Phenotype and Micro-array characterization of duplication 11q22.1-q25 and review of the literature

Partial duplication of 11q is related to several malformations like growth retardation, intellectual disability, hypoplasia of corpus callosum, short nose, palate defects, cardiac, urinary tract abnormalities and neural tube defects. We have studied the clinical and molecular characteristics of a patient with severe intellectual disabilities, dysmorphic features, congenital inguinal hernia and congenital cerebral malformation which is referred to as cytogenetic exploration. We have used FISH and array CGH analysis for a better understanding of the double chromosomic aberration involving a 7p microdeletion along with a partial duplication of 11q due to adjacent segregation of a paternal reciprocal translocation t(7;11)(p22;q21) revealed after banding analysis. The patient's karyotype formula was: 46,XY,der(7)t(7;11)(p22;q21)pat. FISH study confirmed these rearrangement and array CGH technique showed precisely the loss of at least 140 Kb on chromosome7p22.3pter and 33.4 Mb on chromosome11q22.1q25. Dysmorphic features, severe intellectual disability and brain malformations could result from the 11q22.1q25 trisomy. Our study provides an additional case for better understanding and delineating the partial duplication 11q.     

A severely mental and motor retarded boy with monosomy 9pter-->p22 trisomy 10q26-->qter due to paternal reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(9;10)(p23;q26)

We report on a twenty-two months old male patient with hypotonia, mental and motor retardation and trigonocephaly. Standard GTG banding chromosomal analysis (from metaphyses of a periferal blood lymphocyte culture) showed 46,XY, der(9) monosomy 9pter-->p22, trisomy 10q26--> qter karyotype. This unbalanced translocation resulted from the father's t(9,10) (p22;p26) karyotype. Deletions of the terminal part of 9p and partial trisomy of chromosome 10q are rare chromosomal disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature of a deletion of 9pter-->p22.3 and a duplication of 10q26-->qter. We assume that the clinical anomalies are due to der(9) monosomy 9pter-->p22, trisomy 10q-->26qter.     

Ring chromosome 15: characterization by array CGH

Ring chromosome 15 [r(15)] is an uncommon finding with less than 50 patients reported. Precise genotype–phenotype correlations are problematic because of the difficulties in determining the extent of euchromatic loss, the level of mosaicism, and the influence of the timing of ascertainment. We report two discordant examples of r(15) patients. In the first case, prenatal diagnosis of a de novo r(15) was made during the second trimester: mos 46,XX,r(15)(p11.2q26)[32]/45,XX,-15[13]/47,XX,r(15)(p11.2q26)x2[3]/46,XX,dic r(15)(p11.2q26p11.2q26[1]/46,XX[2]. Postnatal follow-up revealed extremely small stature, heart defects, and developmental delay. Patient 2 was a 31-year-old short-statured female who was living independently: 46,XX,r(15)(p11q26). Both cases showed loss of the 15q subtelomeric region by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). To investigate the discordance in phenotypes between the two patients, we undertook array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) analyses to more fully characterize the deletions associated with these otherwise structurally indistinguishable r(15) chromosomes from conventional cytogenetic analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies. By array CGH, patient 1 showed deletion of multiple contiguous clones predicting an approximately 6 Mb deletion of distal 15q. In contrast, patient 2 showed loss of just the 15q subtelomeric clone and an interstitial clone by array CGH confirming that the severity of the phenotype correlated with the size of the deletion at the molecular level. These cases illustrate the utility of array CGH characterization for determining the size of the associated deletion in ring chromosomes and for facilitating phenotype–genotype correlations.     

Chromosomal fragile sites in schizophrenic patients

Schizophrenia is a common and complex mental disorder. Cytogenetic and molecular studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia. As a preliminary step in the search for chromosomal location of a susceptible gene predisposing to schizophrenia, cytogenetic screening of patients might be useful. Therefore, this report is aimed at studying the relationship between chromosomal fragile sites (FS) (gaps, breaks, triradial figures, and several rearrangements) and the etiology of schizophrenia. Because of this, we compared the frequencies of folate-sensitive FS from schizophrenic patients and normal individuals in short-term whole-blood cultures. The rate of FS expression in the patients was considerably higher than in the controls. We determined 15 common FS (cFS) (1q21, 1q32, 2q21, 2q31, 3p14, 4q31, 5q31, 6q21, 6q26, 7q22, 7q32, 10q22, 13q32, Xp22, and Xq22), six rare FS (rFS) (6p21, 8q22, 11q23, 12q24, 16q22, and Xq26), and two previously unknown FS (3p25 and 5q22). Among these expressed FS, there was a significantly higher frequency of 12 FS at 2q31, 3p25, 3p14, 5q31, 6q21, 7q22, 7q32, 10q22, 11q23, 12q24, Xq22, and Xq26 in patient group than in controls by x ²-test (P between 0.0001 to 0.036). Sites 3p14, 5q31, and 7q22 were also the most frequently observed cFS. Males exhibited twice as many FS as females, but no age effects were observed. The potential relationship between increased FS frequency and the occurrence of schizophrenia in these patients is discussed. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Double partial trisomy of 6p23-pter and 9pter-q21.2 in a neonate resulting from 4:2 meiotic segregation of a maternal complex t(6;7;9)(p23;p15;q21.2) translocation

We report, a newborn presenting multiple congenital abnormalities with karyotype; 47,XY,der(7)t(6;7)(pter-p23::p15-->qter),+der(9)t(7;9)(pter-->p15::q21.2--> pter)t(6;7;9)(p23;p15;q21.2)mat[20]. The mother and her phenotypically normal daughter were carriers of a complex chromosomal rearrangement with karyotypes; 46,XX,t(6;7;9)(p23;p15;q21.2)[20]. Paternal chromosomes were normal. In our case the extra derivative chromosome was the result of a 4:2 segregation of the chromosomes involved in translocation during oogenesis. Double partial trisomy in newborns resulting from 4:2 segregation is a rare event, and double partial trisomies of the 6p23-pter and trisomy 9pter-q22 regions have not reported to date.     

Monosomy 10q26-qter and trisomy 11q13-qter as a result ofde novo unbalanced translocation

A male infant with partial monosomy 10 q and partial trisomy 11q as a result ofde novo unbalanced translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 10 and 11: der(10)t(10;11)(q26;q13) is described. He had craniofacial dysmorphy, congenital heart defects, urogenital and cerebral anomalies, and severe developmental delay. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this combination of chromosomal abnormalities.     

9种新的人类染色体异常核型报告

发现９种新的人类染色体异常核型,分别为：４６,ＸＸ,ｔ（２;１０）（ｑ３３;ｑ１１）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１０;１２）（ｑ２６;ｑ２２）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（６;１５）（ｐ２３;ｑ２３）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１;６）（ｐ３６;ｑ２１）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１;１９）（ｐ３２;ｐ１３）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１６;１８）（ｑ２２;ｑ２１）;４６,ＸＹ,ｉｎｖ（１）（ｐ３６ｑ２５）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１３;１７）（ｑ１２;ｑ２５）;４６,ＸＹ,ｔ（１５;２１）（ｑ２６;ｑ１１）。异常核型是导致自然流产和不育的原因。     

Chromosomal fragile sites in schizophrenic patients

Schizophrenia is a common and complex mental disorder. Cytogenetic and molecular studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia. As a preliminary step in the search for chromosomal location of a susceptible gene predisposing to schizophrenia, cytogenetic screening patients might be useful. Therefore, this report is aimed at studying the relationship between chromosomal fragile sites (FS: gaps, breaks, triradial figures, and several rearrangements) and the etiology of schizophrenia. Because of this, we were compared the frequencies of folate-sensitive FS from schizophrenic patients and normal individuals in short-term whole blood cultures. The rate of FS expression in the patients was considerably higher than in the controls. We determined 15 common FS (cFS) (1q21, 1q32, 2q21, 2q31, 3p14, 4q31, 5q31, 6q21, 6q26, 7q22, 7q32, 10q22, 13q32, Xp22 and Xq22), 6 rare FS (rFS) (6p21, 8q22, 11q23, 12q24, 16q22, and Xq26) and 2 previously unknown FS (3p25 and 5q22). Among these expressed FS, there was a significantly higher frequency of 12 FS at 2q31, 3p25, 3p14, 5q31, 6q21, 7q22, 7q32, 10q22, 11q23, 12q24, Xq22 and Xq26 in patient group than in controls by chi2 test (P = between 0.0001 to 0.036). Sites 3p14, 5q31 and 7q22 were also the most frequently observed cFS. Males exhibited twice as many FS as females, but no age effects were observed. The potential relationship between increased FS frequency and the occurrence of schizophrenia in these patients is discussed.     

Where to look for the genes related to diaphragmatic hernia?

Analysis of approximately 150 published observations of diaphragmatic hernia (DH) in persons with structural autosomal imbalance showed several segments where DH-related genes may be found. Occurrence of DH in several patients with deletions 15q26, 8p23, 8q22, 4p16, 1q42, and 3q22 allows to propose that these segments harbor the genes which, when deleted (or truncated) may be responsible for DH. Segments 22q11, 4q28.3q32, 1q25q31.2 and 2p23p25 are good candidates for the location of genes which cause DH in trisomic condition. The genetic mechanisms of DH in tetrasomy 12p are not clear, although more than 50 cases of DH have been reported in this syndrome. Frequent coexistence of congenital heart defects and DH in some syndromes (and rarity of this association in some others) may suggest the different pathways of the DH's origin.     

16种罕见的人类染色体异常核型报告

通过对患有闭经、自发流产、死胎、死产等患者外周血淋巴细胞染色体检查,发现16种新的罕见人类染色体异常核型,它们是46,XY,t(6;11)(q25;p15);46,XY,inv(3)(p25;q29);46,XY,t(7;18)(q10;p10);46,X,t(X;13)(q24;q14);46,XY,t(4;7)(q33;q22);46,XY,t(8;15)(q24;q15);46,XY,t(2;17)(q33;q25);46,XX,t(4;7)(q34;q11);46,XX,t(1;3)(p36;p23);46,XX,t(4;6)(q35;p11);46,X,inv(X)(q22;q28);46,XX,t(7;10)(p11;q26);46,XX,t(3;6)(p21;q23);46,XX,t(8;16)(p21;p13);46,XX,t(8;9)(q21;q34);46,XY,t(17;22)(q21;q11)。描述了患者的临床表现,并对生殖异常患者染色体畸变与其表型效应关系进行探讨。Abstract：By examining the lymphocytic chromosomes of peripheral blood from patients with amenorrhea,spontaneous abortion and stillbirth history, .the 16 rare species of human chromosomal abnormal karyotypes were discovered. They wre 46,XY,t(6;11)(q25;p15);46,XY,inv(3)(p25;q29);46,XY,t(7;18)(q10;p10);46,X,t(X;13)(q24;q14);46,XY,t(4;7)(q33;q22);46,XY,t(8;15)(q24;q15);46,XY,t(2;17)(q33;q25);46,XX,t(4;7)(q34;q11);46,XX,t(1;3)(p36;p23);46,XX,t(4;6)(q35;p11);46,X,inv(X)(q22;q28);46,XX,t(7;10)(p11;q26);46,XX,t(3;6)(p21;q23);46,XX,t(8;16)(p21;p13);46,XX,t(8;9)(q21;q34);46,XY,t(17;22)(q21;q11). Their clinical situation were described. Discussion on the relationship between the chromosomal aberrations and phenotype effect indicates the importance of chromosome karyotyping in patients with abnormal reproductive history.     

The fetal phenotype in 15q2 duplication

In this report we summarize the findings in a prenatally diagnosed male fetus with 15q2 trisomy. The craniofacial findings were identical to those in liveborn patients with this type of partial autosomal trisomy. A short review of the 15q2 trisomy syndrome is presented.     

Recurrent proximal 18p monosomy and 18q trisomy in a family with a maternal pericentric inversion of chromosome 18

We report a recurrent partial monosomy of 18p10-->11.2 and proximal partial trisomy of 18q10-->21.3 caused by a maternal pericentric inversion of chromosome 18, involving breakpoints p11.2 and q21q21.3 Based on cytogenetics and FISH analysis, we speculate that the recurrent chromosome abnormality in the proband and in the fetus was the result of a translocation, possibly in a germ cell or germ cell precursor, between the maternal normal 18 and her inverted 18, resulting in maternal germinal mosaicism, i.e. 46,XX,inv(18)/46,XX,t[18;inv(18)][q10;q10]. The unbalanced karyotype of the proband and the fetus is 46,XY,+18,der[18;inv(18)][q10;q10]. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of this combination of proximal 18p monosomy and proximal 18q trisomy. The other interesting observation was association of Hirschsprung's disease in the proband.     

Partial trisomy 13q22----qter. A new case

A newborn male patient with a partial trisomy 13q22----qter, derived from a maternal translocation (13;15)(q22;p11) is reported. This non-frequent chromosomal anomaly leads to a characteristic phenotype easily recognizable from other craniosynostosis syndromes, in which the cranial malformation is often associated with auricular and limb defects. This phenotype includes: cranial malformation, characteristic facies, mental and developmental retardation, urologic and genital anomalies, polydactily, abnormal muscular tonicity and convulsive status. Our patient, a "pure" partial trisomy, without other associated chromosomal anomaly, is compared with the published cases.     

The fetal phenotype of partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 4 (4q22----4qter).

A slightly malformed female fetus with partial trisomy 4q due to a maternal balanced translocation t(1;4)(q44;q22) is reported. This fetus presented some of the typical facial features and internal malformations associated with pure partial trisomy 4q indicating that chromosomal diagnosis is needed to confirm the reality of the malformative syndrome.     

Partial duplication of 17 long arm

Three subjects from 2 unrelated families with partial duplication of 17q, derived from a reciprocal parental translocation between chromosomes 11 and 17 with different breakpoints, are described. A female patient from one family with a 46,XX,-11,+der(11),t(11;17)(q24;q23.2)pat chromosome complement had died at 2 months of age. In the second family, a male propositus and a subsequent fetus, identified by cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis, showed a 46,XY,-11,+der(11),t(11;17)(q2505,q24.3) mat chromosome complement. Twelve other cases involving partial duplication of chromosome 17 have been reported, 11 of these derived from a balanced translocation, and 1 was a duplication. All these cases showed psychomotor and mental retardation, cranial contour anomalies, micrognathia, bulbous nose, short neck, skeletal anomalies, and CNS defects. The phenotypic and clinical observations in the three subjects of this report are compared with previously reported findings.     

Combined trisomy 9P and Shprintzen syndrome resulting from a paternal t(9;22)

The authors report on a female infant with partial trisomy 9 (pter-->q12) together with partial monosomy 22 (pter-->q11.23) that included DiGeorge critical region (DGCR), as a result of adjacent-2 disjunction. In addition to the clinical features characteristic of trisomy 9p syndrome, the patient had Truncus arteriosus type A2, bilateral hydronephrosis, palatal anomaly, retrognathia, and laryngeal hypotonia, which are likely to be attributed to 22q11.2 deletion. This patient appears to be the first reported case with such unbalanced translocation resulting from a paternal reciprocal translocation. For live birth, the risk for male carrier is 8.7-17.4%. It is important to consider this higher risk when counseling. Precise study concerning the presence of the DGCR can facilitate in the better understanding of the condition.     

Mosaic and non-mosaic trisomy 15q2

Two unrelated patients are presented. In the first mosaicism with normal cells and cells trisomic for the distal long arm (q2) of chromosome 15 was found. The 15q2 trisomy was due to a chromosome 14, to the long arm of which an extra 15q2 region was attached (14pter----14q32::15q22----15qter). In the second trisomy 15q2 was present as a consequence of a balanced t(7;15)(p22;q15) translocation in the mother.     

The first genomewide interaction and locus-heterogeneity linkage scan in bipolar affective disorder: strong evidence of epistatic effects between loci on chromosomes 2q and 6q

We present the first genomewide interaction and locus-heterogeneity linkage scan in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), using a large linkage data set (52 families of European descent; 448 participants and 259 affected individuals). Our results provide the strongest interaction evidence between BPAD genes on chromosomes 2q22-q24 and 6q23-q24, which was observed symmetrically in both directions (nonparametric LOD [NPL] scores of 7.55 on 2q and 7.63 on 6q; P<.0001 and P=.0001, respectively, after a genomewide permutation procedure). The second-best BPAD interaction evidence was observed between chromosomes 2q22-q24 and 15q26. Here, we also observed a symmetrical interaction (NPL scores of 6.26 on 2q and 4.59 on 15q; P=.0057 and .0022, respectively). We covered the implicated regions by genotyping additional marker sets and performed a detailed interaction linkage analysis, which narrowed the susceptibility intervals. Although the heterogeneity analysis produced less impressive results (highest NPL score of 3.32) and a less consistent picture, we achieved evidence of locus heterogeneity at chromosomes 2q, 6p, 11p, 13q, and 22q, which was supported by adjacent markers within each region and by previously reported BPAD linkage findings. Our results provide systematic insights in the framework of BPAD epistasis and locus heterogeneity, which should facilitate gene identification by the use of more-comprehensive cloning strategies.     

Reduction in diabetes-induced craniofacial defects by maternal immune stimulation

BACKGROUND: Maternal diabetes can induce a number of developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals and humans, including facial deformities and defects in neural tube closure. The incidence of birth defects in newborns of diabetic women is approximately 3-5 times higher than among non-diabetics. In mice, non-specific activation of the maternal immune system can reduce fetal abnormalities caused by diverse etiologies, including diabetes induced neural tube defects. This study was conducted to determine whether non-specific maternal immune stimulation could reduce diabetes-induced craniofacial defects as well. METHODS: Maternal immune function was stimulated before streptozocin (STZ) treatment by maternal footpad injection with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), maternal intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or maternal i.p. injection with interferon-gamma (IFNgamma). Streptozocin (200 mg/kg i.p.) was used to induce hyperglycemia (26-35 mmol blood glucose) in female ICR mice before breeding. Fetuses from 12-18 litters per treatment group, were collected at Day 17 of gestation. RESULTS: Craniofacial defects were observed in fetuses from all hyperglycemic groups. The incidence of defects was significantly decreased in fetuses from dams immune stimulated with IFNgamma or GM-CSF. The most common defects were reduced maxillary and mandibular lengths. Both were prevented by maternal stimulation with GM-CSF. CONCLUSION: Maternal immune stimulation reduced the incidence of diabetic craniofacial embryopathy. The mechanisms for these protective effects are unknown but may involve maternal or fetal production of cytokines or growth factors that protect the fetus from the dysregulatory effects of hyperglycemia.