What causes Apert syndrome?

What causes Apert syndrome?

A genetic mutation of a gene, fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 or FGFR2, which is responsible for skeletal development causes Apert syndrome. When the gene mutation occurs, receptors don't communicate with fibroblast growth factors causing joints (sutures) between bones to close too soon during fetal development. When sutures close early, your baby’s brain is still growing and the bones in the skull, especially in the forehead and sides of the skull, change shape. The irregular formation of the bones leads to malformations of their body.