Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by poikiloderma, sparse hair, short stature, and skeletal anomalies. RTS type 1 is associated with juvenile cataracts. Mutations in ANAPC1, encoding a subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex, cause RTS1. RTS type 2, which is defined by the presence of bi-allelic mutations in RECQL4, is characterized by increased cancer susceptibility. RECQL4 is shown to be important protein for DNA replication, repair, and telomere maintenance.
