Stem Cells and Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

What are stem cells?

• Cells that can become any type of cell in the body

• Cells that only occur during early embryonic development

• Cells that multiply and transform themselves into lost or dying cells

• Cells that act like emergency personnel

What happens when stem cells are injured or sick?

• They become blood cells

• They become brain cells

• They multiply and transform into the lost or dying cells

• They become bone cells

What are receptors?

• Substances from damaged cells

• Surface proteins of incoming stem cells

• Proteins that tell stem cells what to become

• Proteins that bind to surface proteins of stem cells

What happens to ligaments and cartilage in individuals with FOP?

• They become bone

• They repair muscle

• They become blood cells

• They become brain cells

What is the term for bone growing in the wrong place?

• Heterotopic Ossification (HO)

• Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

• Bone Misplacement Disorder (BMD)

• Bone Growth Abnormality (BGA)

What are the first signs of FOP in children?

• Abnormally formed big toes

• Stiff necks and backs

• Painful swellings and bumps on the head, neck, shoulders, and back

• All of the above

How is FOP diagnosed?

• Observing the child's big toes and swellings and bumps

• Genetic testing for mutations in the acvr1 gene

• Biopsy of the lumps and bumps

• All of the above

What is the estimated prevalence of FOP?

• 1 in a million people

• 1 in 100,000 people

• 1 in 10,000 people

• 1 in 1,000 people