National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mucopolysaccharidosis

Mucopolysaccharidosis refers to a group of inherited conditions in which the body is unable to properly breakdown mucopolysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules that are found throughout the body). As a result, these sugars buildup in cells, blood and connective tissue which can lead to a variety of health problems. Seven distinct forms and numerous subtypes of mucopolysaccharidosis have been identified. Associated signs and symptoms and the severity of the condition vary significantly by form. In general, most affected people appear healthy at birth and experience a period of normal development, followed by a decline in physical and/or mental function. As the condition progresses, it may affect appearance; physical abilities; organ and system functioning; and, in most cases, cognitive development. The underlying genetic cause varies by form. Most cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, although one specific form (Type II) follows an X-linked pattern of inheritance. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[1][2][3]

For more specific information about the various forms of mucopolysaccharidosis, please click on the links below:
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type I
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type II
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type III
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type IV
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type VI
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type VII
Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type IX
Last updated: 5/24/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Mucopolysaccharidosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.
  • The Orphan Disease Center: MPS I Pilot Grant Program presents a request for applications (RFA) to support research on the development of improved therapies for people with syndromes due to MPS I including Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie. All individuals holding a faculty-level appointment at an academic or non-profit institution are eligible to respond to this RFA. Grants will be awarded for an initial period of 1 to 2 years at $150,000 direct costs per year (up to 10% indirect costs allowable); funding for a second year is predicated by adequate progress during year 1 and availability of funding. All applicants must first submit a letter of Interest (LOI) to be reviewed for consideration of a full application submission. LOIs are due no later than Monday, February 29, 2016 at 5pm (EST).

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mucopolysaccharidosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Mucopolysaccharidoses Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. February 2016; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/mucopolysaccharidoses/detail_mucopolysaccharidoses.htm.
  2. Tarek Bittar, MD. Mucopolysaccharidosis. Medscape Reference. February 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1258678-overview.
  3. Mucopolysaccharidoses. NORD. 2011; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mucopolysaccharidoses/.