CYLD cutaneous syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the growth of multiple noncancerous (benign) skin tumors. These tumors develop from structures associated with the skin (skin appendages), such as hair follicles. More than one type of skin tumor often develops, including benign growths called cylindromas, spiradenomas, and trichoepitheliomas. Cylindromas were previously thought to derive from sweat glands, but they are now generally believed to begin in hair follicles and often appear on the scalp. Spiradenomas are related to cylindromas and it is common to find features of both of these benign growths in a single tumor. Trichoepitheliomas arise from hair follicles and typically develop on the skin around the nose and upper lip.

While the skin tumors associated with CYLD cutaneous syndrome are typically benign, occasionally they may become cancerous (malignant). When becoming malignant, tumors often grow rapidly and become open sores (ulcers). Affected individuals are also at increased risk of developing tumors in structures other than skin; for example benign or malignant tumors of the salivary glands occur in some people with the condition.

People with CYLD cutaneous syndrome typically begin developing tumors in late childhood or in their teens. For reasons that are unclear, females with CYLD cutaneous syndrome tend to develop more tumors than males with this condition. Tumors tend to grow larger and increase in number over time. Large benign tumors may become ulcers and prone to infections. The tumors are most often found on the head and neck, including the scalp. Tumors that occur in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can affect the senses, including vision and hearing. Less frequently, tumors develop on the torso, armpits, or genitals. Genital tumors may cause pain and sexual dysfunction. Rarely, cylindromas develop in the airways and can cause problems with breathing (respiratory insufficiency).

The tumors in CYLD cutaneous syndrome can be disfiguring and may contribute to depression or other psychological problems.

CYLD cutaneous syndrome includes the conditions previously called Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, multiple familial trichoepithelioma, and familial cylindromatosis. These conditions were once thought to be distinct disorders but are now considered to be the same condition.

CYLD cutaneous syndrome is caused by mutations in theCYLD gene. The CYLD gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that helps regulate numerous signaling pathways, many of which are involved in cell growth. By regulating these signaling pathways, the CYLD enzyme helps cells respond properly to signals that promote cell growth and division (proliferation) or self-destruction (apoptosis), as necessary. The CYLD enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor, which means that it helps prevent cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way

People with CYLD cutaneous syndrome are born with a mutation in one of the two copies of the CYLD gene in each cell. This mutation prevents the cell from making functional CYLD enzyme from the altered copy of the gene. However, enough enzyme is usually produced from the remaining, normal copy of the gene to regulate cell growth effectively. For tumors to develop, a second mutation that alters or removes (deletes) the normal copy of the CYLD gene must occur. The second mutation, called a somatic mutation, occurs during a person's lifetime and is found in only certain cells in the body.

When both copies of the CYLD gene are mutated, the cell cannot produce any functional CYLD enzyme. The loss of this enzyme allows the cell to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way to form a tumor. In people with CYLD cutaneous syndrome, a second CYLD gene mutation typically occurs in multiple cells over an affected person's lifetime. The loss of CYLD enzyme in different types of cells, especially those in structures in the skin, leads to the growth of a variety of tumors.

Normal Function

The CYLD gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that helps regulate numerous signaling pathways, many of which are involved in cell growth. These pathways include nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-KB), Wnt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1), and Notch signaling pathways. By regulating these signaling pathways, the CYLD enzyme helps cells respond properly to signals that promote cell growth and division (proliferation) or self-destruction (apoptosis), as necessary. By regulating signals that control cell growth, the CYLD enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor, which means that it helps prevent cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

CYLD cutaneous syndrome

More than 100 mutations in the CYLD gene have been identified in individuals with CYLD cutaneous syndrome. This condition is characterized by multiple noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in structures associated with the skin (skin appendages), such as hair follicles. More than one type of skin tumor often develops, including benign growths called cylindromas, spiradenomas, and trichoepitheliomas. Cylindromas were previously thought to derive from sweat glands, but they are now generally believed to begin in hair follicles and often appear on the scalp. Spiradenomas are related to cylindromas and it is common to find features of both of these benign growths in a single tumor. Trichoepitheliomas arise from hair follicles and typically develop on the skin around the nose and upper lip.

Most people with CYLD cutaneous syndrome are born with a mutation in one of the two copies of the CYLD gene in each cell. This mutation prevents the cell from making functional CYLD enzyme from the altered copy of the gene. However, enough enzyme is usually produced from the other, normal copy of the gene to regulate cell growth effectively. For tumors to develop, a second mutation that alters or removes (deletes) the normal copy of the CYLD gene must occur. The second mutation, called a somatic mutation, occurs during a person's lifetime and is found in only certain cells in the body.

When both copies of the CYLD gene are mutated, the cell cannot produce any functional CYLD enzyme. The loss of this enzyme impairs the regulation of signaling pathways, allowing the cell to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way to form a tumor. In people with CYLD cutaneous syndrome, somatic CYLD gene mutations typically occur in multiple types of cells in the skin over an affected person's lifetime, leading to the growth of several types of skin appendage tumors.

Cancers

Somatic mutations of the CYLD gene have also been found in certain cancers, including cancer of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma), salivary glands, kidneys, liver, colon, or uterus. These mutations result in a reduction of CYLD gene activity and likely impairs the tumor suppressor function of the CYLD enzyme, allowing cells to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and become cancerous.

Other Names for This Gene

• BRSS
• CDMT
• CYLD1
• CYLD_HUMAN
• CYLDI
• EAC
• HSPC057
• KIAA0849
• MFT
• MFT1
• SBS
• TEM
• USPL2

Genomic Location

Susceptibility to CYLD cutaneous syndrome has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means one copy of the altered CYLD gene in each of the body’s cells increases the risk of developing this condition. The initial genetic change is known as a germline mutation, which most individuals with this condition inherit from a parent. A second, somatic mutation is required for development of tumors in CYLD cutaneous syndrome. Depending when the second mutation occurs, the benign tumors may be clustered to one side of the body or face.

Rarely, the first CYLD gene mutation is not inherited but is a somatic mutation that occurs early in development. As a result, some of the body's cells have a normal version of the gene, while others have the mutated version. This situation is called mosaicism. As in inherited cases, a second somatic mutation in the normal copy of the gene later in life is required for tumors to develop. These cases of CYLD cutaneous syndrome are not inherited and typically occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.

The prevalence of CYLD cutaneous syndrome is unknown, but the condition is estimated to affect more than 1 in 100,000 individuals. More than 100 affected families have been reported in the scientific literature.