Causes
As said above, Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic illness. This means it is caused when there is an error in one or several genes in the body. Though the precise mechanism is still unknown, scientists have found out that it might come from a specific area of chromosome 15. Except for genes associated with sex features, all genes are in pairs: one paternal gene from the father and one maternal gene from the mother. In normal individuals, if one gene is expressed, the other one is expressed as well. When Prader-Willi syndrome happens, some paternal genes are not expressed.
In people with the condition, an error on chromosome 15 can affect the normal functions of the hypothalamus. This brain area is responsible for producing hormones. As a result, the syndrome can lead to some health problems related to sleep, mood, body temperature, sexual development, growth, and hunger. [2]
