Clinical features
Mutations in the MEOX1 gene cause a specific form of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), a disorder characterized by birth defects of the cervical spine (bones of the neck) manifesting as a short neck with painless restriction in mobility and a low hairline in the back of the head.
Prevalence
Largely unknown due to limited data.
Inheritance
Mutations of this gene can be passed on to the next generation in an autosomal recessive manner. This means that if both parents carry a mutation involving this gene (usually without displaying the disease), there is a greater chance that their children are going to inherit the mutations from both parents and display the disease. This is especially important to consider in consanguineous marriage, where the chance of both parents having the same mutation and passing it is greater.