I wanted to focus on Progeria because it’s not only rare but also very mysterious. Fewer than a few hundred kids worldwide live with it, and doctors are still working to understand exactly why it happens. The condition comes from a mutation in the LMNA gene, which makes a faulty protein called Progerin. This protein damages cells and tissues, but the full reason why it causes such rapid aging is still being researched. I think that makes it a really interesting disorder to dig into.

The systems most affected are the heart and blood vessels, the bones and joints, and the skin and hair. Children with Progeria often develop heart disease at an early age, which is the main reason life expectancy is shortened. Their bones can also become stiff and brittle. Even though the body shows many signs of aging, their brain development and intelligence usually stay normal, which makes the condition even more striking.

On a basic level, the mutation in the LMNA gene changes how the cell’s nucleus is shaped and supported. This weakens tissues throughout the body, and over time, the damage looks a lot like accelerated aging. While there isn’t a cure right now, new treatments are being studied.

For this project, I will be focusing on the genetic mutation behind Progeria and how it affects the body’s organ systems. I’ve found Progeria fascinating for a long time, and I’m looking forward to exploring it further in this project.