- The IDS gene found on the X chromosome is short for iduronate-2-sulfatase, a mutation to this gene is what causes a patient to have Hunters Syndrome. There are many different types of mutations (errors) that cause Hunters Syndrome that are still being researched to learn more about the disease Right now there is no other research to support outside environmental factors that cause this disease.
- The job of the IDS gene is to break down GAG's. GAG's are a type of polysaccharide that serves as the glue for many connective tissues in the body. This saccharide is classified as a mucopolysaccharide, muco coming from the term mucus and polysaccharide being a type of starch. The build up of this mucopolysaccharide is what causes damage to many of the vital organs.
- The error that is created on this gene causes a problem to the cells of the human body, specifically the lysosome. The lysosome is responsible for breaking down wastes in the cells to improve cell function. Lysosomes are found in all types of cells which cause this disease to be wide spread to many vital organs such as the heart, liver,lungs and brain. In the symptoms section there will be specific explanations of the areas that are affected by the disease.