Overview
RIN2 syndrome, also known as MACS syndrome (Macrocephaly, Alopecia, Cutis laxa, and Scoliosis), is an extremely rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the RIN2 gene. This gene encodes a protein involved in endosomal trafficking and regulation of vesicular transport, which plays a role in elastic fiber assembly and extracellular matrix homeostasis. The condition primarily affects the skin, skeletal system, and connective tissues. Key clinical features include macrocephaly (abnormally large head), generalized cutis laxa (loose, redundant, and inelastic skin), sparse hair or alopecia, progressive scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis, joint hypermobility, and distinctive facial features including a broad nasal bridge, downslanting palpebral fissures, and thick lips. Affected individuals may also exhibit soft, doughy skin texture, hernias, and mild developmental delay in some cases. The skin findings are particularly prominent on the face and trunk, giving an aged appearance. There is currently no specific or curative treatment for RIN2 syndrome. Management is supportive and symptomatic, focusing on orthopedic monitoring and intervention for scoliosis, dermatological care, and regular developmental assessments. Physical therapy may be beneficial for joint hypermobility. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected families. The condition was first described in a small number of families, and the total number of reported cases in the medical literature remains very limited.
Also known as:
Clinical phenotype terms— hover any for plain English:
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Infantile
Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventManchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for RIN2 syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for RIN2 syndrome at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for RIN2 syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to RIN2 syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with RIN2 syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about RIN2 syndrome
No recent news articles for RIN2 syndrome.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Common questions about RIN2 syndrome
What is RIN2 syndrome?
RIN2 syndrome, also known as MACS syndrome (Macrocephaly, Alopecia, Cutis laxa, and Scoliosis), is an extremely rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the RIN2 gene. This gene encodes a protein involved in endosomal trafficking and regulation of vesicular transport, which plays a role in elastic fiber assembly and extracellular matrix homeostasis. The condition primarily affects the skin, skeletal system, and connective tissues. Key clinical features include macrocephaly (abnormally large head), generalized cutis laxa (loose, redundant, and inelas
How is RIN2 syndrome inherited?
RIN2 syndrome follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does RIN2 syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of RIN2 syndrome is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.