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Any Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the CREBBP gene.
Features include always present findings: Strabismus, Gastroesophageal reflux, Spina bifida, and Highly arched eyebrow and others; and very common findings: Broad hallux, Hirsutism, and Low anterior hairline. 100 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Head and neck | 7 | Microcephaly, High, narrow palate, Narrow palate |
Digestive system | 5 | Gastroesophageal reflux, Constipation, Hepatic hemangioma |
Brain and nerves | 5 | Delayed speech and language development, Hyperintensity of cerebral white matter on MRI, Seizure |
Arms and legs | 4 | Prominent fingertip pads, Clinodactyly of the 5th finger, Plantar crease between first and second toes |
Eyes | 4 | Strabismus, Cataract, Ptosis |
Lungs and breathing | 3 | Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, Respiratory distress, Obstructive sleep apnea |
Bones and joints | 3 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis), Delayed skeletal maturation, Joint hypermobility |
Growth and development | 2 | Short stature, Postnatal growth retardation |
Muscles | 2 | Flexion contracture, Low muscle tone (hypotonia) |
Neoplasm | 1 | Neoplasm |
Ears | 1 | Hearing loss (hearing impairment) |
Blood and immune system | 1 | Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections |
Heart and blood vessels | 1 | Hypoplastic left heart |
Age of onset: infancy, adolescence, newborn period, at birth.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by short stature, variable structural abnormalities, characteristic facial appearance, broad thumbs and halluces, and variable degrees of intellectual disability. The most consistent craniofacial features are microcephaly, highly arched eyebrows, downslanted palpebral fissures, convex nasal ridge, low-hanging columella, and grimacing smile. The thumbs and halluces are broad and often angulated . RSTS is frequently recognized at birth or in infancy because of the striking facial features and characteristic hand and foot findings. Problems in early life include respiratory difficulties, feeding issues, poor weight gain, recurrent infections, and severe constipation. To date, at least 600 individuals have been identified with a pathogenic variant in CREBBP or EP300 [, , , ]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. Table 2. Select Features of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Feature | % of Persons w/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Growth deficiency | 73% |
CREBBP encodes CREB binding lysine acetyltransferase (2,442 aa). Acetylates histones, giving a specific tag for transcriptional activation. Mediates acetylation of histone H3 at 'Lys-18' and 'Lys-27' (H3K18ac and H3K27ac, respectively). Highest expression in Uterus (53.4 TPM) and Ovary (49.6 TPM).
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations is associated with mutations in the CREBBP gene on chromosome 16.
The CREBBP protein participates in CREBBP acetylates FOXO1 and SUMOylation of CREBBP with SUMO1 pathways.
CREBBP is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable, Drug Resistance, Druggable Genome, Enzyme, Transcription Factor, and Transcription Factor Complex categories) with score 4.7.
The type and location of pathogenic variants in CREBBP and EP300 do not correlate with specific physical features, malformations, cognition, or behavior. An exception is missense variants between the end of exon 30 and the beginning of exon 31 in both CREBBP and EP300. This phenotype is distinct from RSTS and is known as Menke-Hennekam syndrome . EP300. In one study examining many variants, no correlation was found between overall phenotype severity and the type of pathogenic variant or location of the pathogenic variant relative to the HAT domain or exon 31. Similar observations were made between genotype and severity of intellectual disability and presence of major organ difference . CREBBP.
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) should be suspected in individuals with the following characteristic clinical and neuroimaging findings and family history.
Major features
Craniofacial appearance (See .)
Downslanted palpebral fissures
Convex nasal ridge with low-hanging columella
High palate
Grimacing smile
Talon cusps (an accessory cusp-like structure on the lingual side of the tooth), usually occurring on the maxillary incisors of the permanent dentition
Other features (See and .)
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
For individuals with the distinctive facial features and hand and foot abnormalities, the diagnosis of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is usually straightforward. Broad/angulated thumbs and halluces may be seen in the FGFR-related craniosynostosis syndromes (e.g., Pfeiffer syndrome, Apert syndrome), in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and in Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome. The presence of craniosynostosis and the difference in facial features should differentiate these disorders .
Table 3.
Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Features of Disorder
Overlapping w/RSTS | Distinguishing from RSTS
FGFR1
FGFR2
| Pfeiffer syndrome Apert syndrome (See FGFR-Related Craniosynostosis Syndromes Overview.) | AD | Broad/angulated thumbs hal...
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
Genetic testing for CREBBP is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Clinical practice guidelines for Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS) have been published by .
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with RSTS, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 4.
Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
| Measurement of growth | Plot parameters on RSTS growth charts.
| • Neurologic eval
Ultrasound of spinal canal in neonatal period should be considered to screen for tethered cord.
| • MRI of spinal canal should be performed in older children if symptomatic.
Consider EEG if seizures are a concern.
| Multidisciplinary developmental /or neuropsychological eval | • To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval
Eval for early intervention/ special education
Neurobehavioral/
| Neuropsychiatric eval | For persons age 12 mos: screening for concerns incl sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or findings suggestive of ASD
| Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval | To incl assessment of:
Thumbs halluces, joints, spine
Gross motor fine motor skills
Contractures, clubfoot, kyphoscoliosis
Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices
Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills)
Gastrointestinal/
| Gastroenterology/ nutrition/ feeding team eval | •...
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
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 — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
View trials for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. Table 6. Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Growth | Monitor weight linear growth w/RSTS growth charts. | Frequently during 1st yr of life at regular checkups.; If growth differs from expected, assess for growth hormone deficiency. |
Neurologic | Monitor those w/seizures as clinically indicated. | At each visit Assess for new manifestations such as seizures, changes in tone, movement disorders. Development |
Ophthalmologic involvement | Ophthalmologic eval | Annually or as necessary Low vision services |
Hearing loss | Audiologic eval | Annually (more frequently if person has history of recurrent otitis media) |
Cardiovascular | Cardiac eval | At diagnosis then per cardiologist |
Genitourinary | Renal urologic eval | At diagnosis then monitor for symptoms at each visit |
Dental anomalies | Dental orthodontic eval | Beginning at age 1 yr; continue every 6 mos or per dentist/orthodontist |
Endocrine | Eval for hypoglycemia | At each visit Immunologic |
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 36 always present features, 3 very common features, 8 common features.
No clinical trials have been registered for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations.
34 publications have been identified in PubMed for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (47%), Review / Meta-Analysis (24%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (18%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 16 | 47% |
Research summaries | 8 | 24% |
Laboratory research | 6 | 18% |
Disease patterns and progression | 3 | 9% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 3% |
Verma S (2026). [PMID: 42112675](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42112675/). *Dev Dyn*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Tang Y (2026). [PMID: 41758603](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758603/). *Human molecular genetics*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Dursun E (2026). [PMID: 41064057](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41064057/). *Molecular syndromology*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Matasariu DR (2025). [PMID: 40507954](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40507954/). *International journal of molecular sciences*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Sloane BM (2025). [PMID: 41220065](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41220065/). *Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Mendoza S (2025). [PMID: 40009876](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009876/). *Retinal cases & brief reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Anastasiou AΜ (2025). [PMID: 40860344](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40860344/). *Frontiers in genetics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Zhou J (2025). [PMID: 40159473](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40159473/). *BMC pediatrics*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Chen A (2025). [PMID: 39740655](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39740655/). *Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Cieślikowska A (2025). [PMID: 41153422](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41153422/). *Genes*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 9:31 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome due to CREBBP mutations
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Eye findings | 80% | — |
Hearing loss | 30% | Mostly conductive, but can also be sensorineural |
Respiratory features | Common | Infections, aspiration |
Cardiac features | 33% | — |
Genitourinary anomalies | 27% | Cryptorchidism most common (~78%-100% of affected males) |
Gastrointestinal features | 88% | Feeding difficulties, constipation |
Skeletal abnormalities | Common | 20% scoliosis, 92% thumb/hallux anomalies |
Neurologic issues | 21% | — |
Dental anomalies | 73% | Talon cusps, enamel hypoplasia |
Skin findings | 24% | Keloids, pilomatrixomas |
Recurrent infections | 17% | Primarily respiratory |
Tumors | 30% | Benign and malignant |
Developmental delays | 98% | — |
Behavioral issues | 41% autism/autistic features, 27%-64% anxiety | — |
Brain MRI abnormalities | 74% | Various findings Growth. Although prenatal growth is usually normal, growth deficiency begins in the first year of life. There is typically an absence of a growth spurt in adolescence. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome"