News

Participation in study of Primordial Dwarfism sponsored by Potentials Foundation 
potentialsfoundation.org - Apr. 4, 2008

The Potentials Foundation is sponsoring a registry of individuals with Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Type II 
(MOPD II) and other related forms of primordial dwarfism. The purpose of this registry is learn more about MOPD II and how to predict and treat medical problems and conditions that arise as a result. The name of the registry is “The Potentials Foundation Primordial Registry at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children”. Dr. Michael Bober at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children is the physician in charge of this registry. The following other specialists are also involved: William Mackenzie, MD, Orthopedics, A.I.

Scientists question whether fossil remains found on Isle of Flores are early examples of Primordial Dwarfism 
anthropology.net - Jan. 8, 2008

Following Dr. Anita Rauch's discovery of the genetic mutation that causes MOPD II, speculation has begun as to whether the fossil remains found last year on the Isle of Flores might not actually represent a new species of hominid, but simply be early examples of homo sapiens affected by Primordial Dwarfism.  

Mutations in the Pericentrin (PCNT) Gene Cause Primordial Dwarfism (MOPD II) 
sciencemag.org - Oct. 1, 2007

A study conducted by Dr. Anita Rauch in Germany has determined that MOPD II is caused by a mutation in the Pericentrin (PCNT) gene on chromosome 21. The link above points to a short abstract of the article by Dr. Rauch, and offers a link to purchase the full article. Families of affected MOPD II children can contact the administrator of this site for more details about the information contained in the article.