasticity of artery walls (arteriosclerosis). Affected blood vessels typically include the arteries that transport oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood to heart muscle (coronary arteries). Some affected individuals may also be susceptible to developing certain benign (noncancerous) or malignant tumors. Progressive arteriosclerosis, malignancies, and/or associated abnormalities may result in potentially life-threatening complications by approximately the fourth or fifth decade of life. Werner syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
Children with Werner syndrome often appear unusually thin and during late childhood, have an unusually slow growth rate. In addition, there is absence of the growth spurt typically seen during adolescence. Affected individuals typically reach their final height by approximately 13 years of age. However, adult height may be reached as early as age 10 or as late as at age 18. Weight is also unusually low, even relative to short stature.
Before age 20, most individuals with Werner syndrome develop early graying and whitening of the scalp hair. By about 25 years of age, affected individuals may experience premature loss of scalp hair (alopecia) as well as loss of the eyebrows and eyelashes. In addition, hair under the arms (axillary hair), in the pubic area, and on the trunk may be unusually sparse or absent. According to reports in the medical literature, the hair loss seen in people with Werner syndrome may occur secondary to impaired functioning of the ovaries in females or the testes in males (hypogonadism), an endocrine condition associated with deficient growth and sexual development. Both males and females with Werner syndrome may be affected by hypogonadism. As a result, affected males usually have an unusually small penis and small testes. Some females with the disorder may fail to develop secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., appearance of axillary and pubic hair, breast development, menstruation) and have poorly developed genitals. In other affected females, menstruation may be sparse and irregular. Due to hypogonadism, most people with the disorder are infertile. However, there have been reports in the literature confirming that some affected males and females have reproduced.
In addition to premature graying and hair loss, individuals with Werner syndrome are affected by other progressive degenerative changes, including gradual loss of the layer of fat beneath the skin (subcutaneous adipose tissue); severe wasting (atrophy) of muscles within the hands, legs, and feet; and premature, generalized loss of bone density (osteoporosis), a condition that may cause or contribute to repeated fractures following minor trauma. Dental abnormalities may also be present, including abnormal development and premature loss of teeth. In approximately one third of individuals with Werner syndrome, there is also an abnormal accumulation of calcium salts (calcification) in and associated hardening of soft tissues (e.g., ligaments, tendons), particularly those of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In addition, due to progressive atrophy of the vocal cords, most individuals with the disorder develop an abnormally high-pitched voice. In other cases, the voice may be squeaky or unusually hoarse.
By approximately 25 years of age, individuals with Werner syndrome also develop progressive skin changes, particularly affecting the facial area, the upper arms and hands, and the lower legs and feet (distal extremities). For example, there is skin wasting (atrophy) over areas in which there is depletion of fatty (adipose), connective, and muscle tissue, resulting in the appearance of unusually shiny, โwaxy,โ smooth, or hardened (โscleroderma-likeโ) skin patches that may adhere to underlying tissues. Affected areas may be prone to developing open sores (ulcers) due to decreased supply of oxygenated blood to tissues (ischemia). The ulcers may be chronic and slow healing. Deep ulcerations around Achilles tendons and, less frequently, at elbows, are highly characteristic to Werner syndrome.
Many individuals with Werner syndrome also have additional skin abnormalities. Skin of the arms and legs may develop abnormally increased coloration (hyperpigmentation), decreased coloration (hypopigmentation), or abnormal widening of certain small underlying blood vessels, causing associated redness (telangiectasias). In addition, skin of the palms, of the soles, and overlying certain prominent joints, such as the elbows and knees, may become unusually thickened (hyperkeratosis) and tend to develop ulcers due to destruction of surface tissues.
Due to atrophic changes of the skin and underlying tissues in the facial area, affected individuals may have a distinctive, โpinchedโ facial appearance including unusually prominent eyes; stiff ears that have lost their elasticity; and a thin, beaked or pinched nose. Premature graying and loss of hair contribute to the characteristic appearance. According to reports in the medical literature, in most individuals with Werner syndrome, the appearance of premature aging is apparent by approximately age 30 to 40.
Werner syndrome is also typically characterized by the premature onset of senile cataracts, a condition in which there is loss of transparency of the lenses of the eyes. In individuals with Werner syndrome, cataracts typically affect both eyes (bilateral) and have an abrupt onset within the third or fourth decade of life. (Senile cataracts typically develop in individuals over age 50.) In some cases, other abnormalities of the eyes may also be present, such as an accumulation of calcium deposits within the transparent region in the front of the eyes (corneal calcification), inflammation of the middle and innermost layers of the eyes (chorioretinitis), degeneration of the nerve cells (rods and cones) of the retina that respond to light (retinitis pigmentosa), and/or progressive degeneration of the central region of the retina (senile macular degeneration). The degree of associated visual impairment depends upon the severity and/or combination of eye abnormalities present.
Approximately 70 percent of affected individuals have developed non-insulin-dependent (or type II) diabetes mellitus at the time of diagnosis. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by resistance to the effects of the hormone insulin and abnormal insulin secretion by the pancreas, resulting in increased levels of the simple sugar glucose in the blood. (Insulin regulates glucose levels in the blood by promoting the movement of glucose into cells for energy production.) This form of diabetes usually develops in normal individuals of approximately 50 to 60 years. However, in those with Werner syndrome, the condition may become apparent by about age 35. Affected individuals may have no apparent symptoms (asymptomatic) at diagnosis or experience increased urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased hunger (polyphagia), and/or other characteristic symptoms. In addition, those with this form of diabetes may be susceptible to diabetic coma due to severely reduced levels of fluid within cells (hyperosmolar nonketotic coma). According to reports in the medical literature, although non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus may be associated with certain long-term complications, such as nerve damage (neuropathy), impaired kidney function (nephropathy), and damage to blood vessels within the retina (diabetic retinopathy), such complications have not been reported in affected individuals with Werner syndrome.
Werner syndrome is also characterized by severe, progressive, often widespread thickening and loss of elasticity of artery walls (arteriosclerosis). In some affected arteries, there may be abnormal accumulations of calcium deposits within the middle coat (tunica media) of the arteries and progressive destruction and replacement of the arteriesโ muscle and elastic fibers with fibrous tissue (Monckebergโs arteriosclerosis). Arteries affected by this form of arteriosclerosis may include those that transport oxygen-rich blood to heart muscle (coronary arteries) or certain arteries of the legs (peripheral vascular disease). Arteriosclerosis of peripheral blood vessels may cause or aggravate skin wasting (atrophy) and ulceration. In addition, abnormal calcium deposits may accumulate within certain heart valves, such as the valve situated where the bodyโs major artery (aorta) arises from the lower left chamber of the heart (aortic valve) and the valve located between the left upper and lower heart chambers (mitral valve). Progressive arteriosclerosis may lead to episodes of chest pain due to deficient oxygen supply to heart muscle (anginal attacks); progressive inability of the heart to effectively pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body (heart failure); localized loss of heart muscle caused by interruption of its blood supply (myocardial infarction or heart attack); and/or other potentially life-threatening complications.
People with Werner syndrome also have an increased predisposition to cancers. The most common neoplasms in Werner syndrome are carcinomas of thyroid, followed by cancers of the pigment-producing cells in skin and mucosa (malignant melanoma), cancer of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord (meningioma), tumors that arise within the soft tissues and bones (sarcomas and osteosarcoma), soft tissue sarcomas, primary bone tumors and leukemia/myelodysplasia.
Due to progressive arteriosclerosis, malignancies and/or other associated abnormalities, many individuals with Werner syndrome may experience life-threatening complications by approximately the fourth or fifth decade of life.
Werner syndrome is caused by changes (mutations or variants) in the WRN gene. More than 80 different mutations of the WRN gene have been identified in individuals with the disorder.
The WRN gene encodes for a โhelicaseโ protein, suggesting that impaired DNA metabolism is involved in the premature aging seen in individuals with the disorder. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes occurring within bodily tissues. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the carrier of the genetic code within cells, has a coiled (helical), ladder-like structure and is composed of strands of particular chemical groups. DNA โhelicaseโ proteins are thought to promote the โunwindingโ of DNA during certain cellular activities, such as the repair of damaged DNA and the separation of identical chromosomes (chromosomal segregation) into two โdaughter cellsโ during cellular division and reproduction. Researchers suggest that Werner syndrome is due to complete loss of function of the helicase protein encoded by the WRN gene. The specific function of the helicase protein in preventing premature aging remains unclear.
However, during laboratory (in vitro) studies of samples of skin cells (cultured human fibroblasts), researchers have demonstrated that the cells from individuals without the disorder may multiply approximately 60 times (โpopulation doublingsโ) whereas Werner syndrome fibroblasts may reproduce only up to about 20 times. Due to such findings, some researchers have suggested that WRN is essentially a โcounting gene,โ regulating the total number of times that human cells may divide and reproduce. Researchers speculate that variants in the WRN gene may result in premature inhibition of DNA replication processes (synthesis) and early cellular aging (senescence), events that typically occur later in normal, aging human cells.
Researchers have also observed a high frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., random translocations) in cultured skin cells (fibroblasts) and cultured white blood cells (lymphocytes) derived from certain cell lines (clones) in individuals with Werner syndrome. Such findings (sometimes referred to as โvariegated translocation mosaicismโ) suggest that โchromosome breakageโ may be characteristic of or play some role in the disease process. However, the specific implications of such findings remain unknown and further research is required.
Werner syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits an abnormal gene from each parent. If an individual receives one normal gene and one abnormal gene for the disease, the person will be a carrier for the disease, but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the abnormal gene and, therefore, have an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk to have a child who is a carrier, like the parents, is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents is 25%. The risk is the same for males and females.
The parents of some individuals with Werner syndrome have been closely related by blood (consanguineous). If both parents carry the same disease gene, there is a higher-than-normal risk that their children may inherit the two disease genes necessary for the development of the disease.
Werner syndrome is a rare disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers. Since the disorder was originally described in the medical literature in 1904 (O. Werner), more than 800 patients have been reported. The disorderโs frequency has been estimated at one to 20 per one million individuals in the United States. Although certain associated findings are present beginning during childhood, puberty and young adulthood, the disorder is most frequently recognized in the third or fourth decades of life.
In some people, Werner syndrome may be recognized clinically as early as approximately age 15, based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, characteristic physical findings (e.g., absence of growth spurt at puberty, short stature, low weight), and a careful patient and family history. However, the disorder often may not be recognized or confirmed until the third or fourth decades of life, once certain distinctive symptoms and findings are noted (e.g., premature graying and hair loss, distinctive voice, loss of subcutaneous tissue, muscular atrophy, skin changes, bilateral senile cataracts, etc.).
Specialized imaging studies and laboratory tests may be conducted to detect, confirm, or characterize certain abnormalities potentially associated with the disorder. For example, eye specialists (ophthalmologists) may regularly monitor affected individuals for the development of cataracts with certain measures, such as use of a specialized instrument that enables visualization of the inside of the eyes (ophthalmoscope). If cataracts are detected, an illuminated microscope (slit lamp) may be used to examine the internal structures of the front regions of the eyes, enabling ophthalmologists to determine the specific location and extent of the cataracts.
Diagnostic testing may include monitoring of blood sugar levels to ensure prompt detection of diabetes mellitus, bone scans and blood tests for osteoporosis and/or other studies. In addition, thorough cardiac evaluations and ongoing monitoring may also be performed (e.g., clinical examinations, X-ray studies, specialized cardiac tests) to assess associated cardiovascular abnormalities and determine appropriate disease management. Individuals with Werner syndrome should also be regularly monitored as necessary to ensure the prompt detection and appropriate treatment of certain malignancies or benign tumors that may occur in association with the disorder (e.g., osteosarcoma, meningioma).
In some people, specialized laboratory tests may be performed on cultured skin cells (fibroblasts) from affected individuals, demonstrating abnormally decreased replication of Werner syndrome fibroblasts. Evaluation of the chromosomal make-up (karyotype) within the nuclei of cultured fibroblasts and certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) may reveal a high frequency of certain chromosomal rearrangements (variegated translocation mosaicism). (For more information, please see the โCausesโ section of this report above.) In addition, according to several investigators, urine tests may reveal elevated levels of hyaluronic acid, a complex carbohydrate that is present in the spaces between certain cells (intercellular spaces) within certain connective tissues. The implications of this finding are not understood.
Confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of Werner syndrome may be achieved through molecular testing of the WRN gene. Molecular sequencing of the WRN gene to detect disease-causing variants, as well as biochemical testing to quantitate the amount of WRN protein produced by cells, is available on a clinical basis.
Treatment
The treatment of Werner syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Disorder management may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists who may need to systematically and comprehensively plan an affected individualโs treatment. Such specialists may include internists; physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the skeleton, muscles, joints, and other related tissues (orthopedists); physicians who diagnose and treat abnormalities of the heart and its major blood vessels; eye specialists (ophthalmologists); physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine system (endocrinologists); and/or other health care professionals.
Specific therapies for individuals with Werner syndrome are symptomatic and supportive. According to reports in the medical literature, diabetes mellitus is typically mild and may often be managed with dietary changes and appropriate medications by mouth to decrease elevated sugar (glucose) levels in the blood (oral hypoglycemic medications).
In affected individuals with cataracts, treatment may include surgical removal of the clouded lens and implantation of a substitute lens (intraocular lens) or prescription of corrective glasses or contact lenses. Some physicians report that individuals with Werner syndrome may have a significantly increased risk of separation of surgical wound layers (wound dehiscence) and/or other complications (e.g., corneal endothelial decompensation). Therefore, these physicians recommend that special precautions be taken during such surgical procedures (e.g., small surgical incisions, avoidance of local or systemic cortisone).
In individuals with Werner syndrome, measures to manage arteriosclerosis and associated cardiovascular abnormalities are symptomatic and supportive. For example, in those with episodes of chest pain due to deficient oxygen supply to heart muscle (anginal attacks), treatment may include the use of certain medications that may help to minimize or manage such symptoms.
If benign or malignant tumors develop in association with Werner syndrome, appropriate treatment measures may vary depending upon the specific tumor type present; whether the tumor is benign or malignant; stage, grade and/or extent of disease; and/or other factors. Depending upon such factors, treatment methods may include surgery, use of certain anticancer drugs (chemotherapy), radiation therapy and/or other measures.
Genetic counseling is recommended for individuals with Werner syndrome and their families.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: [email protected]
Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
Research
The University of Washington is conducting extensive research on Werner syndrome and offers clinical testing for the disorder. The University maintains an international registry that collects and distributes clinical information and samples for investigative research. The registry is dedicated to expanding the project to include clinical data and mutation information on as many affected individuals as possible. For more information about the International Registry of Werner Syndrome contact:
Junko Oshima, MD, PhD
International Registry of Werner Syndrome
University of Washington
Department of Pathology
Box 357470
Health Science Building K543
Seattle, WA 98195-7470
(206) 543-5088 (phone)
(206) 685-8356 (fax)
e-mail: [email protected]
Home Page: https://www.wernersyndrome.org
TEXTBOOKS
Emery and Rimoinโs Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics, 6th Ed: David L. Rimoin, Reed E. Pyeritz and Bruce Korf, Editors; Elsevier B.V., 2013, Pages 1-19.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 24th Ed.: Lee Goldman, Editor; W.B. Saunders Co., 2012. Pp.1340-1346.
Smithโs Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation, 7th Ed.; Kenneth Lyons Jones, Marilyn Crandall Jones and Miguel Del Campo, Editors; W. B. Saunders Co., 2013. Pp. 188-201.
Syndromes of the Head and Neck, 5th Ed.: Raoul Hennekam, Judith Allanson, Ian Krantz, Editors; Oxford University Press, 2010. Pp. 586-590.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th Ed.: Robert M. Kliegman, Bonita F. Stanton, Joseph W. St. Geme, Nina F. Schor and Richard E. Behrman, Editors; W.B. Saunders Co., 2011. Pp. 1728.
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Oshima J, Sidorova JM, Monnat RJ Jr. Werner syndrome: Clinical features, pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions. Ageing Res Rev. 2017; 33:105-114.
Yokote K, Chanprasert S, Lee L, et al WRN mutation update: mutation spectrum, patient registries, and translational prospects. Hum Mutat. 2017; 38: 7-15.
Oshima J and Hisama FM. Search and insights into novel genetic alterations leading to classical and atypical Werner syndrome. Gerontology 2014; 60: 239-46.
Croteau DL, Popuri V, Opresko PL, Bohr VA. Human RecQ helicases in DNA repair, recombination, and replication. Annu Rev Biochem. 2014; 83:519-52.
Takemoto M, Mori S, Kuzuya M, et al., Diagnostic criteria for Werner syndrome based on Japanese nationwide epidemiological survey. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2013; 13: 475-81.
Yu CE, Oshima J, Fu YH et al., Positional Cloning of the Wernerโs Syndrome Gene. Science 1996; 272: 258-62.
INTERNET
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Victor A. McKusick, Editor; Johns Hopkins University, Last Edit Date 03/01/2022, Entry Number 277700. Available at https://omim.org/entry/277700 Accessed Dec 6, 2022.
Oshima J, Martin GM, Hisama FM. Werner Syndrome. 2002 Dec 2 [Updated 2021 May 13]. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviewsยฎ [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1514/ Accessed Dec 6, 2022.
NORD and MedicAlert Foundation have teamed up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease patients in emergency situations.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/medicalert-assistance-program/Ensuring that patients and caregivers are armed with the tools they need to live their best lives while managing their rare condition is a vital part of NORDโs mission.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/rare-disease-educational-support/This first-of-its-kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/caregiver-respite/The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) does not endorse the information presented. The content has been gathered in partnership with the MONDO Disease Ontology. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
View reportOnline Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM) has a summary of published research about this condition and includes references from the medical literature. The summary contains medical and scientific terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
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