Some researchers suggest that HGF is transmitted as a Mendelian trait since both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive transmission has been reported since the early 1970s. (SOURCE 1) In more recent scientific literature, there is evidence in which pedigree analyses confirm autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or even as X-linked inherited cases of the HGF trait.

In 2002, researchers described the SOS1 gene and proved for the first time that a single-nucleotide–insertion mutation of the SOS1 gene on codon 1083 is the preliminary cause of HGF1 in humans. (Source 1) Later on in 2010, there was a case study done on a 16-year-old male with severe gingival overgrowth, almost covering all teeth. Researchers approached this issue with periodontics - a partial gingivectomy and flap surgery. This case study concluded that surgery followed by regular follow-ups is a good way to treat HGF despite the fact that the risks of re-occurrence of the condition remain high.

Even more recently, a study was done in 2013 on a family that showed history of autosomal recessive inheritance of HGF. The study did not dismiss the return of HGF after treatment but did claim that general surgical intervention after scaling and root planning of teeth supplemented with good oral hygiene is good enough to prevent the re-occurrence of HGF. This case study also acknowledged how HGF can be part of a multi-system syndrome associated with disorders such as Zimmermann Laband syndrome (ear, nose, bone, and nail defects with hepatosplenomegaly), Rutherford syndrome (microphthalmia, mental retardation, athetosis, and hypopigmentation), Murray-Puretic Drescher syndrome and Ramon syndrome.

HGF1 - Caused by a mutation in the SOS1 gene localized on chromosome 2p21-p22

HGF2 - Caused by a mutation in the SOS1 gene localized on chromosome 5q13-q22

Mutations in the RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) gene can also cause this syndrome.

- Non genetic

HGF may also be caused by unwanted side effects of pharmacological agents like phenytoin, ciclosporin, and some calcium-channel blockers, meaning HGF is a disease that can be drug-induced. However, there is little next to no research done in this area to support the claim.

- Inflammation

- Hormonal Imbalance

- Neoplasia

- More commonly associated with an autosomal dominant gene inheritance

- Multi-system syndromes: Zimmerman-Laband syndrome, Jones syndrome, Ramon syndrome, Rutherford syndrome, juvenile hyaline fibromatosis, systemic infantile hyalinosis, and mannosidosis

- Some unknown causes

Because this genetic anomaly is genetically linked, genetic counseling may be the only way to decrease occurrences of Cherubism. The lack of severe symptoms in the parents may be the cause of failure in recognizing the disorder. The optimal time to be tested for mutations is prior to having children. The disorder results from a genetic mutation, and this gene has been found to spontaneously mutate. Therefore, there may be no prevention techniques available.

This disorder is caused by an abnormality of the TBCE gene, the locus for which is on Chromosome 1q42.3. The locus is a 230 kb region of gene with identified deletions and mutations in affected individuals. There are rare cases of the disorder not being due to a TBCE gene abnormality.

Cherubism is autosomal dominantly linked, meaning the displayed phenotype is determined by the dominant allele while the normal allele is recessive. One copy of the dominant allele is enough to cause the disorder. Because the condition was found to be dominant the disorder phenotype tends to be seen in every generation at some level of severity. Therefore, afflicted fathers or mothers of children with Cherubism pass the phenotype to both daughters and sons. Cherubism has also been found from the random mutation of a gene in an individual having no family history of the condition. However it is not well understood why males tend to express the disease more frequently. Children with Cherubism vary in severity in their maxilla and mandible bony lesions. The disease is expressed at a rate of 80 to 100% of all affected. Studies of multiple generations of families with the gene found that all boys developed Cherubism, but 30-50% of girls show no symptoms.

The cause of Cherubism is believed to be from a mutation of gene of SH3BP2. Cherubism has also been found combined with other genetic disorders including Noonan syndrome, Ramon syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Mutations of the SH3BP2 gene are only reported in 75% of Cherubism cases. The mutation of the SH3BP2 gene is believed to increase production of over active proteins from this gene. The SH3BP2 gene is found on the smaller arm of chromosome 4 at position 16.3. The SH3BP2 protein is involved with chemical signaling to immune system cells known as macrophages and B cells.

The effects of SH3BP2 mutations are still under study, but researchers believe that the abnormal protein disrupts critical signaling pathways in cells associated with the maintenance of bone tissue and in some immune system cells. The overactive protein likely causes inflammation in the jaw bones and triggers the production of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue during bone remodeling. Osteoclasts also sense the increased inflammation of the mandible and maxilla and are further activated to break down bone structures. Bone loss and inflammation lead to increased fibrous tissue and cyst growth. An excess of these bone-eating cells contributes to the destruction of bone in the upper and lower jaws. A combination of bone loss and inflammation likely underlies the cyst-like growths characteristic of Cherubism.

The RASopathies are developmental syndromes caused by germline mutations (or in rare cases by somatic mosaicism) in genes that alter the Ras subfamily and mitogen-activated protein kinases that control signal transduction, including:

- Capillary malformation-AV malformation syndrome

- Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

- Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome

- Hereditary gingival fibromatosis type 1

- Neurofibromatosis type 1

- Noonan syndrome

- Costello syndrome, Noonan-like

- Legius syndrome, Noonan-like

- Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, formerly called LEOPARD syndrome, Noonan-like

Although the exact pathology of Dubowitz syndrome is not known yet, it is heritable and classified as an autosomal recessive disease. Furthermore, there is an occasional parental consanguinity. Several cases point to Dubowitz syndrome occurring in monozygotic twins, siblings, and cousins. There is considerable phenotypic variability between cases, especially in regards to intelligence. Although substantial evidence points to the genetic basis of this disorder, the phenotypic similarity is found in fetal alcohol syndrome. Further studies need to be done to determine whether this environmental agent effects the expression of the genotype. Breakdown of chromosomes is known to occur.

Researchers are also investigating the genetic similarities between Dubowitz Syndrome and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS). Patients with SLOS and Dubowitz syndromes experience many of the same abnormalities, and the two disorders are hypothesized to be linked. A characteristic of SLOS is a low cholesterol level and a high 7-dehydrocholesterol level. Cholesterol is essential for several key functions of the body, including cell membrane structure, embryogenesis, and steroid and sex hormone synthesis. Impaired cholesterol biosynthesis or transport possibly accounts for most of the symptoms of both SLOS and Dubowitz. Although only a few patients with Dubowitz Syndrome have been identified with altered cholesterol levels, researchers are exploring whether Dubowitz Syndrome, like SLOS, carries a link to a defect in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway.

The exact biochemical pathology of the disease is still under research because of the low prevalence of the disease and the wide array of symptoms associated with it. Several studies have focused on different aspects of the disease to try to find its exact cause and expression. One study examined the specific oral features in one patient. Another found abnormalities in the brain, such as corpus callosum dysgenesis, an underdeveloped anterior pituitary and a brain stalk with an ectopic neurohypophysis.

Zimmermann–Laband syndrome (ZLS), also known as Laband–Zimmermann syndrome, and Laband's syndrome, is an extremely rare autosomal dominant congenital disorder.

Symptoms include gingival fibromatosis, associated with hypoplasia of the distal phalanges, nail dysplasia, joint hypermobility, and sometimes hepatosplenomegaly. The nose and pinnae are usually large and poorly developed, which gives the individuals with the syndrome abnormal facial characteristics. Mental retardation may also occur. Both males and females are equally affected. Gingival fibromatosis is usually present at birth or appears short after. The term Zimmermann–Laband was coined by Carl Jacob Witkop in 1971.

One known cause of hypertrichosis cubiti is Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome.

Sanjad-Sakati syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic condition seen in offspring of Middle Eastern origin. It was first described in Saudi Arabia, but has been seen in Qatari, Kuwaiti, Omani and other children from the Middle East as well as elsewhere. The condition is caused by mutations or deletions in the TBCE gene of Chromosome No.1.

The condition is characterised by a triad of growth and mental retardation, hypoparathyroidism and dysmorphism.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (also known as "Fibromatosis hyalinica multiplex juvenilis," "Murray–Puretic–Drescher syndrome") is a very rare, autosomal recessive disease due to mutations in capillary morphogenesis protein-2 (CMG-2 gene). It occurs from early childhood to adulthood, and presents as slow-growing, pearly white or skin-colored dermal or subcutaneous papules or nodules on the face, scalp, and back, which may be confused clinically with neurofibromatosis.

Baller–Gerold syndrome is caused by a mutation in the RECQL4 gene found on chromosome 8p24. Molecular genetic tests used to identify mutations in the RECQL4 gene include targeted variant analysis and sequence analysis of the entire coding region of the gene. These methods look for changes in the sequence encoding RECQL4, as having a deleterious mutation in the gene will change the protein and disrupt its usual function. RECQL4 is a gene that encodes a DNA helicase in the RecQ helicase family. Helicases are involved with unwinding DNA in preparation for DNA replication and repair.

Baller–Gerold syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, meaning that an affected child gets one mutant allele from each parent to produce the syndrome. A carrier is someone who has one mutant allele but does not does have any symptoms. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance the child will have BGS. There is also a 50% chance the child will have one mutant copy (be a carrier) and be asymptomatic and a 25% chance the child will be asymptomatic and not a carrier. In order for someone to have BGS, they need to have two mutant copies of the gene. Adults may pursue genetic counselling to understand the syndrome, as well as the risks and choices regarding family planning.

While there is no cure for BGS, symptoms can be treated as they arise. Surgery shortly after birth can repair craniosynostosis, as well as defects in the hand to create a functional grasp. There are risks associated with untreated craniosynostosis, therefore surgery is often needed to separate and reshape the bones. Since patients with a RECQL4 mutation may be at an increased risk of developing cancer, surveillance is recommended.

Hypertrichosis cubiti (also known as "hairy elbow syndrome") is a cutaneous condition characterized by multiple terminal hairs on both elbows in children.

X-linked hypertrichosis is a hereditary disorders characterized by generalized congenital hypertrichosis.

Cross–McKusick–Breen syndrome (also known as "Cross syndrome", "hypopigmentation and microphthalmia", and "oculocerebral-hypopigmentation syndrome") is an extremely rare disorder characterized by white skin, blond hair with yellow-gray metallic sheen, small eyes with cloudy corneas, jerky nystagmus, gingival fibromatosis and severe mental and physical retardation.

It was characterized in 1967.

Saal Greenstein syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by stunted growth, short limbs, microcephaly, and an anomalous cleavage of the anterior chamber of the eye. The disorder is similar to Robinow syndrome except for anterior chamber anomalies and, in one case, hydrocephalus.

GAPO syndrome is caused by a deletion in both copies of the ANTXR1 gene, which encodes Anthrax Toxin Receptor 1. This gene is critical for the creation of actin, and its disruption inhibits proper function of the actin network. As a result, individuals with GAPO syndrome have a buildup of extracellular matrix, and degraded cell adhesions. The alteration can occur in the form of nonsense mutations or mutations which alter the splice sites, and result in alternative RNA splicing, leading to synthesis of a different or modified protein. In humans, the ANTXR1 gene is located on Chromosome 2 and has 22 exons.

GAPO syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, and requires both parents to pass on the mutant genotype. Since this mutation is so rare, most confirmed cases have a history of ancestral inbreeding.

GAPO syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder that causes severe growth retardation, and has been observed fewer than 30 times before 2011. GAPO is an acronym that encompasses the predominant traits of the disorder: growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia (teeth failing to emerge from the gums), and worsening optic atrophy in some subjects. Other common symptoms include premature aging, large, prominent foreheads, and delayed bone aging. GAPO syndrome typically results in premature death around age 30-40, due to interstitial fibrosis and atherosclerosis.

The histological and ultrastructural features of Ledderhose and Dupuytren's disease are the same, which supports the hypothesis that they have a common cause and pathogenesis. As with Dupuytren's disease, the root cause(s) of Ledderhose's disease are not yet understood. It has been noted that it is an inherited disease and of variable occurrence within families, i.e. the genes necessary for it may remain dormant for a generation or more and then surface in an individual, or be present in multiple individuals in the same generation with varying degree.

There are certain identified risk factors. The disease is more commonly associated with -

- A family history of the disease

- Higher incidence in males

- Palmar fibromatosis 10-65% of the time.

- Peyronie's disease

- Epilepsy patients

- Patients of diabetes mellitus

There is also a suspected, although unproven, link between incidence and alcoholism, smoking, liver diseases, thyroid problems, and stressful work involving the feet.

Netherton syndrome is a severe, autosomal recessive form of ichthyosis associated with mutations in the "SPINK5" gene. It is named after Earl W. Netherton (1910–1985), an American dermatologist who discovered it in 1958.

The prognosis for individuals with TSC depends on the severity of symptoms, which range from mild skin abnormalities to varying degrees of learning disabilities and epilepsy to severe intellectual disability, uncontrollable seizures, and kidney failure. Those individuals with mild symptoms generally do well and live long, productive lives, while individuals with the more severe form may have serious disabilities. However, with appropriate medical care, most individuals with the disorder can look forward to normal life expectancy.

A study of 30 TSC patients in Egypt found, "...earlier age of seizures commencement (<6 months) is associated with poor seizure outcome and poor intellectual capabilities. Infantile spasms and severely epileptogenic EEG patterns are related to the poor seizure outcome, poor intellectual capabilities and autistic behavior. Higher tubers numbers is associated with poor seizure outcome and autistic behavior. Left-sided tuber burden is associated with poor intellect, while frontal location is more encountered in ASD. So, close follow up for the mental development and early control of seizures are recommended in a trial to reduce the risk factors of poor outcome. Also early diagnosis of autism will allow for earlier treatment and the potential for better outcome for children with TSC."

Leading causes of death include renal disease, brain tumour, lymphangioleiomyomatosis of the lung, and status epilepticus or bronchopneumonia in those with severe mental handicap. Cardiac failure due to rhabdomyomas is a risk in the fetus or neonate, but is rarely a problem subsequently. Kidney complications such as angiomyolipoma and cysts are common, and more frequent in females than males and in "TSC2" than "TSC1". Renal cell carcinoma is uncommon. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is only a risk for females with angiomyolipomas. In the brain, the subependymal nodules occasionally degenerate to subependymal giant cell astrocytomas. These may block the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, leading to hydrocephalus.

Detection of the disease should be followed by genetic counselling. It is also important to realise that though the disease does not have a cure, symptoms can be treated symptomatically. Hence, awareness regarding different organ manifestations of TSC is important.

Auricular hypertrichosis ("hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita", "hypertrichosis pinnae auris") is a genetic condition expressed as long and strong hairs growing from the helix of the pinna.