Progeria is a genetic condition

Most children with progeria have a mutation on the gene that encodes for lamin A, a protein that holds the nucleus of the cell together.

This protein is also known as progerin.

The defective protein is thought to make the nucleus unstable.more on this

This instability makes cells more likely to die younger, leading to the symptoms of progeria.

It seems to happen because of a rare genetic change.

One parent may have the mutation, even though they do not have progeria.

There is not usually any family history, but if there is already one child in the family with progeria,

There is a 2 to 3 percent chance that another sibling will have it.

Genetic testing can show whether a parent has the mutation or not.