What is the inheritance pattern of Factor V Leiden?

Factor V Leiden exhibits an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, which means that only one copy of the altered gene from an affected parent can lead to the increased risk of thrombosis seen in individuals with this condition. The gene mutation affects the Factor V protein, which is involved in the clotting process.

In conditions with autosomal dominant inheritance, a person who inherits the mutated gene has a higher chance of expressing the trait or disorder, as there is no requirement for two copies of the allele to be present for the condition to manifest. This characteristic explains why families with Factor V Leiden often have a pattern of affected individuals in every generation.

In contrast, recessive inheritance would require two copies of the mutated gene for the disorder to be expressed, which typically leads to a different pattern in family trees. X-linked dominant inheritance affects genes on the X chromosome and usually has a different pattern of inheritance primarily affecting males or expressing more severely in females. Mitochondrial inheritance relates to genes found in mitochondria, passed from mother to offspring, which is not applicable in this case.

Understanding the autosomal dominant aspect of Factor V Leiden is essential for risk assessment and counseling in familial contexts, as well as for appropriate management strategies related to thrombosis risk.