What is the typical inheritance pattern of Neurofibromatosis 2?

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that only one copy of the mutated gene, inherited from an affected parent, is sufficient to cause the disorder. In an autosomal dominant condition, both males and females are equally likely to be affected, and the condition can be passed from one generation to the next.

For NF2, this genetic condition is primarily associated with mutations in the NF2 gene, which plays a crucial role in tumor suppression. Individuals with NF2 often develop bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other tumors, typically around young adulthood. The presence of the disorder in successive generations can sometimes be readily observed, indicating its dominant inheritance.

In contrast, the other inheritance patterns listed do not apply to NF2. X-linked dominant disorders involve genes on the X chromosome and are inherited differently between genders. Autosomal recessive inheritance requires two copies of the mutated gene for the individual to be affected, resulting in the condition only appearing when both parents are carriers. Multifactorial inheritance involves multiple genes and environmental factors contributing to the phenotype, which is not characteristic of Neurofibromatosis type 2.

Understanding the autosomal dominant nature of NF2 helps in