Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissues, which play a crucial role in holding cells, tissues, and organs together. This condition particularly impacts various organs, including the eyes, spine, lungs, and the heart, as well as blood vessels. The connective tissue is vital for growth, development, and hormone regulation.
At the molecular level, Marfan Syndrome is associated with mutations in the gene responsible for producing a protein called fibrillin-1. This defective protein leads to abnormal growth of bones, resulting in longer limbs—specifically, longer legs and arms—in individuals with the syndrome.