Genetics of type 1 von Willebrand disease

Abstract

Purpose of review 

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common form of VWD, but has remained, but is the least well understood. Recent work is changing this situation. This review summarizes recent analysis of the genetic basis of the disease.

Recent findings 

Linkage analysis demonstrates that dominantly inherited, fully penetrant VWD is present in approximately 50% of type 1 families. Between 55 and 70% of index cases analysed have a candidate von Willebrand factor gene (VWF) mutation, but no mutations are present in the promotor, or protein coding sequences or splice sites. Missense mutations throughout VWF predominate. Blood group O is much more common in type 1 von Willebrand disease than in the general population and is particularly prevalent in cases with incompletely penetrant mutations or no VWF mutation.

Summary 

Type 1 von Willebrand disease can be divided into three groups where (1) fully penetrant VWF mutations appear sufficient to explain the low plasma von Willebrand factor and bleeding, (2) VWF mutation may act as a risk factor for bleeding in combination with blood group O and/other unknown genetic factors, and (3) classic VWF mutations are absent but VWF may still play a role in some cases and blood group O is common.