HNRNPUL2-Related Syndrome

HNRNPUL2-related syndrome happens when there are changes in the HNRNPUL2 gene. These changes can keep the gene from working as it should.

Each family is different. A geneticist or genetic counselor can give you advice on the chance that this will happen again in your family.

The risk of having another child who has HNRNPUL2-related syndrome depends on the genes of both biological parents. 

• If neither biological parent has the same genetic variant found in their child, the chance of having another child who has the syndrome is on average 1 percent. This 1 percent chance is higher than the chance of the general population. The increase in risk is due to the very unlikely chance that more of the mother’s egg cells or the father’s sperm cells carry the same genetic variant. 
• If one biological parent has the same genetic variant found in their child, the chance of having another child who has the syndrome is 50 percent. 

For a symptom-free brother or sister of someone who has HNRNPUL2-related syndrome, the sibling’s risk of having a child who has HNRNPUL2-related syndrome depends on the sibling’s genes and their parents’ genes. 

• If neither parent has the same genetic variant causing HNRNPUL2-related syndrome, the symptom-free sibling has a nearly 0 percent chance of having a child who would inherit HNRNPUL2-related syndrome. 
• If one biological parent has the same genetic variant causing HNRNPUL2-related syndrome, the symptom-free sibling has a 50 percent chance of also having the same genetic variant. If the symptom-free sibling has the same genetic variant, their chance of having a child who has the genetic variant is 50 percent. 

For a person who has HNRNPUL2-related syndrome, the risk of having a child who has the syndrome is about 50 percent.

As of 2025, more than 20 people with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome have been identified in medical research.

People with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome may look different. Appearance can vary and can include but are not limited to:

• Growth delay
• Lower than average muscle tone

Scientists and doctors have only just begun to study HNRNPUL2-related syndrome. At this point, there are no medicines designed to treat the syndrome. A genetic diagnosis can help people decide on the best way to track the condition and manage therapies. Doctors can refer people to specialists for:

• • Physical exams and brain studies
  • Genetics consults
  • Development and behavior studies
  • Other issues, as needed

A developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or psychologist can follow progress over time and can help:

• • Suggest the right therapies. This can include physical, occupational, speech, or behavioral therapy.
  • Guide individualized education plans (IEPs).

Specialists advise that therapies for HNRNPUL2-related syndrome should begin as early as possible, ideally before a child begins school.

If seizures happen, consult a neurologist. There are many types of seizures, and not all types are easy to spot. To learn more, you can refer to resources such as the Epilepsy Foundation’s website: www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures.

Speech and learning

Many people with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome had developmental delay or intellectual disability and speech and/or language impairment.

• 4 out of 6 people had developmental delay or intellectual disability (67 percent)
• 4 out of 6 people had speech and/or language impairment (67 percent)

Behavior

People with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome had behavioral issues, such as features of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sleep issues.

• 5 out of 6 people had behavioral challenges (83 percent)
• 4 out of 6 people had autism or features of autism (67 percent)
• 1 out of 6 people had ADHD (17 percent)

Some people with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome had neurological medical issues, including seizures, low muscle tone (hypotonia), movement defects, and brain changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• 2 out of 6 people had seizures (33 percent)
• 1 out of 4 people had hypotonia (25 percent)
• 2 out of 6 people had movement defects (33 percent)
• 1 out of 6 people had brain changes seen on MRI (17 percent)

Vision

A few people with HNRNPUL2-related syndrome had crossed eyes (strabismus).

• 2 out of 6 people had strabismus (33 percent)

HNRNP Family Foundation

The HNRNP Family Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and families around the world that live with rare HNRNP-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (HNRNP-RNDDs). They work closely with dedicated scientists and the medical community to drive patient-centered research. They are committed to finding treatments and creating a neurodiverse affirming ​community through education and support.  

• https://www.hnrnp.org/

Simons Searchlight

Simons Searchlight is an online international research program, building an ever growing natural history database, biorepository, and resource network of over 175 rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. By joining their community and sharing your experiences, you contribute to a growing database used by scientists worldwide to advance the understanding of your genetic condition. Through online surveys and optional blood sample collection, they gather valuable information to improve lives and drive scientific progress. Families like yours are the key to making meaningful progress. To register for Simons Searchlight, go to the Simons Searchlight website at www.simonssearchlight.org and click “Join Us.”

• Learn more about Simons Searchlight – www.simonssearchlight.org/frequently-asked-questions
• Simons Searchlight webpage with more information on HNRNPUL2 – www.simonssearchlight.org/research/what-we-study/hnrnpul2