Silver syndrome belongs to a group of genetic disorders known as hereditary spastic paraplegias. These disorders are characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity) and, frequently, development of paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia). Hereditary spastic paraplegias are divided into two types: pure and complex. Both types involve the lower limbs; the complex types may also involve the upper limbs, although to a lesser degree. In addition, the complex types may affect the brain and parts of the nervous system involved in muscle movement and sensations. Silver syndrome is a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia.

The first sign of Silver syndrome is usually weakness in the muscles of the hands. These muscles waste away (amyotrophy), resulting in abnormal positioning of the thumbs and difficulty using the fingers and hands for tasks such as handwriting. People with Silver syndrome often have high-arched feet (pes cavus) and spasticity in the legs. The signs and symptoms of Silver syndrome typically begin in late childhood but can start anytime from early childhood to late adulthood. The muscle problems associated with Silver syndrome slowly worsen with age, but affected individuals can remain active throughout life.

Although Silver syndrome appears to be a rare condition, its exact prevalence is unknown.

Mutations in the BSCL2 gene cause Silver syndrome. The BSCL2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called seipin, whose function is unknown. The BSCL2 gene is active (expressed) in cells throughout the body, particularly in nerve cells that control muscle movement (motor neurons) and in brain cells. Within cells, seipin is found in the membrane of a cell structure called the endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein processing and transport.

BSCL2 gene mutations that cause Silver syndrome likely lead to an alteration in the structure of seipin, causing it to fold into an incorrect 3-dimensional shape. Research findings indicate that misfolded seipin proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum. This accumulation likely damages and kills motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and spasticity. In Silver syndrome, only specific motor neurons are involved, resulting in the hand and leg muscles being solely affected.

Some people with Silver syndrome do not have an identified mutation in the BSCL2 gene. The cause of the condition in these individuals is unknown.

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Hereditary spastic paraplegia 17
• Genetic Testing Registry: Hereditary spastic paraplegia

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

• Autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 17
• Hereditary spastic paraplegia

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA 17, AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT; SPG17

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

• Cafforio G, Calabrese R, Morelli N, Mancuso M, Piazza S, Martinuzzi A, Bassi MT, Crippa F, Siciliano G. The first Italian family with evidence of pyramidal impairment as phenotypic manifestation of Silver syndrome BSCL2 gene mutation. Neurol Sci. 2008 Jun;29(3):189-91. doi: 10.1007/s10072-008-0937-y. Epub 2008 Jul 9. Citation on PubMed
• Rowland LP, Bird TD. Silver syndrome: The complexity of complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia. Neurology. 2008 May 20;70(21):1948-9. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000312519.62351.5b. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Silver JR. Silver syndrome. BMJ. 2007 Sep 1;335(7617):422-3. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39210.408414.AD. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
• van de Warrenburg BP, Scheffer H, van Eijk JJ, Versteeg MH, Kremer H, Zwarts MJ, Schelhaas HJ, van Engelen BG. BSCL2 mutations in two Dutch families with overlapping Silver syndrome-distal hereditary motor neuropathy. Neuromuscul Disord. 2006 Feb;16(2):122-5. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.11.003. Epub 2006 Jan 19. Citation on PubMed
• Windpassinger C, Auer-Grumbach M, Irobi J, Patel H, Petek E, Horl G, Malli R, Reed JA, Dierick I, Verpoorten N, Warner TT, Proukakis C, Van den Bergh P, Verellen C, Van Maldergem L, Merlini L, De Jonghe P, Timmerman V, Crosby AH, Wagner K. Heterozygous missense mutations in BSCL2 are associated with distal hereditary motor neuropathy and Silver syndrome. Nat Genet. 2004 Mar;36(3):271-6. doi: 10.1038/ng1313. Epub 2004 Feb 22. Citation on PubMed