What causes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is caused by inherited gene mutations that affect collagen processing and synthesis, and leads to various EDS variants with distinct symptoms. These mutations can result in significant vulnerability of body organs and an increased risk of injury from normal activities.

    EDS is caused by inherited gene mutations in collagen processing and synthesis. The different EDS variants involve different mutations with either autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance. Collagen is vital to all body systems, and different gene mutations can affect various types of collagen in different parts of the body, resulting in multiple distinct EDS variants and symptoms. These inherited defects in collagen result in significant vulnerability of various body organs and an increased risk of serious injury from standard activities that do not pose a risk to people without EDS.[1]