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Optic atrophy-intellectual disability syndrome is a rare, hereditary, syndromic intellectual disability characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, and significant visual impairment due to optic nerve atrophy, optic nerve hypoplasia or cerebral visual impairment. Other common clinical signs and symptoms are hypotonia, oromotor dysfunction, seizures, autism spectrum disorder, and repetitive behaviors. Dysmorphic facial features are variable and nonspecific.
Features include very common findings: Optic disc pallor; and common findings: Low muscle tone (hypotonia), Reduced visual acuity, Intellectual disability, and Feeding difficulties and others. 51 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Eyes | 9 | Strabismus, Nystagmus, Cerebral visual impairment |
NR2F1 encodes nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (423 aa). Coup (chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter) transcription factor binds to the ovalbumin promoter and, in conjunction with another protein (S300-II) stimulates initiation of transcription. Highest expression in Fallopian Tube (139.3 TPM) and Cervix Endocervix (119.7 TPM).
Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome is caused by mutations in the NR2F1 gene on chromosome 5.
NR2F1 is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome, Nuclear Hormone Receptor, and Transcription Factor categories) with score 0.0.
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for NR2F1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NR2F1-NDD) have been published.
NR2F1-NDD should be considered in probands with the following clinical and brain MRI findings. Clinical findings
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
No approved treatments are currently available for Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for NR2F1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NR2F1-NDD) have been published. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with NR2F1-NDD, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
See for recommendations to monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations. Table 6. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
No clinical trials have been registered for Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome.
109 publications have been identified in PubMed for Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome. Kisho has analyzed 33 by research type. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (27%), Basic Science / Preclinical (27%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (24%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 9 | 27% |
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 1:11 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome
Brain and nerves
9 |
Cerebral visual impairment, Intellectual disability, Global developmental delay |
Arms and legs | 2 | Prominent fingertip pads, Tapered finger |
Muscles | 2 | Low muscle tone (hypotonia), Damage to the optic nerve (optic atrophy) |
Head and neck | 2 | High palate, Abnormal facial shape |
Digestive system | 1 | Feeding difficulties |
Ears | 1 | Hearing loss (hearing impairment) |
Bones and joints | 1 | Delayed skeletal maturation |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Age of onset: newborn period.
NR2F1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NR2F1-NDD) is characterized by developmental delay/ intellectual disability (ranging from profound to mild) and is commonly associated with hypotonia, visual impairment (due to optic nerve abnormalities and/or cerebral visual impairment), epilepsy, and behavioral issues (such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). To date, 92 individuals have been described with a pathogenic variant in NR2F1 . The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. See .
Table 2.
Select Features of NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Feature | % of Persons w/Feature
Developmental delay | 88%
Intellectual disability | 87%
Vision impairment | Optic atrophy | 67%
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Preliminary genotype-phenotype correlations based on published reports to date suggest that compared to individuals with pathogenic variants in other domains of NR2F1, individuals with pathogenic variants in the DNA-binding domain have a more severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, including greater prevalence of seizures, more severe language/speech delays (e.g., nonverbal), and more severe motor abnormalities (e.g., inability to walk independently) . The increased clinical severity could result from a dominant-negative effect . In addition, individuals with heterozygous whole-gene deletions and other variants causing functional haploinsufficiency have a milder phenotype than those with heterozygous missense variants in the DNA-binding domain .
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Table 3.
Disorders with Ophthalmologic Features in the Differential Diagnosis of NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Gene | Differential Disorder | MOI | Key Overlapping Feature(s) | Distinguishing Features
ADNP | ADNP-related disorder | AD | Hypotonia; severe DD; mild-to-severe ID; seizures; visual impairment (hypermetropia, strabismus, CVI); behavioral findings; autistic features; feeding issues | In ADNP-related disorder: characteristic facial features; hand foot abnormalities; cardiac, urinary tract, endocrine abnormalities
| NGLY1-related congenital disorder of deglycosylation (CDDG) | AR | DD/ID; hypolacrima, alacrima; seizures | In NGLY1-related CDDG: hyperkinetic mvmts; liver transaminases
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Genetic testing for NR2F1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | To incl brain MRI; Consider EEG if seizures are a concern. |
Development | Developmental assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education Ophthalmologic/ Vision |
impairment | Ophthalmologic eval | To assess for visual acuity, refractive errors, abnormal ocular movement (incl strabismus nystagmus); Eval for optic nerve abnormalities (optic atrophy optic nerve hypoplasia) CVI, which may require subspecialty referral Gastrointestinal/ |
Feeding | Gastroenterology/ nutrition/ feeding team eval | Infants may have problems w/poor latch/suck.; Older children may have trouble chewing swallowing, incl mouth overstuffing /or food pocketing.; To incl eval of aspiration risk nutritional status; Consider eval for gastrostomy tube placement in those w/dysphagia /or aspiration risk. |
Speech delay | By speech-language pathologist | Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Mental health eval | Persons age 12 mos: screen for behavior concerns incl sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or traits suggestive of ASD.; Use of ADI®-R ADOS® |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval | To incl assessment of:; Gross motor fine motor skills; Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices; Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills) |
Hearing | Audiologic eval | Assess for hearing loss. Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of NR2F1-NDD to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other Developmental delay/ |
Intellectual disability | See . | — |
Epilepsy | Standardized treatment w/ASM by experienced neurologist | Many ASMs may be effective; none has been demonstrated effective specifically for this disorder.; Education of parents/caregivers1 Poor weight gain/ Failure to thrive |
Spasticity | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT incl stretching to help avoid contractures falls | Consider need for positioning mobility devices, disability parking placard. |
Ophthalmologic involvement | Per ophthalmologist | Treatment of refractive errors /or strabismus Low-vision services |
Cerebral visual impairment | Visual therapy focused on CVI | Early intervention program to stimulate visual development |
Hearing | Hearing aids may be helpful per otolaryngologist. | Community hearing services through early intervention or school district Bowel dysfunction |
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
View trials for Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome
Evaluation |
|---|
Frequency |
|---|
Gastrointestinal | Monitor for constipation. | At regular well-child checks |
Neurologic | Monitor those w/seizures as clinically indicated. | As recommended by treating physician Assess for new manifestations incl seizures, changes in tone, mvmt disorders. |
Behavioral | Behavioral assessment for anxiety, ADHD, ASD, aggressive or self-injurious behavior | At time of diagnosis, then based on recommendation by treating physician Musculoskeletal |
Hearing | Audiologic eval | Every other year Family/ |
Community | Assess family need for social work support (e.g., palliative/respite care, home nursing, other local resources), care coordination, or follow-up genetic counseling if new questions arise (e.g., family planning). | Annually ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ASD = autism spectrum disorder; OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy |
Source: GeneReviews — "NR2F1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Phenotype severity distribution: 1 very common feature, 10 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
Laboratory research |
9 |
27% |
Research summaries | 8 | 24% |
Disease patterns and progression | 5 | 15% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 3% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 3% |
Bertacchi M (2026). [PMID: 41825301](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41825301/). *Stem Cell Res*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Hao Y (2026). [PMID: 42016332](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42016332/). *Clin Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Chen SP (2025). [PMID: 40227658](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227658/). *JAMA*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Maass JG (2025). [PMID: 40855817](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40855817/). *Dis Model Mech*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Belfeki N (2025). [PMID: 40383683](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40383683/). *Eur J Intern Med*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Bertacchi M (2025). [PMID: 40204944](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40204944/). *Commun Biol*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Hayashi T (2025). [PMID: 40570856](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40570856/). *Ophthalmic Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Tang S (2025). [PMID: 40740960](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40740960/). *Front Med (Lausanne)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Montalban X (2025). [PMID: 40975101](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40975101/). *Lancet Neurol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Bogavac I (2025). [PMID: 41283372](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41283372/). *Pediatr Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
AI-curated news mentioning Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome
Updated Aug 17, 2026
A study identifies a de novo NR2F1 c.330 C>A variant linked to Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome, which presents with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. This discovery enhances understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these conditions.