Progeria is a rare, genetic disease observed in children, leading to accelerated aging. This condition arises from a mutation in the Lamin A (LMNA) gene, which maintains the structural integrity of the cell nucleus. As a result of this mutation, an abnormal protein called progerin is produced instead of the normal Lamin A protein. The accumulation of progerin causes cellular damage and the characteristic rapid aging symptoms of progeria.
Apart from this genetic mutation, there are no other known risk factors for progeria, and the disease is generally not hereditary; most cases result from a spontaneous new mutation.