Myelodysplastic Syndrome Causes
The actual cause of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is unknown, but medical researchers are focusing on the detailed study of DNA. A gene mutation in the DNA, which we inherit from our parents, can be the cause of the development of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. According to recent researches, the genes present in the DNA of bone marrow cells cause bone marrow failure syndrome. The mutated genes not only impair the normal functioning of bone marrow cells but also, there is a reduction in producing blood cells.
In a healthy individual, the bone marrow is the spongy material in the bones that produces three different types of blood cells i-e, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When a person develops myelodysplastic Syndrome, the bone marrow is unable to produce the required number of blood cells. Although the bone marrow produces a lesser amount of blood cells, the shape and size of these cells are also impaired.
Some of the principal causes are listed down below:
- Inherited gene mutations:
A human passes on his genes to his generation, and this genetic makeup controls different traits of the individuals who get those genes. There is a lot bigger role of our genes on our bodies other than just determining the way we look. The person with the myelodysplastic Syndrome has a mutation in his or her RUNX1 gene, causing the impairment of bone marrow cells. Two types of genes control the functioning of our body cells that are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In a person with the defected gene of RUNX1, the body is unable to turn off the oncogenes and take advantage of tumor suppressor cells. The oncogenes help the tumor cells to grow, divide, and stay alive while, on the other hand, the tumor suppressor cells are not able to control the cell division.
The RUNX1 typically helps in the development and maturation of red blood cells. However, in people with this inherited gene mutation, the red blood cells do not mature properly and thus affecting the normal functioning of red blood cells.
- Changes in genetic makeup during lifetime:
Another big reason for developing MDS is the changes that occur in the genes of a person during a lifetime. The mutations in genes have no apparent reason. The changes in genes might occur due to any reason. The external damage can affect the genes residing inside the cells. TET2, TP53, SRSF2, ASXL1, DNMT3A, and SF3B1 genes are the most likely ones that develop changes and cause myelodysplastic Syndrome.