What type of genetic disorder is FOP primarily characterized as?

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is primarily characterized as an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. This means that only one copy of the mutated gene, which is typically the ACVR1 gene, is sufficient to cause the condition. Individuals with FOP have a 50% chance of passing on the mutated gene to their offspring.

In FOP, there is abnormal bone formation that occurs in the tissues of the body, where muscle and connective tissues gradually transform into bone. This process is known as heterotopic ossification. The autosomal dominant inheritance pattern is significant because it allows the disorder to manifest in individuals with just one copy of the mutant allele, contributing to its distinctive presentation and the nature of its inheritance.

Understanding FOP as an autosomal dominant disorder is crucial for genetic counseling, patient management, and predicting the condition's impact on families, as affected parents have a significant chance to pass on the disorder to their children.