Kuskokwim syndrome is characterized by joint deformities called contractures that restrict the movement of affected joints. This condition has been found only in a population of Alaska Natives known as Yup'ik Eskimos, who live in and around a region of southwest Alaska known as the Kuskokwim River Delta.

In Kuskokwim syndrome, contractures most commonly affect the knees, ankles, and elbows, although other joints, particularly of the lower body, can be affected. The contractures are usually present at birth and worsen during childhood. They tend to stabilize after childhood, and they remain throughout life.

Some individuals with this condition have other bone abnormalities, most commonly affecting the spine, pelvis, and feet. Affected individuals can develop an inward curve of the lower back (lordosis), a spine that curves to the side (scoliosis), wedge-shaped spinal bones, or an abnormality of the collarbones (clavicles) described as clubbing. Affected individuals are typically shorter than their peers and they may have an abnormally large head (macrocephaly).

Kuskokwim syndrome is extremely rare. It affects a small number of people from the Yup'ik Eskimo population in southwest Alaska.

Kuskokwim syndrome is caused by mutations in the FKBP10 gene, which provides instructions for making the FKBP10 protein (formerly known as FKBP65). This protein is important for the correct processing of complex molecules called collagens, which provide structure and strength to connective tissues that support the body's bones, joints, and organs. Collagen molecules are cross-linked to one another to form long, thin fibrils, which are found in the spaces around cells (the extracellular matrix). The formation of cross-links results in very strong collagen fibrils. The FKBP10 protein attaches to collagens and plays a role in their cross-linking.

A mutation in the FKBP10 gene alters the FKBP10 protein, making it unstable and easily broken down. As a result, people with Kuskokwim syndrome have only about 5 percent of the normal amount of FKBP10 protein. This reduction in protein levels impairs collagen cross-linking and leads to a disorganized network of collagen molecules. It is unclear how these changes in the collagen matrix are involved in the development of joint contractures and other abnormalities in people with Kuskokwim syndrome.

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Bruck syndrome 1

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

• Kuskokwim syndrome

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• BRUCK SYNDROME 1; BRKS1

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

• Barnes AM, Duncan G, Weis M, Paton W, Cabral WA, Mertz EL, Makareeva E, Gambello MJ, Lacbawan FL, Leikin S, Fertala A, Eyre DR, Bale SJ, Marini JC. Kuskokwim syndrome, a recessive congenital contracture disorder, extends the phenotype of FKBP10 mutations. Hum Mutat. 2013 Sep;34(9):1279-88. doi: 10.1002/humu.22362. Epub 2013 Jul 8. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
• Petajan JH, Momberger GL, Aase J, Wright DG. Arthrogryposis syndrome (Kuskokwim disease) in the Eskimo. JAMA. 1969 Sep 8;209(10):1481-6. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Schwarze U, Cundy T, Pyott SM, Christiansen HE, Hegde MR, Bank RA, Pals G, Ankala A, Conneely K, Seaver L, Yandow SM, Raney E, Babovic-Vuksanovic D, Stoler J, Ben-Neriah Z, Segel R, Lieberman S, Siderius L, Al-Aqeel A, Hannibal M, Hudgins L, McPherson E, Clemens M, Sussman MD, Steiner RD, Mahan J, Smith R, Anyane-Yeboa K, Wynn J, Chong K, Uster T, Aftimos S, Sutton VR, Davis EC, Kim LS, Weis MA, Eyre D, Byers PH. Mutations in FKBP10, which result in Bruck syndrome and recessive forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, inhibit the hydroxylation of telopeptide lysines in bone collagen. Hum Mol Genet. 2013 Jan 1;22(1):1-17. doi: 10.1093/hmg/dds371. Epub 2012 Sep 4. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central