Sample records for x-linked inheritance pattern

  1. Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 4-Inheritance Patterns.

    PubMed

    Aiello, Lisa B; Chiatti, Beth Desaretz

    2017-07-01

    Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, much has been uncovered about inheritance of various illnesses and disorders. There are two main types of inheritance: Mendelian and non-Mendelian. Mendelian inheritance includes autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and Y-linked inheritance. Non-Mendelian inheritance includes mitochondrial and multifactorial inheritance. Nurses must understand the types of inheritance in order to identify red flags that may indicate the possibility of a hereditary disorder in a patient or family.

  2. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: an X chromosome-linked dominant inheritance pattern with a vasopressin type 2 receptor gene that is structurally normal.

    PubMed Central

    Friedman, E; Bale, A E; Carson, E; Boson, W L; Nordenskjöld, M; Ritzén, M; Ferreira, P C; Jammal, A; De Marco, L

    1994-01-01

    Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare hereditary disorder, most commonly transmitted in an X chromosome-linked recessive manner and characterized by the lack of renal response to the action of antidiuretic hormone [Arg8]vasopressin. The vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) has been suggested to be the gene that causes the disease, and its role in disease pathogenesis is supported by mutations within this gene in affected individuals. Using the PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and direct DNA sequencing, we examined the V2R gene in four unrelated kindreds. In addition, linkage analysis with chromosome Xq28 markers was done in one large Brazilian kindred with an apparent unusual X chromosome-linked dominant inheritance pattern. In one family, a mutation in codon 280, causing a Tyr-->Cys substitution in the sixth transmembrane domain of the receptor, was found. In the other three additional families with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the V2R-coding region was normal in sequence. In one large Brazilian kindred displaying an unusual X chromosome-linked dominant mode of inheritance, the disease-related gene was localized to the same region of the X chromosome as the V2R, but no mutations were found, thus raising the possibility that this disease is caused by a gene other than V2R. Images PMID:8078903

  3. Malformations among 289,365 Births Attributed to Mutations with Autosomal Dominant and Recessive and X-Linked Inheritance.

    PubMed

    Toufaily, M Hassan; Westgate, Marie-Noel; Nasri, Hanah; Holmes, Lewis B

    2018-01-01

    The number of malformations attributed to mutations with autosomal or X-linked patterns of inheritance has increased steadily since the cataloging began in the 1960s. These diagnoses have been based primarily on the pattern of phenotypic features among close relatives. A malformations surveillance program conducted in consecutive pregnancies can identify both known and "new" hereditary disorders. The Active Malformations Surveillance Program was carried out among 289,365 births over 41 years (1972-2012) at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The findings recorded by examining pediatricians and all consultants were reviewed by study clinicians to establish the most likely diagnoses. The findings in laboratory testing in the newborn period were reviewed, as well. One hundred ninety-six (0.06%) infants among 289,365 births had a malformation or malformation syndrome that was attributed to Mendelian inheritance. A total of 133 (68%) of the hereditary malformations were attributed to autosomal dominant inheritance, with 94 (71%) attributed to apparent spontaneous mutations. Forty-six (23%) were attributed to mutations with autosomal recessive inheritance, 17 associated with consanguinity. Seventeen (9%) were attributed to X-linked inheritance. Fifteen novel familial phenotypes were identified. The family histories showed that most (53 to 71%) of the affected infants were born, as a surprise, to healthy, unaffected parents. It is important for clinicians to discuss with surprised healthy parents how they can have an infant with an hereditary condition. Future studies, using DNA samples from consecutive populations of infants with malformations and whole genome sequencing, will identify many more mutations in loci associated with mendelizing phenotypes. Birth Defects Research 110:92-97, 2018.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Unequal rates of Y chromosome gene divergence during speciation of the family Ursidae.

    PubMed

    Nakagome, Shigeki; Pecon-Slattery, Jill; Masuda, Ryuichi

    2008-07-01

    Evolution of the bear family Ursidae is well investigated in terms of morphological, paleontological, and genetic features. However, several phylogenetic ambiguities occur within the subfamily Ursinae (the family Ursidae excluding the giant panda and spectacled bear), which may correlate with behavioral traits of female philopatry and male-biased dispersal which form the basis of the observed matriarchal population structure in these species. In the process of bear evolution, we investigate the premise that such behavioral traits may be reflected in patterns of variation among genes with different modes of inheritance: matrilineal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), patrilineal Y chromosome, biparentally inherited autosomes, and the X chromosome. In the present study, we sequenced 3 Y-linked genes (3,453 bp) and 4 X-linked genes (4,960 bp) and reanalyzed previously published sequences from autosome genes (2,347 bp) in ursid species to investigate differences in evolutionary rates associated with patterns of inheritance. The results describe topological incongruence between sex-linked genes and autosome genes and between nuclear DNA and mtDNA. In more ancestral branches within the bear phylogeny, Y-linked genes evolved faster than autosome and X-linked genes, consistent with expectations based on male-driven evolution. However, this pattern changes among branches leading to each species within the lineage of Ursinae whereby the evolutionary rates of Y-linked genes have fewer than expected substitutions. This inconsistency between more recent nodes of the bear phylogeny with more ancestral nodes may reflect the influences of sex-biased dispersal as well as molecular evolutionary characteristics of the Y chromosome, and stochastic events in species natural history, and phylogeography unique to ursine bears.

  5. Simultaneous Occurence of an Autosomal Dominant Inherited MSX1 Mutation and an X-linked Recessive Inherited EDA Mutation in One Chinese Family with Non-syndromic Oligodontia.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao Xia; Wong, Sing Wai; Han, Dong; Feng, Hai Lan

    2015-01-01

    To describe the simultaneous occurence of an autosomal dominant inherited MSX1 mutation and an X-linked recessive inherited EDA mutation in one Chinese family with nonsyndromic oligodontia. Clinical data of characteristics of tooth agenesis were collected. MSX1 and EDA gene mutations were detected in a Chinese family of non-syndromic oligodontia. Mild hypodontia in the parents and severe oligodontia in the son was recorded. A novel missense heterozygous mutation c.517C>A (p.Arg173Ser) was detected in the MSX1 gene in the boy and the father. A homozygous missense mutation c.1001G>A (p.Arg334His) was detected in the EDA gene in the boy and the same mutant occurred heterozygously in the mother. Simultaneous occurence of two different gene mutations with different inheritence patterns, which both caused oligodontia, which occurred in one subject and in one family, was reported.

  6. An Ethyl-Nitrosourea-Induced Point Mutation in Phex Causes Exon Skipping, X-Linked Hypophosphatemia, and Rickets

    PubMed Central

    Carpinelli, Marina R.; Wicks, Ian P.; Sims, Natalie A.; O’Donnell, Kristy; Hanzinikolas, Katherine; Burt, Rachel; Foote, Simon J.; Bahlo, Melanie; Alexander, Warren S.; Hilton, Douglas J.

    2002-01-01

    We describe the clinical, genetic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of a mouse that arose in the first generation (G1) of a random mutagenesis screen with the chemical mutagen ethyl-nitrosourea. The mouse was observed to have skeletal abnormalities inherited with an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. The causative mutation, named Skeletal abnormality 1 (Ska1), was shown to be a single base pair mutation in a splice donor site immediately following exon 8 of the Phex (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases located on the X-chromosome) gene. This point mutation caused skipping of exon 8 from Phex mRNA, hypophosphatemia, and features of rickets. This experimentally induced phenotype mirrors the human condition X-linked hypophosphatemia; directly confirms the role of Phex in phosphate homeostasis, normal skeletal development, and rickets; and illustrates the power of mutagenesis in exploring animal models of human disease. PMID:12414538

  7. An ethyl-nitrosourea-induced point mutation in phex causes exon skipping, x-linked hypophosphatemia, and rickets.

    PubMed

    Carpinelli, Marina R; Wicks, Ian P; Sims, Natalie A; O'Donnell, Kristy; Hanzinikolas, Katherine; Burt, Rachel; Foote, Simon J; Bahlo, Melanie; Alexander, Warren S; Hilton, Douglas J

    2002-11-01

    We describe the clinical, genetic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of a mouse that arose in the first generation (G(1)) of a random mutagenesis screen with the chemical mutagen ethyl-nitrosourea. The mouse was observed to have skeletal abnormalities inherited with an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. The causative mutation, named Skeletal abnormality 1 (Ska1), was shown to be a single base pair mutation in a splice donor site immediately following exon 8 of the Phex (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases located on the X-chromosome) gene. This point mutation caused skipping of exon 8 from Phex mRNA, hypophosphatemia, and features of rickets. This experimentally induced phenotype mirrors the human condition X-linked hypophosphatemia; directly confirms the role of Phex in phosphate homeostasis, normal skeletal development, and rickets; and illustrates the power of mutagenesis in exploring animal models of human disease.

  8. JS-X syndrome: A multiple congenital malformation with vocal cord paralysis, ear deformity, hearing loss, shoulder musculature underdevelopment, and X-linked recessive inheritance.

    PubMed

    Hoeve, Hans L J; Brooks, Alice S; Smit, Liesbeth S

    2015-07-01

    We report on a family with a not earlier described multiple congenital malformation. Several male family members suffer from laryngeal obstruction caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis, outer and middle ear deformity with conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, facial dysmorphisms, and underdeveloped shoulder musculature. The affected female members only have middle ear deformity and hearing loss. The pedigree is suggestive of an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. SNP-array revealed a deletion and duplication on Xq28 in the affected family members. A possible aetiology is a neurocristopathy with most symptoms expressed in structures derived from branchial arches. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. [No X-chromosome linked juvenile foveal retinoschisis].

    PubMed

    Pérez Alvarez, M J; Clement Fernández, F

    2002-08-01

    To describe the clinical characteristics of two cases of juvenile foveal retinoschisis in women with an atypical hereditary pattern, no X-chromosome linked. An autosomal recessive inheritance is proposed. Two generations of a family (5 members) in which only two sisters were evaluated. The complete examination of these two cases includes retinography, fluorescein angiography, automated perimetry, color vision testing, electroretinogram, electrooculogram and visually evoked potentials. Comparing our cases with the classic form of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, they are less severely affected. The best visual acuity and the less disturbed or even normal electroretinogram confirm this fact. We emphasise the existence of isolated plaques of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy with perivascular pigment clumps without foveal schisis in one patient, which could represent an evolved form of this entity. The hereditary foveal juvenile retinoschisis in women suggests an autosomal inheritance (autosomal recessive in our cases) and presents less severe involvement (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2002; 77: 443-448).

  10. X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa in an American family

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    McGuire, R.E.; Daiger, S.P.; Blanton, S.H.

    1994-09-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetically heterogeneous disease with autosomal dominant (adRP), autosomal recessive and X-linked forms. At least 3 forms of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa have been reported: RP2 which maps to Xp11.4-p 11.23, RP3 which maps to Xp21.1 and RP6, which maps to Xp21.3-p21.1. The X-linked forms of retinitis pigmentosa are generally considered to be recessive as female carriers are not affected or are much less affected than males. Here we report a five generation American family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in which both males and females are significantly affected. The disease locus in this family appears to be distinctmore » from RP2 and RP3. The American family (UTAD054) presents with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa. The family appeared to fit an autosomal dominant pattern; however, linkage testing excluded all known adRP loci. Absence of male-to-male transmission in the pedigree suggested the possibility of X-linked dominant inheritance. Thus we tested six microsatellite markers that map to Xp (DXS987, DXS989, DXS993, DXS999, DXS1003 and DXS1110). Of these, DXS989 showed tight linkage with one allele (199) showing a 100% concordance with disease status. The odds favoring an X-linked dominant mode of inheritance in this family, versus autosomal dominant, are 10{sup 5}:1. In addition, recombinations for DXS999, and dXS1110, the two markers flanking DXS989, were observed in affected individuals. These data map the disease locus in this family to a 9 mb region on the X chromosome between Xp22.11 and Xp21.41. In addition, the recombinant individuals exclude close linkage to RP2 and RP3. The observance of high penetrance in females indicates that this family has X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We suggest that this mode of inheritance should be considered in other families with dominant retinitis pigmentosa but an absence of male-to-male transmission.« less

  11. Alport syndrome: impact of digenic inheritance in patients management.

    PubMed

    Fallerini, C; Baldassarri, M; Trevisson, E; Morbidoni, V; La Manna, A; Lazzarin, R; Pasini, A; Barbano, G; Pinciaroli, A R; Garosi, G; Frullanti, E; Pinto, A M; Mencarelli, M A; Mari, F; Renieri, A; Ariani, F

    2017-07-01

    Alport syndrome (ATS) is a genetically heterogeneous nephropathy with considerable phenotypic variability and different transmission patterns, including monogenic (X-linked/autosomal) and digenic inheritance (DI). Here we present a new series of families with DI and we discuss the consequences for genetic counseling and risk assessment. Out of five families harboring variants in more than one COL4 gene detected by next generation sequencing (NGS), minigene-splicing assay allowed us to identify four as true digenic. Two families showed COL4A3/A4 mutations in cis, mimicking an autosomal dominant inheritance with a more severe phenotype and one showed COL4A3/A4 mutations in trans, mimicking an autosomal recessive inheritance with a less severe phenotype. In a fourth family, a de novo mutation (COL4A5) combined with an inherited mutation (COL4A3) triggered a more severe phenotype. A fifth family, predicted digenic on the basis of silico tools, rather showed monogenic X-linked inheritance due to a hypomorphic mutation, in accordance with a milder phenotype. In conclusion, this study highlights the impact of DI in ATS and explains the associated atypical presentations. More complex inheritance should be therefore considered when reviewing prognosis and recurrence risks. On the other side, these findings emphasize the importance to accompany NGS with splicing assays in order to avoid erroneous identification of at risk members. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Genetics Home Reference: X-linked sideroblastic anemia

    MedlinePlus

    ... Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked sideroblastic anemia X-linked sideroblastic anemia Printable PDF Open All Close ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked sideroblastic anemia is an inherited disorder that ...

  13. X-inactivation patterns in female Leber`s hereditary optic neuropathy patients do not support a strong X-linked determinant

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pegoraro, E.; Hoffman, E.P.; Carelli, V.

    1996-02-02

    Leber`s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) accounts for about 3% of the cases of blindness in young adult males. The underlying mitochondrial pathogenesis of LHON has been well studied, with specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations of structural genes described and well characterized. However, enigmatic aspects of the disease are not explained by mutation data, such as the higher proportion of affected males, the later onset of the disease in females, and the presence of unaffected individuals with a high proportion of mutant mtDNA. A hypothesis which has been put forward to explain the unusual disease expression is a dual model ofmore » mtDNA and X-linked nuclear gene inheritance. If a nuclear X-linked modifier gene influences the expression of the mitochondrial-linked mutant gene then the affected females should be either homozygous for the nuclear determinant, or if heterozygous, lyonization should favor the mutant X. In order to determine if an X-linked gene predisposes to LHON phenotype we studied X-inactivation patterns in 35 females with known mtDNA mutations from 10 LHON pedigrees. Our results do not support a strong X-linked determinant in LHON cause: 2 of the 10 (20%) manifesting carriers showed skewing of X-inactivation, as did 3 of the 25 (12%) nonmanifesting carriers. 39 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  14. Genetics Home Reference: X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... Facebook Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked SCID X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited ...

  15. Genetics Home Reference: alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome Alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome Printable PDF Open All ... view the expand/collapse boxes. Description Alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome is an inherited disorder ...

  16. Detection of new paternal dystrophin gene mutations in isolated cases of dystrophinopathy in females

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pegoraro, E.; Wessel, H.B.; Schwartz, L.

    1994-06-01

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common lethal monogenic disorders and is caused by dystrophin deficiency. The disease is transmitted as an X-linked recessive trait; however, recent biochemical and clinical studies have shown that many girls and women with a primary myopathy have an underlying dystrophinopathy, despite a negative family history for Duchenne dystrophy. These isolated female dystrophinopathy patients carried ambiguous diagnoses with presumed autosomal recessive inheritance (limb-girdle muscular dystrophy) prior to biochemical detection of dystrophin abnormalities in their muscle biopsy. It has been assumed that these female dystrophinopathy patients are heterozygous carries who show preferential inactivation ofmore » the X chromosome harboring the normal dystrophin gene, although this has been shown for only a few X:autosome translocations and for two cases of discordant monozygotic twin female carriers. Here the authors study X-inactivation patterns of 13 female dystrophinopathy patients - 10 isolated cases and 3 cases with a positive family history for Duchenne dystrophy in males. They show that all cases have skewed X-inactivation patterns in peripheral blood DNA. Of the nine isolated cases informative in the assay, eight showed inheritance of the dystrophin gene mutation from the paternal germ line. Only a single case showed maternal inheritance. The 10-fold higher incidence of paternal transmission of dystrophin gene mutations in these cases is at 30-fold variance with Bayesian predictions and gene mutation rates. Thus, the results suggest some mechanistic interaction between new dystrophin gene mutations, paternal inheritance, and skewed X inactivation. The results provide both empirical risk data and a molecular diagnostic test method, which permit genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of this new category of patients. 58 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  17. Placental sulfatase deficiency: maternal and fetal expression of steroid sulfatase deficiency and X-linked ichthyosis.

    PubMed

    Bradshaw, K D; Carr, B R

    1986-07-01

    PSD-X-linked ichthyosis are manifestations of a similar disorder of an inborn error of metabolism characterized by a deficiency of steroid sulfatase. The decreased enzyme activity is due to the absence of the expression of enzyme (steroid sulfatase) protein. Affected individuals with this disorder are males (X-linked inheritance) with a frequency of 1/2000 to 1/6000 births. Homozygous females from cosanguineous marriages have been reported with this disorder. The diagnosis is suspected and confirmed by: Low estriol excretion; Negative DHEAS loading test Increased DHEAS in amnionic fluid; Normal DHEAS in cord plasma; Possible delayed or abnormal labor patterns; Decreased sulfatase activity in the placenta, fibroblast, erythrocytes, lymphocytes or leukocytes of affected individuals; Development of ichthyosis in male infants at 2 to 3 months of age.

  18. Non-syndromic posterior lenticonus a cause of childhood cataract: evidence for X-linked inheritance.

    PubMed

    Russell-Eggitt, I M

    2000-12-01

    When an X-linked pedigree of posterior lenticonus with cataract was identified further evidence for X-linked inheritance of this condition was sought. Forty-three cases of posterior lenticonus were identified from a database of 354 children with cataract. Two children with the X-linked syndromes of Lowe and Nance-Horan and 3 children with Fanconi syndrome have been excluded from further analysis. None of the children was deaf. None of the non-syndromic cases had microcornea. There were 38 cases of non-syndromic posterior lenticonus (approximately 11%). There were 15 children from 13 pedigrees and 23 apparently sporadic cases. Of the 106 cases on the database with unilateral cataract 15 had posterior lenticonus (approximately 14%). Eleven of 13 pedigrees were compatible with X-linked inheritance or autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expression. However, in 2 pedigrees there was father to son transmission. Posterior lenticonus is a common cause of unilateral infantile cataract, but is thought to be a rare cause of bilateral cataracts. This study suggests that posterior lenticonus is responsible for a significant proportion of childhood cataracts (approximately 14% of unilateral and approximately 9% of bilateral cases). Posterior lenticonus is generally thought to occur as a sporadic condition. This study demonstrates that there is a family history of early-onset cataract in a significant number of bilateral cases (approximately 58%).

  19. Paternal inheritance of classic X-linked bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia.

    PubMed

    Kasper, Burkhard S; Kurzbuch, Katrin; Chang, Bernard S; Pauli, Elisabeth; Hamer, Hajo M; Winkler, Jürgen; Hehr, Ute

    2013-06-01

    Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is a developmental disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by heterotopic nodules of gray matter resulting from disturbed neuronal migration. The most common form of bilateral PNH is X-linked dominant inherited, caused by mutations in the Filamin A gene (FLNA) and associated with a wide variety of other clinical findings including congenital heart disease. The typical patient with FLNA-associated PNH is female and presents with difficult to treat seizures. In contrast, hemizygous FLNA loss of function mutations in males are reported to be perinatally lethal. In X-linked dominant traits like FLNA-associated PNH the causal mutation is commonly inherited from the mother. Here, we present an exceptional family with paternal transmission of classic bilateral FLNA-associated PNH from a mildly affected father with somatic and germline mosaicism for a c.5686G>A FLNA splice mutation to both daughters with strikingly variable clinical manifestation and PNH extent in cerebral MR imaging. Our observations emphasize the importance to consider in genetic counseling and risk assessment the rare genetic constellation of paternal transmission for families with X-linked dominant inherited FLNA-associated PNH. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Genetics Home Reference: Menkes syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... males are affected by X-linked recessive disorders much more frequently than females. A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. In about one-third of cases, Menkes syndrome is caused by new ...

  1. Clinical and genetic features in autosomal recessive and X-linked Alport syndrome.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanyan; Sivakumar, Vanessa; Mohammad, Mardhiah; Colville, Deb; Storey, Helen; Flinter, Frances; Dagher, Hayat; Savige, Judy

    2014-03-01

    This study determined the family history and clinical features that suggested autosomal recessive rather than X-linked Alport syndrome. All patients had the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and the mode of inheritance confirmed by genetic testing, and underwent examination at a single centre. Patients comprised 9 males and 6 females with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome, and 18 males and 22 females with X-linked disease. Fourteen (93 %) individuals with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome developed early end-stage renal failure, all 15 had hearing loss, and most had lenticonus (12, 80 %), and a central (13, 87 %) or peripheral (13, 87 %) retinopathy. These features occurred as often as in males with X-linked disease. Females with autosomal recessive inheritance were less likely to have an affected family member in another generation (p = 0.01) than females with X-linked disease. They were more likely to have renal failure (p = 0.003), hearing loss (p = 0.02) and lenticonus (p < 0.001). Fifty percent had a central retinopathy compared with 18 % with X-linked disease (p = 0.14), but peripheral retinopathy prevalence was not different (p = 0.64). Nonsense mutations accounted for 67 % (8/12) of these disease-causing mutations. Autosomal recessive inheritance is increased in females with Alport syndrome and early onset renal failure, hearing loss, lenticonus, and, possibly, central retinopathy.

  2. Alport Syndrome in Women and Girls.

    PubMed

    Savige, Judy; Colville, Deb; Rheault, Michelle; Gear, Susie; Lennon, Rachel; Lagas, Sharon; Finlay, Moira; Flinter, Frances

    2016-09-07

    Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by progressive renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Inheritance is X-linked (85%) or autosomal recessive (15%). Many renal physicians think of Alport syndrome as primarily affecting men. However, twice as many women are affected by the X-linked diseases. Affected women are commonly undiagnosed, but 15%-30% develop renal failure by 60 years and often hearing loss by middle age. Half of their sons and daughters are also affected. Autosomal recessive Alport syndrome is less common, but is often mistaken for X-linked disease. Recessive inheritance is suspected where women develop early-onset renal failure or lenticonus. Their family may be consanguineous. The prognosis for other family members is very different from X-linked disease. Other generations, including parents and offspring, are not affected, and on average only one in four of their siblings inherit the disease. All women with Alport syndrome should have their diagnosis confirmed with genetic testing, even if their renal function is normal, because of their own risk of renal failure and the risk to their offspring. Their mutations indicate the mode of inheritance and the likelihood of disease transmission to their children, and the mutation type suggests the renal prognosis for both X-linked and recessive disease. Women with X-linked Alport syndrome should be tested at least annually for albuminuria and hypertension. The "Expert guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Alport syndrome" recommend treating those with albuminuria with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade (and adequate birth control because of the teratogenic risks of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors), believing that this will delay renal failure. Current recommendations are that women with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome should be treated with RAAS blockade from the time of diagnosis. In addition, women should be offered genetic counseling, informed of their reproductive options, and monitored closely during pregnancy for the development of hypertension. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  3. Alport Syndrome in Women and Girls

    PubMed Central

    Colville, Deb; Rheault, Michelle; Gear, Susie; Lennon, Rachel; Lagas, Sharon; Finlay, Moira; Flinter, Frances

    2016-01-01

    Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by progressive renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Inheritance is X-linked (85%) or autosomal recessive (15%). Many renal physicians think of Alport syndrome as primarily affecting men. However, twice as many women are affected by the X-linked diseases. Affected women are commonly undiagnosed, but 15%–30% develop renal failure by 60 years and often hearing loss by middle age. Half of their sons and daughters are also affected. Autosomal recessive Alport syndrome is less common, but is often mistaken for X-linked disease. Recessive inheritance is suspected where women develop early-onset renal failure or lenticonus. Their family may be consanguineous. The prognosis for other family members is very different from X-linked disease. Other generations, including parents and offspring, are not affected, and on average only one in four of their siblings inherit the disease. All women with Alport syndrome should have their diagnosis confirmed with genetic testing, even if their renal function is normal, because of their own risk of renal failure and the risk to their offspring. Their mutations indicate the mode of inheritance and the likelihood of disease transmission to their children, and the mutation type suggests the renal prognosis for both X-linked and recessive disease. Women with X-linked Alport syndrome should be tested at least annually for albuminuria and hypertension. The “Expert guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Alport syndrome” recommend treating those with albuminuria with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade (and adequate birth control because of the teratogenic risks of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors), believing that this will delay renal failure. Current recommendations are that women with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome should be treated with RAAS blockade from the time of diagnosis. In addition, women should be offered genetic counseling, informed of their reproductive options, and monitored closely during pregnancy for the development of hypertension. PMID:27287265

  4. Localization of a gene for autosomal dominant amelogenesis imperfecta (ADAI) to chromosome 4q

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Forsman, K.; Lind. L.; Westermark, E.

    1994-09-01

    Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), a disorder affecting the formation of enamel, is significantly more common in Northern Sweden than in other parts of the world. The disease is genetically and clinically heterogenous, and autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance patterns have been recognized. Linkage analysis has identified two different loci for X-linked AI, one of which is identical to the gene encoding the enamel protein amelogenin. However, in families with an autosomal inheritance pattern for AI, the genetic basis of the disease still remains unknown. We report a linkage analysis study performed on three Swedish families where the affected membersmore » had an autosomal dominant variant of AI (ADAI) clinically characterized as local hypoplastic. Significant linkage to microsatellite markers on chromosome 4q were obtained, with a maximum lod score of 5.55 for the marker D4S428. Recombinations in the family localized the ADAI locus to the interval between D4S392 and D4S395. This chromosome region contains both a locus for the dental disorder dentinogenesis imperfecta and the albumin gene. Serum albumin has been suggested to play a role in enamel formation, and the albumin gene is therefore a candidate gene for this genetic disease.« less

  5. Sex-linked dominant

    MedlinePlus

    Inheritance - sex-linked dominant; Genetics - sex-linked dominant; X-linked dominant; Y-linked dominant ... can be either an autosomal chromosome or a sex chromosome. It also depends on whether the trait ...

  6. A previously unreported, dominantly inherited syndrome of shortness of stature, ear malformations, and hip dislocation: the coxoauricular syndrome--autosomal or X-linked male-lethal.

    PubMed

    Duca, D; Pană, I; Ciovirnache, M; Simionesu, L; Ispas, I; Maxililian, C

    1981-01-01

    We reported an apparently previously undescribed syndrome, designated the coxoauricular syndrome, in a mother and her 3 daughters, all of whom shared in variable manner shortness of stature, minor vertebral and pelvic changes, dislocated hip(s), and microtia with corresponding hearing loss. The oldest daughter had coincidental Ullrich-Turner syndrome with 46, Xdel(X)(q 13) chromosome constitution. Inheritance of the trait in this family is dominant, either autosomal or X-linked, with hemizygote lethality.

  7. A family with X-linked optic atrophy linked to the OPA2 locus Xp11.4-Xp11.2.

    PubMed

    Katz, Bradley J; Zhao, Yu; Warner, Judith E A; Tong, Zongzhong; Yang, Zhenglin; Zhang, Kang

    2006-10-15

    Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most common inherited optic atrophy. Clinical features of ADOA include a slowly progressive bilateral loss of visual acuity, constriction of peripheral visual fields, central scotomas, and color vision abnormalities. Although ADOA is the most commonly inherited optic atrophy, autosomal recessive, X-linked, mitochondrial, and sporadic forms have also been reported. Four families with X-linked optic atrophy (XLOA) were previously described. One family was subsequently linked to Xp11.4-Xp11.2 (OPA2). This investigation studied one multi-generation family with an apparently X-linked form of optic atrophy and compared their clinical characteristics with those of the previously described families, and determined whether this family was linked to the same genetic locus. Fifteen individuals in a three-generation Idaho family underwent complete eye examination, color vision testing, automated perimetry, and fundus photography. Polymorphic markers were used to genotype each individual and to determine linkage. Visual acuities ranged from 20/30 to 20/100. All affected subjects had significant optic nerve pallor. Obligate female carriers were clinically unaffected. Preliminary linkage analysis (LOD score = 1.8) revealed that the disease gene localized to the OPA2 locus on Xp11.4-Xp11.2. Four forms of inherited optic neuropathy, ADOA, autosomal recessive optic atrophy (Costeff Syndrome), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease with optic atrophy, are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Future identification of the XLOA gene will reveal whether this form of optic atrophy is also associated with a mitochondrial defect. Identification of the XLOA gene will advance our understanding of the inherited optic neuropathies and perhaps suggest treatments for these diseases. An improved understanding of inherited optic neuropathies may in turn advance our understanding of acquired optic nerve diseases, such as glaucoma and ischemic optic neuropathy. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  8. Manifestations of X-linked congenital stationary night blindness in three daughters of an affected male: Demonstration of homozygosity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bech-Hansen, N.T.; Pearce, W.G.

    1993-01-01

    X-linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB1) is a hereditary retinal disorder in which clinical features in affected males usually include myopia, nystagmus, and impaired visual acuity. Electroretinography demonstrates a marked reduction in b-wave amplitude. In the study of a large Mennonite family with CSNB1, three of five sisters in one sibship were found to have manifestations of CSNB1. All the sons of these three sisters were affected. Each of the two nonmanifesting sisters had at least one unaffected son. Analysis of Xp markers in the region Xp21.1-Xp11.22 showed that the two sisters who were unaffected had inherited the same maternalmore » X chromosome (i.e., M2). Two of the daughters who manifested with CSNB had inherited the other maternal X chromosome (M1). The third manifesting sister inherited a recombinant X chromosome with a crossover between TIMP and DXS255, which suggests that the CSNB1 locus lies proximal to TIMP. One of the affected daughters' sons had inherited the maternal M1 X chromosome, a finding consistent with that chromosome carrying a mutant CSNB gene; the other affected sons inherited the grandfather's X chromosome (i.e., P). Molecular analysis of DNA from three sisters with manifestations of CSNB is consistent with their being homozygous at the CSNB1 locus and with their mother being a carrier of CSNB1. 23 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  9. Familial auditory neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiuju; Gu, Rui; Han, Dongyi; Yang, Weiyan

    2003-09-01

    Auditory neuropathy is a sensorineural hearing disorder characterized by absent or abnormal auditory brainstem responses and normal cochlear outer hair cell function as measured by otoacoustic emission recordings. Many risk factors are thought to be involved in its etiology and pathophysiology. Four Chinese pedigrees with familial auditory neuropathy were presented to demonstrate involvement of genetic factors in the etiology of auditory neuropathy. Probands of the above-mentioned pedigrees, who had been diagnosed with auditory neuropathy, were evaluated and followed in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, China People Liberation Army General Hospital (Beijing, China). Their family members were studied, and the pedigree maps established. History of illness, physical examination, pure-tone audiometry, acoustic reflex, auditory brainstem responses, and transient evoked and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions were obtained from members of these families. Some subjects received vestibular caloric testing, computed tomography scan of the temporal bone, and electrocardiography to exclude other possible neuropathic disorders. In most affected patients, hearing loss of various degrees and speech discrimination difficulties started at 10 to 16 years of age. Their audiological evaluation showed absence of acoustic reflex and auditory brainstem responses. As expected in auditory neuropathy, these patients exhibited near-normal cochlear outer hair cell function as shown in distortion product otoacoustic emission recordings. Pure-tone audiometry revealed hearing loss ranging from mild to profound in these patients. Different inheritance patterns were observed in the four families. In Pedigree I, 7 male patients were identified among 43 family members, exhibiting an X-linked recessive pattern. Affected brothers were found in Pedigrees II and III, whereas in pedigree IV, two sisters were affected. All the patients were otherwise normal without evidence of peripheral neuropathy at the time of writing. Patients with characteristics of nonsyndromic hereditary auditory neuropathy were identified in one large and three smaller Chinese families. Pedigree analysis suggested an X-linked, recessive hereditary pattern in one pedigree and autosomal recessive inheritances in the other three pedigrees. The phenotypes in the study were typical of auditory neuropathy; they were transmitted in different inheritance patterns, indicating clinical and genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. The observed inheritance and clinical audiological findings are different from those previously described for nonsyndromic low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. This information should facilitate future molecular linkage analyses and positional cloning for the relative genes contributing to auditory neuropathy.

  10. X-Chromosome Control of Genome-Scale Recombination Rates in House Mice.

    PubMed

    Dumont, Beth L

    2017-04-01

    Sex differences in recombination are widespread in mammals, but the causes of this pattern are poorly understood. Previously, males from two interfertile subspecies of house mice, Mus musculus musculus and M. m. castaneus , were shown to exhibit a ∼30% difference in their global crossover frequencies. Much of this crossover rate divergence is explained by six autosomal loci and a large-effect locus on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, the allelic effects at this X-linked locus are transgressive, with the allele conferring increased crossover rate being transmitted by the low crossover rate M. m. castaneus parent. Despite the pronounced divergence between males, females from these subspecies exhibit similar crossover rates, raising the question of how recombination is genetically controlled in this sex. Here, I analyze publicly available genotype data from early generations of the Collaborative Cross, an eight-way panel of recombinant inbred strains, to estimate crossover frequencies in female mice with sex-chromosome genotypes of diverse subspecific origins. Consistent with the transgressive influence of the X chromosome in males, I show that females inheriting an M. m. castaneus X possess higher average crossover rates than females lacking the M. m. castaneus X chromosome. The differential inheritance of the X chromosome in males and females provides a simple genetic explanation for sex-limited evolution of this trait. Further, the presence of X-linked and autosomal crossover rate modifiers with antagonistic effects hints at an underlying genetic conflict fueled by selection for distinct crossover rate optima in males and females. Copyright © 2017 by the Genetics Society of America.

  11. X Linkage of AP3A, a Homolog of the Y-Linked MADS-Box Gene AP3Y in Silene latifolia and S. dioica

    PubMed Central

    Penny, Rebecca H.; Montgomery, Benjamin R.; Delph, Lynda F.

    2011-01-01

    Background The duplication of autosomal genes onto the Y chromosome may be an important element in the evolution of sexual dimorphism.A previous cytological study reported on a putative example of such a duplication event in a dioecious tribe of Silene (Caryophyllaceae): it was inferred that the Y-linked MADS-box gene AP3Y originated from a duplication of the reportedly autosomal orthologAP3A. However, a recent study, also using cytological methods, indicated that AP3A is X-linked in Silenelatifolia. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we hybridized S. latifolia and S. dioicato investigate whether the pattern of X linkage is consistent among distinct populations, occurs in both species, and is robust to genetic methods. We found inheritance patterns indicative of X linkage of AP3A in widely distributed populations of both species. Conclusions/Significance X linkage ofAP3A and Y linkage of AP3Yin both species indicates that the genes' ancestral progenitor resided on the autosomes that gave rise to the sex chromosomesand that neither gene has moved between chromosomes since species divergence.Consequently, our results do not support the contention that inter-chromosomal gene transfer occurred in the evolution of SlAP3Y from SlAP3A. PMID:21533056

  12. Incontinentia pigmenti*

    PubMed Central

    Poziomczyk, Cláudia Schermann; Recuero, Júlia Kanaan; Bringhenti, Luana; Santa Maria, Fernanda Diffini; Campos, Carolina Wiltgen; Travi, Giovanni Marcos; Freitas, André Moraes; Maahs, Marcia Angelica Peter; Zen, Paulo Ricardo Gazzola; Fiegenbaum, Marilu; de Almeida, Sheila Tamanini; Bonamigo, Renan Rangel; Bau, Ana Elisa Kiszewski

    2014-01-01

    Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare genodermatosis in which the skin involvement occurs in all patients. Additionally, other ectodermal tissues may be affected, such as the central nervous system, eyes, hair, nails and teeth. The disease has a X-linked dominant inheritance pattern and is usually lethal to male fetuses. The dermatological findings occur in four successive phases, following the lines of Blaschko: First phase - vesicles on an erythematous base; second phase - verrucous hyperkeratotic lesions; third phase - hyperchromic spots and fourth phase - hypochromic atrophic lesions. PMID:24626645

  13. A Simulation of X-Linked Inheritance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harrell, Pamela Esprivalo

    1997-01-01

    Describes how to lead students through a classroom-based simulation to teach a variety of concepts such as X-linked traits, sex determination, and sex anomalies. The simulation utilizes inexpensive materials such as plastic eggs that twist apart to represent human eggs and sperm. (AIM)

  14. Mapping Linked Genes in "Drosophila Melanogaster" Using Data from the F2 Generation of a Dihybrid Cross

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marshall, Pamela A.

    2008-01-01

    "Drosophila melanogaster" is a commonly utilized organism for testing hypotheses about inheritance of traits. Students in both high school and university labs study the genetics of inheritance by analyzing offspring of appropriate "Drosophila" crosses to determine inheritance patterns, including gene linkage. However, most genetics investigations…

  15. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation plays a crucial role in the onset of symptoms in carriers of Becker muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Viggiano, Emanuela; Picillo, Esther; Ergoli, Manuela; Cirillo, Alessandra; Del Gaudio, Stefania; Politano, Luisa

    2017-04-01

    Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder affecting approximately 1: 18.000 male births. Female carriers are usually asymptomatic, although 2.5-18% may present muscle or heart symptoms. In the present study, the role of the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) on the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers was analysed and compared with the pattern observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) carriers. XCI was determined on the lymphocytes of 36 BMD carriers (both symptomatic and not symptomatic) from 11 families requiring genetic advice at the Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics of the Second University of Naples, using the AR methylation-based assay. Carriers were subdivided into two groups, according to age above or below 50 years. Seven females from the same families known as noncarriers were used as controls. A Student's t-test for nonpaired data was performed to evaluate the differences observed in the XCI values between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers, and carriers aged above or below 50 years. A Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the inheritance of the XCI pattern in 19 mother-daughter pairs. The results showed that symptomatic BMD carriers had a skewed XCI with a preferential inactivation of the X chromosome carrying the normal allele, whereas the asymptomatic carriers and controls showed a random XCI. No concordance concerning the XCI pattern was observed between mothers and related daughters. The data obtained in the present study suggest that the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers is related to a skewed XCI, as observed in DMD carriers. Furthermore, they showed no concordance in the XCI pattern inheritance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Multigeneration Inheritance through Fertile XX Carriers of an NR0B1 (DAX1) Locus Duplication in a Kindred of Females with Isolated XY Gonadal Dysgenesis

    PubMed Central

    Barbaro, Michela; Cook, Jackie; Lagerstedt-Robinson, Kristina; Wedell, Anna

    2012-01-01

    A 160 kb minimal common region in Xp21 has been determined as the cause of XY gonadal dysgenesis, if duplicated. The region contains the MAGEB genes and the NR0B1 gene; this is the candidate for gonadal dysgenesis if overexpressed. Most patients present gonadal dysgenesis within a more complex phenotype. However, few independent cases have recently been described presenting with isolated XY gonadal dysgenesis caused by relatively small NR0B1 locus duplications. We have identified another NR0B1 duplication in two sisters with isolated XY gonadal dysgenesis with an X-linked inheritance pattern. We performed X-inactivation studies in three fertile female carriers of three different small NR0B1 locus duplications identified by our group. The carrier mothers did not show obvious skewing of X-chromosome inactivation, suggesting that NR0B1 overexpression does not impair ovarian function. We furthermore emphasize the importance to investigate the NR0B1 locus also in patients with isolated XY gonadal dysgenesis. PMID:22518125

  17. Nonsyndromic autosomal recessive deafness is linked to the DFNB1 locus in a large inbred Bedouin family from Israel

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Scott, D.A.; Sheffield, V.C.; Stone, E.M.

    1995-10-01

    Nonsyndromic deafness accounts for {approximately}70% of all genetically determined deafness. Several types of nonsyndromic deafness, with a variety of inheritance patterns, have been genetically linked, including dominant, recessive and X-linked forms. Two of these forms - DFNA3, a dominant form causing moderate to severe hearing loss, predominantly in the high frequencies, and DFNB1, a recessive form causing profound, prelingual, neurosensory deafness affecting all frequencies - have been linked to the same pericentromeric region of chromosome 13. This finding is equally compatible with (1) the existence two closely linked deafness genes, (2) different mutations within a single deafness gene, and (3)more » a single mutation in a single gene that behaves differently in different genetic backgrounds. 12 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  18. X inactivation in Rett syndrome: A preliminary study showing partial preferential inactivation of paternal X with the M27{beta} probe

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Camus, P.; Abbadi, N.; Gilgenkrantz, S.

    1994-04-15

    Rett syndrome (RS) is a severe progressive neurological disorder occurring exclusively in females. Most cases are sporadic. The few familial cases (less than 1%) cannot be explained by a simple mode of inheritance. Several hypotheses have been proposed: X-linked male lethal mutation, maternal uniparental disomy, fresh mutation on the X chromosome, involvement of mitochondrial DNA and differential inactivation with metabolic interference of X-borne alleles. The authors have examined the pattern of X inactivation in 10 affected girls who were selected according to the clinical criteria previously described and accepted by the French Rett Scientific Committee. The X inactivation pattern wasmore » studied by analysis of methylation at the hypervariable locus DXS255 with the M27{beta} probe. The results show a more-or-less skewed inactivation of paternal X in 8 Rett females, and 2 cases of symmetrical inactivation. In control girls, inactivation was symmetrical cases and the maternal X has been preferentially inactivated in the other 2 cases. In no case was a total skewed inactivation observed. Though there was clear evidence for a preferential paternal X inactivation that was statistically significant further studies are necessary to establish a relationship between X inactivation pattern and Rett syndrome.« less

  19. Familial neuralgia of occipital and intermedius nerves in a Chinese family.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu; Yu, Chuan-Yong; Huang, Lin; Riederer, Franz; Ettlin, Dominik

    2011-08-01

    Cranial nerve neuralgia usually occurs sporadically. Nonetheless, familial cases of trigeminal neuralgia are not uncommon with a reported incidence of 1-2%, suggestive of an autosomal dominant inheritance. In contrast, familial occipital neuralgia is rarely reported with only one report in the literature. We present a Chinese family with five cases of occipital and nervus intermedius neuralgia alone or in combination in three generations. All persons afflicted with occipital neuralgia have suffered from paroxysmal 'electric wave'-like pain for years. In the first generation, the father (index patient) was affected, in the second generation all his three daughters (with two sons spared) and in the third generation a daughter's male offspring is affected. This familial pattern suggests an X-linked dominant or an autosomal dominant inheritance mode.

  20. Severe mental deficiency, proportionate dwarfism, and delayed sexual maturation. A distinct inherited syndrome.

    PubMed

    Cantú, J M; Sánchez-Corona, J; García-Cruz, D; Fragoso, R

    1980-01-01

    Two 46,XY brothers were found to have a previously undescribed syndrome characterized by severe mental deficiency, proportionate dwarfism, and delayed sexual development. A recessive mode of inheritance, either autosomal or X-linked, is assumed.

  1. Target gene analyses of 39 amelogenesis imperfecta kindreds

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Hui-Chen; Estrella, Ninna M. R. P.; Milkovich, Rachel N.; Kim, Jung-Wook; Simmer, James P.; Hu, Jan C-C.

    2012-01-01

    Previously, mutational analyses identified six disease-causing mutations in 24 amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) kindreds. We have since expanded the number of AI kindreds to 39, and performed mutation analyses covering the coding exons and adjoining intron sequences for the six proven AI candidate genes [amelogenin (AMELX), enamelin (ENAM), family with sequence similarity 83, member H (FAM83H), WD repeat containing domain 72 (WDR72), enamelysin (MMP20), and kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4)] and for ameloblastin (AMBN) (a suspected candidate gene). All four of the X-linked AI families (100%) had disease-causing mutations in AMELX, suggesting that AMELX is the only gene involved in the aetiology of X-linked AI. Eighteen families showed an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. Disease-causing mutations were identified in 12 (67%): eight in FAM83H, and four in ENAM. No FAM83H coding-region or splice-junction mutations were identified in three probands with autosomal-dominant hypocalcification AI (ADHCAI), suggesting that a second gene may contribute to the aetiology of ADHCAI. Six families showed an autosomal-recessive pattern of inheritance, and disease-causing mutations were identified in three (50%): two in MMP20, and one in WDR72. No disease-causing mutations were found in 11 families with only one affected member. We conclude that mutation analyses of the current candidate genes for AI have about a 50% chance of identifying the disease-causing mutation in a given kindred. PMID:22243262

  2. Identification of novel mutations in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa families and implications for diagnostic testing

    PubMed Central

    Glaus, Esther; Lorenz, Birgit; Netzer, Christian; Li, Yün; Schambeck, Maria; Wittmer, Mariana; Feil, Silke; Kirschner-Schwabe, Renate; Rosenberg, Thomas; Cremers, Frans P.M.; Bergen, Arthur A.B.; Barthelmes, Daniel; Baraki, Husnia; Schmid, Fabian; Tanner, Gaby; Fleischhauer, Johannes; Orth, Ulrike; Becker, Christian; Wegscheider, Erika; Nürnberg, Gudrun; Nürnberg, Peter; Bolz, Hanno Jörn; Gal, Andreas; Berger, Wolfgang

    2008-01-01

    Purpose The goal of this study was to identify mutations in X-chromosomal genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in patients from Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland. Methods In addition to all coding exons of RP2, exons 1 through 15, 9a, ORF15, 15a and 15b of RPGR were screened for mutations. PCR products were amplified from genomic DNA extracted from blood samples and analyzed by direct sequencing. In one family with apparently dominant inheritance of RP, linkage analysis identified an interval on the X chromosome containing RPGR, and mutation screening revealed a pathogenic variant in this gene. Patients of this family were examined clinically and by X-inactivation studies. Results This study included 141 RP families with possible X-chromosomal inheritance. In total, we identified 46 families with pathogenic sequence alterations in RPGR and RP2, of which 17 mutations have not been described previously. Two of the novel mutations represent the most 3’-terminal pathogenic sequence variants in RPGR and RP2 reported to date. In exon ORF15 of RPGR, we found eight novel and 14 known mutations. All lead to a disruption of open reading frame. Of the families with suggested X-chromosomal inheritance, 35% showed mutations in ORF15. In addition, we found five novel mutations in other exons of RPGR and four in RP2. Deletions in ORF15 of RPGR were identified in three families in which female carriers showed variable manifestation of the phenotype. Furthermore, an ORF15 mutation was found in an RP patient who additionally carries a 6.4 kbp deletion downstream of the coding region of exon ORF15. We did not identify mutations in 39 sporadic male cases from Switzerland. Conclusions RPGR mutations were confirmed to be the most frequent cause of RP in families with an X-chromosomal inheritance pattern. We propose a screening strategy to provide molecular diagnostics in these families. PMID:18552978

  3. [Old phenotype and new genotypes. Pituitary adenomas].

    PubMed

    Gérard, C; Jedidi, H; Petrossians, P; Krzesinski, F; Daly, A; Beckers, A

    2015-11-01

    Gigantism and acromegaly, usually caused by a pituitary adenoma linked inappropriate secretion of growth hormone (GH), are generally considered as very rare diseases, even if, according to some authors, their cumulative prevalence is about 1/5000. Starting from the historical case of a giant from Liège we shall describe the different types of GH pituitary adenomas and their pathophysiology. We shall particularly discuss rare forms of inherited GH secreting pituitary adenomas like the FIPA (familial inherited isolated pituitary adenomas) and the X-LAG (X linked acrogigantism), both described for the first time in Liège, in 2000 and 2014, respectively.

  4. Coffin-Lowry syndrome: a multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Gilgenkrantz, S; Mujica, P; Gruet, P; Tridon, P; Schweitzer, F; Nivelon-Chevallier, A; Nivelon, J L; Couillault, G; David, A; Verloes, A

    1988-10-01

    The Coffin-Lowry syndrome is an inherited syndrome of mental retardation, characteristic facies and skeletal anomalies. The occurrence of severe manifestations in males, with no instance of male-to-male transmission, suggests an X-linked inheritance. The paper describes seven families from five European Centers.

  5. Unilateral Autosomal Recessive Anophthalmia in a Patient with Cystic Craniopharyngioma

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Amandeep; Bansal, Ankit; Garg, Ajay; Sharma, Bhawani S.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Anophthalmia is a rare ocular malformation. It is a genetically determined disorder and is typically associated with syndromes. However, sporadic nonsyndromic familial as well as non-familial cases of anophthalmia have also been reported. Non-syndromic familial cases are usually bilateral and have been attributed to autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance patterns. The authors hereby report a rare case of autosomal recessive unilateral anophthalmia in a patient with no other associated congenital anomaly. Patient was operated for craniopharyngioma. The clinical, radiological and intraoperative findings are discussed. PMID:27928292

  6. Congenital Disorders of Platelet Function and Number.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Ruchika; Perez Botero, Juliana; Jobe, Shawn M

    2018-06-01

    Mucocutaneous bleeding symptoms and/or persistent thrombocytopenia occur in individuals with congenital disorders of platelet function and number. Apart from bleeding, these disorders are often associated with additional hematologic and clinical manifestations, including auditory, immunologic, and oncologic disease. Autosomal recessive, dominant, and X-linked inheritance patterns have been demonstrated. Precise delineation of the molecular cause of the platelet disorder can aid the pediatrician in the detection and prevention of specific disorder-associated manifestations and guide appropriate treatment and anticipatory care for the patient and family. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Genetics Home Reference: Lowe syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. In some cases of Lowe ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  8. Genetics Home Reference: Danon disease

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  9. Genetics Home Reference: frontometaphyseal dysplasia

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  10. Dominantly inherited syndrome of microcephaly and cleft palate.

    PubMed

    Halal, F

    1983-05-01

    Two sisters and their mother had a syndrome of microcephaly, cleft palate, and variable anomalies such as unusual facial appearance, hypotelorism, abnormal retinal pigmentation, maxillary hypoplasia, goiter, camptodactyly, mild mental retardation, and abnormal dermatoglyphics. This is an evidently dominantly inherited trait, either autosomal or X-linked.

  11. Genetics Home Reference: mucopolysaccharidosis type II

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  12. Genetics Home Reference: familial dilated cardiomyopathy

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  13. Genetics Home Reference: phosphoglycerate kinase deficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  14. Genetics Home Reference: Melnick-Needles syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  15. Review Recent progress in identification and characterization of loci associated with sex-linked congenital cataract.

    PubMed

    Zhang, D D; Du, J Z; Topolewski, J; Wang, X M

    2016-07-29

    Congenital cataract is a common cause of blindness in children; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of congenital cataract. The current genetic models of congenital cataract include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked inheritance. Sex-linked congenital cataract could be inherited through the X or Y chromosome. Congenital cataract is a symptom associated with several X-linked disorders, including Nance-Horan syndrome, Lowe syndrome, Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome, oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome, and Alport syndrome. On the other hand, the mechanism and characteristics of Y-linked congenital cataract remains to be identified. Despite its rarity, sex-linked congenital cataract has been known to seriously affect the quality of life of patients. In this review, we present our current understanding of the genes and loci associated with sex-linked congenital cataract. This could help identify novel approaches for the prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive disease treatment.

  16. Genetics Home Reference: Ohdo syndrome, Maat-Kievit-Brunner type

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... should consult with a qualified healthcare professional . About Selection Criteria for Links Data Files & API Site Map ...

  17. Forensic efficiency parameters of the Investigator Argus X-12 kit in women from two Mestizo and seven Amerindian populations from Mexico.

    PubMed

    Cortés-Trujillo, I; Ramos-González, B; Salas-Salas, O; Zuñiga-Chiquette, F; Zetina Hernández, A; Martínez-Cortés, G; Ruiz-Hernández, M; González-Martín, A; Ferragut, J F; Rangel-Villalobos, H

    2017-05-01

    Allele frequency distribution and statistical parameters of forensic efficiency concerning the Investigator Argus X-12 kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) were determined in a total sample of 641 unrelated Mexican females, including two Mestizo-admixed- populations (n=309) and seven Amerindian groups (n=332) from the main regions of the country. Most of the 12 X-STRs were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations in all nine Mexican populations. The power of discrimination in females (PD) and Median exclusion chance for trios (MEC T ) and duos (MEC D ) of this genetic system based on X-STRs were >99.99%. Although Mexican populations showed significant pairwise differentiation, a closer relationship was evident between Amerindian groups and nearby Mestizos, in agreement with historical records, previous genetic studies, and X-linked inheritance pattern expectations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Familial epilepsy in Algeria: Clinical features and inheritance profiles.

    PubMed

    Chentouf, Amina; Dahdouh, Aïcha; Guipponi, Michel; Oubaiche, Mohand Laïd; Chaouch, Malika; Hamamy, Hanan; Antonarakis, Stylianos E

    2015-09-01

    To document the clinical characteristics and inheritance pattern of epilepsy in multigeneration Algerian families. Affected members from extended families with familial epilepsy were assessed at the University Hospital of Oran in Algeria. Available medical records, neurological examination, electroencephalography and imaging data were reviewed. The epilepsy type was classified according to the criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy and modes of inheritance were deduced from pedigree analysis. The study population included 40 probands; 23 male (57.5%) and 17 female subjects (42.5%). The mean age of seizure onset was 9.5 ± 6.1 years. According to seizure onset, 16 patients (40%) had focal seizures and 20 (50%) had generalized seizures. Seizure control was achieved for two patients (5%) for 10 years, while 28 (70%) were seizure-free for 3 months. Eleven patients (27.5%) had prior febrile seizures, 12 were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and four families had syndromic epilepsy. The consanguinity rate among parents of affected was 50% with phenotypic concordance observed in 25 families (62.5%). Pedigree analysis suggested autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance with or without reduced penetrance in 18 families (45%), probable autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance in 14 families (35%), and an X-linked recessive inheritance in one family. This study reveals large Algerian families with multigenerational inheritance of epilepsy. Molecular testing such as exome sequencing would clarify the genetic basis of epilepsy in some of our families. Copyright © 2015 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. X-linked dominant cone-rod degeneration: Linkage mapping of a new locus for retinitis pigmentosa (RP15) to Xp22.13-p22.11

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    McGuire, R.E.; Sullivan, L.S.; Daiger, S.P.

    1995-07-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa is the name given to a heterogeneous group of hereditary retinal degenerations characterized by progressive visual field loss, pigmentary changes of the retina, abnormal electroretinograms, and, frequently, night blindness. In this study, we investigated a family with dominant cone-rod degeneration, a variant form of retinitis pigmentosa. We used microsatellite markers to test for linkage to the disease locus and exluded all mapped autosomal loci. However, a marker from the short arm of the X chromosome, DXS989, showed 0% recombination to the disease locus, with a maximum lod (log-odds) score of 3.3. On the basis of this marker, themore » odds favoring X-linked dominant versus autosomal dominant inheritance are > 10{sup 5}:1. Haplotype analysis using an additional nine microsatellite markers places the disease locus in the Xp22.13-p22.11 region and excludes other X-linked disease loci causing retinal degeneration. The clinical expression of the retinal degeneration is consistent with X-linked dominant inheritance with milder, variable effects of Lyonization affecting expression in females. On the basis of these data we propose that this family has a novel form of dominant, X-linked cone-rod degeneration with the gene symbol {open_quotes}RP15{close_quotes}. 17 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.« less

  20. Role of microRNA Pathway in Mental Retardation

    PubMed Central

    Qurashi, Abrar; Chang, Shuang; Jin, Peng

    2007-01-01

    Deficits in cognitive functions lead to mental retardation (MR). Understanding the genetic basis of inherited MR has provided insights into the pathogenesis of MR. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited MR, caused by the loss of functional Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded RNAs between 18 and 25 nucleotides in length, which have been implicated in diversified biological pathways. Recent studies have linked the miRNA pathway to fragile X syndrome. Here we review the role of the miRNA pathway in fragile X syndrome and discuss its implication in MR in general. PMID:17982588

  1. [Preimplantation genetic diagnosis and monogenic inherited eye diseases].

    PubMed

    Hlavatá, L; Ďuďáková, Ľ; Trková, M; Soldátová, I; Skalická, P; Kousal, B; Lišková, P

    Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an established application of genetic testing in the context of in vitro fertilization. PGD is an alternative method to prenatal diagnosis which aims to prevent the transmission of an inherited disorder to the progeny by implanting only embryos that do not carry genetic predisposition for a particular disease. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of eye disorders for which PGD has been carried out. The European literature search focused on best practices, ethical issues, risks and results of PGD for inherited eye disorders. PGD is performed for a number of ocular disorders; a prerequisite for its application is however, the knowledge of a disease-causing mutation(s). The main advantage of this method is that the couple is not exposed to a decision of whether or not to undergo an abortion. Qualified counselling must be provided prior to the PGD in order to completely understand the risk of disability in any child conceived, consequences of disease manifestation, and advantages as well as limitations of this method. In the group of non-syndromic eye diseases and diseases in which ocular findings dominate, PGD has been performed in European countries for aniridia, choroideremia, congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles, Leber congenital amaurosis, ocular albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked retinoschisis, Stargardt disease, blepharophimosis-ptosis-inverse epicanthus syndrome and retinoblastoma. Sexing for X-linked or mitochondrial diseases has been carried out for blue cone monochromatism, choroideremia, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, macular dystrophy (not further specified), Norrie disease, X-linked congenital stationary night blindness, X-linked retinoschisis and nystagmus (not further specified). In recent years, there has been an increase in potential to use PGD. The spectrum of diseases for this method has widened to include severe inherited eye diseases.Key words: preimplantation genetic diagnosis; monogenic eye diseases; in vitro fertilization.

  2. Genetic studies in a patient with X-linked retinoschisis coexisting with developmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss.

    PubMed

    Sudha, Dhandayuthapani; Patric, Irene Rosita Pia; Ganapathy, Aparna; Agarwal, Smitha; Krishna, Shuba; Neriyanuri, Srividya; Sripriya, Sarangapani; Sen, Parveen; Chidambaram, Subbulakshmi; Arunachalam, Jayamuruga Pandian

    2017-01-01

    In this study, we present a juvenile retinoschisis patient with developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a retinal dystrophy, most often not associated with systemic anomalies and also not showing any locus heterogeneity. Therefore it was of interest to understand the genetic basis of the condition in this patient. RS1 gene screening for XLRS was performed by Sanger sequencing. Whole genome SNP 6.0 array analysis was carried out to investigate gross chromosomal aberrations that could result in systemic phenotype. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to determine any possible involvement of X-linked syndromic and non-syndromic mental retardation genes. This NGS panel consisted of 550 genes implicated in several other rare inherited diseases. RS1 gene screening revealed a pathogenic hemizygous splice site mutation (c.78+1G>T), inherited from the mother. SNP 6.0 array analysis did not indicate any significant chromosomal aberrations that could be disease-associated. Targeted resequencing did not identify any mutations in the X-linked mental retardation genes. However, variations in three other genes (NSD1, LARGE, and POLG) were detected, which were all inherited from the patient's unaffected father. Taken together, RS1 mutation was found to segregate with retinoschisis phenotype while none of the other identified variations were co-segregating with the systemic defects. Hereby, we infer that the multisystemic defects harbored by the patient are a rare coexistence of XLRS, developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone reported for the first time in the literature.

  3. Two Novel Mutations in the Aquaporin 2 Gene in a Girl with Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Su Jin; Zheng, Shou Huan; Cho, Hee Yeon; Ha, Il Soo; Choi, Yong

    2005-01-01

    Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by insensitivity of the kidney to the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin. There are three inheritance patterns of CNDI: the X-linked recessive form associated with vasopressin V2 receptor gene mutations, and the autosomal recessive and dominant forms associated with aquaporin-2 gene (AQP2) mutations. The evaluation for polyuria and polydipsia in a one-month-old Korean girl revealed no response to vasopressin and confirmed the diagnosis of CNDI. Because the child was female without family history of CNDI, her disease was thought to be an autosomal recessive form. We analyzed the AQP2 gene and detected a compound heterozygous missense point mutation: 70Ala (GCC) to Asp (GAC) in exon 1 inherited from her father and 187Arg (CGC) to His (CAC) in exon 3 inherited from her mother. The first mutation is located within the first NPA motif of the AQP2 molecule and the second one right after the second NPA motif. This is the first report to characterize AQP2 mutations in Korean patients with autosomal recessive CNDI, and expands the spectrum of AQP2 mutations by reporting two novel mutation, 70Ala (GCC) to Asp (GAC) and 187Arg (CGC) to His (CAC). PMID:16361827

  4. Contemporary Medical and Surgical Management of X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets.

    PubMed

    Sharkey, Melinda S; Grunseich, Karl; Carpenter, Thomas O

    2015-07-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemia is an inheritable disorder of renal phosphate wasting that clinically manifests with rachitic bone pathology. X-linked hypophosphatemia is frequently misdiagnosed and mismanaged. Optimized medical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. Even with ideal medical management, progressive bony deformity may develop in some children and adults. Medical treatment is paramount to the success of orthopaedic surgical procedures in both children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia. Successful correction of complex, multiapical bone deformities found in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is possible with careful surgical planning and exacting surgical technique. Multiple methods of deformity correction are used, including acute and gradual correction. Treatment of some pediatric bony deformity with guided growth techniques may be possible. Copyright 2015 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

  5. Evidence for Phex haploinsufficiency in murine X-linked hypophosphatemia.

    PubMed

    Wang, L; Du, L; Ecarot, B

    1999-04-01

    Mutations in the PHEX gene (phosphate-regulating gene with homology to endopeptidases on the X-chromosome) are responsible for X-linked hypophosphatemia (HYP). We previously reported the full-length coding sequence of murine Phex cDNA and provided evidence of Phex expression in bone and tooth. Here, we report the cloning of the entire 3.5-kb 3'UTR of the Phex gene, yielding a total of 6248 bp for the Phex transcript. Southern blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed that the 3' end of the coding sequence and the 3'UTR of the Phex gene, spanning exons 16 to 22, are deleted in Hyp, the mouse model for HYP. Northern blot analysis of bone revealed lack of expression of stable Phex mRNA from the mutant allele and expression of Phex transcripts from the wild-type allele in Hyp heterozygous females. Expression of the Phex protein in heterozygotes was confirmed by Western analysis with antibodies raised against a COOH-terminal peptide of the mouse Phex protein. Taken together, these results indicate that the dominant pattern of Hyp inheritance in mice is due to Phex haploinsufficiency.

  6. Genetics of host plant use and life history in the comma butterfly across Europe: varying modes of inheritance as a potential reproductive barrier.

    PubMed

    Nygren, G H; Nylin, S; Stefanescu, C

    2006-11-01

    Comma butterflies (Nymphalidae: Polygonia c-album L.) from one Belgian site and three Spanish sites were crossed with butterflies from a Swedish population in order to investigate inheritance of female host plant choice, egg mass and larval growth rate. We found three different modes of inheritance for the three investigated traits. In line with earlier results from crosses between Swedish and English populations, the results regarding female oviposition preference (choice between Urtica dioica and Salix caprea) showed X-linked inheritance to be of importance for the variation between Sweden and the other sites. Egg mass and growth rate did not show any sex-linked inheritance. Egg mass differences between populations seem to be controlled mainly by additive autosomal genes, as hybrids showed intermediate values. The growth rates of both hybrid types following reciprocal crossings were similar to each other but consistently higher than for the two source populations, suggesting a nonadditive mode of inheritance which is not sex-linked. The different modes of inheritance for host plant preference vs. important life history traits are likely to result in hybrids with unfit combinations of traits. This type of potential reproductive barrier based on multiple ecologically important traits deserves more attention, as it should be a common situation for instance in the early stages of population divergence in host plant usage, facilitating ecological speciation.

  7. Matrilineal inheritance of a key mediator of prenatal maternal effects

    PubMed Central

    Ziegler, Ann-Kathrin; Pick, Joel L.; Okuliarová, Monika; Zeman, Michal

    2016-01-01

    Sex-linkage is predicted to evolve in response to sex-specific or sexually antagonistic selection. In line with this prediction, most sex-linked genes are associated with reproduction in the respective sex. In addition to traits directly involved in fertility and fecundity, mediators of maternal effects may be predisposed to evolve sex-linkage, because they indirectly affect female fitness through their effect on offspring phenotype. Here, we test for sex-linked inheritance of a key mediator of prenatal maternal effects in oviparous species, the transfer of maternally derived testosterone to the eggs. Consistent with maternal inheritance, we found that in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) granddaughters resemble their maternal (but not their paternal) grandmother in yolk testosterone deposition. This pattern of resemblance was not due to non-genetic priming effects of testosterone exposure during prenatal development, as an experimental manipulation of yolk testosterone levels did not affect the females' testosterone transfer to their own eggs later in life. Instead, W chromosome and/or mitochondrial variation may underlie the observed matrilineal inheritance pattern. Ultimately, the inheritance of mediators of maternal effects along the maternal line will allow for a fast and direct response to female-specific selection, thereby affecting the dynamics of evolutionary processes mediated by maternal effects. PMID:27629040

  8. [Importance of family examination in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis].

    PubMed

    Kłosowska-Zawadka, A; Bernardczyk-Meller, J; Gotz-Wieckowska, A; Krawczyński, M

    2005-12-01

    Congenital (juvenile) retinoschisis belongs to the group of hereditary vitreoretinopathies. This disorder is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern and its onset usually occurs in 5- to 10-year-old boys. Presenting clinical signs include decreased visual acuity due to maculopathy. The authors present a case of a 17-year-old boy with decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and bilateral retinoschisis with maculopathy upon fundus examination. In view of a 50% risk of the disorder occurring in the brothers of the affected male, they underwent full ophthalmological and electrophysiological examinations (until then asymptomatic). In one of them decreased visual acuity, mixed astigmatism, and maculopathy were present, without any changes of the peripheral retina. In the youngest brother decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and maculopathy were diagnosed. Genetic counseling and ophthalmological examination of family members at risk facilitated early recognition of the pathological changes in the siblings. Genetic counseling with pedigree analysis and genetic analysis, if possible, should be offered to all affected patients and family members.

  9. Somatic and germline mosaicism for a mutation of the PHEX gene can lead to genetic transmission of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets that mimics an autosomal dominant trait.

    PubMed

    Goji, Katsumi; Ozaki, Kayo; Sadewa, Ahmad H; Nishio, Hisahide; Matsuo, Masafumi

    2006-02-01

    Familial hypophosphatemic rickets is usually transmitted as an X-linked dominant disorder (XLH), although autosomal dominant forms have also been observed. Genetic studies of these disorders have identified mutations in PHEX and FGF23 as the causes of X-linked dominant disorder and autosomal dominant forms, respectively. The objective of the study was to describe the molecular genetic findings in a family affected by hypophosphatemic rickets with presumed autosomal dominant inheritance. We studied a family in which the father and the elder of his two daughters, but not the second daughter, were affected by hypophosphatemic rickets. The pedigree interpretation of the family suggested that genetic transmission of the disorder occurred as an autosomal dominant trait. Direct nucleotide sequencing of FGF23 and PHEX revealed that the elder daughter was heterozygous for an R567X mutation in PHEX, rather than FGF23, suggesting that the genetic transmission occurred as an X-linked dominant trait. Unexpectedly, the father was heterozygous for this mutation. Single-nucleotide primer extension and denaturing HPLC analysis of the father using DNA from single hair roots revealed that he was a somatic mosaic for the mutation. Haplotype analysis confirmed that the father transmitted the genotypes for 18 markers on the X chromosome equally to his two daughters. The fact that the father transmitted the mutation to only one of his two daughters indicated that he was a germline mosaic for the mutation. Somatic and germline mosaicism for an X-linked dominant mutation in PHEX may mimic autosomal dominant inheritance.

  10. Sex differences in life span: Females homozygous for the X chromosome do not suffer the shorter life span predicted by the unguarded X hypothesis.

    PubMed

    Brengdahl, Martin; Kimber, Christopher M; Maguire-Baxter, Jack; Friberg, Urban

    2018-03-01

    Life span differs between the sexes in many species. Three hypotheses to explain this interesting pattern have been proposed, involving different drivers: sexual selection, asymmetrical inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes, and hemizygosity of the X(Z) chromosome (the unguarded X hypothesis). Of these, the unguarded X has received the least experimental attention. This hypothesis suggests that the heterogametic sex suffers a shortened life span because recessive deleterious alleles on its single X(Z) chromosome are expressed unconditionally. In Drosophila melanogaster, the X chromosome is unusually large (∼20% of the genome), providing a powerful model for evaluating theories involving the X. Here, we test the unguarded X hypothesis by forcing D. melanogaster females from a laboratory population to express recessive X-linked alleles to the same degree as males, using females exclusively made homozygous for the X chromosome. We find no evidence for reduced life span or egg-to-adult viability due to X homozygozity. In contrast, males and females homozygous for an autosome both suffer similar, significant reductions in those traits. The logic of the unguarded X hypothesis is indisputable, but our results suggest that the degree to which recessive deleterious X-linked alleles depress performance in the heterogametic sex appears too small to explain general sex differences in life span. © 2018 The Author(s). Evolution © 2018 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

  11. Maternal telomere length inheritance in the king penguin.

    PubMed

    Reichert, S; Rojas, E R; Zahn, S; Robin, J-P; Criscuolo, F; Massemin, S

    2015-01-01

    Telomeres are emerging as a biomarker for ageing and survival, and are likely important in shaping life-history trade-offs. In particular, telomere length with which one starts in life has been linked to lifelong survival, suggesting that early telomere dynamics are somehow related to life-history trajectories. This result highlights the importance of determining the extent to which telomere length is inherited, as a crucial factor determining early life telomere length. Given the scarcity of species for which telomere length inheritance has been studied, it is pressing to assess the generality of telomere length inheritance patterns. Further, information on how this pattern changes over the course of growth in individuals living under natural conditions should provide some insight on the extent to which environmental constraints also shape telomere dynamics. To fill this gap partly, we followed telomere inheritance in a population of king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus). We tested for paternal and maternal influence on chick initial telomere length (10 days old after hatching), and how these relationships changed with chick age (at 70, 200 and 300 days old). Based on a correlative approach, offspring telomere length was positively associated with maternal telomere length early in life (at 10 days old). However, this relationship was not significant at older ages. These data suggest that telomere length in birds is maternally inherited. Nonetheless, the influence of environmental conditions during growth remained an important factor shaping telomere length, as the maternal link disappeared with chicks' age.

  12. Familial ectodermal dysplasia: a peers' agony.

    PubMed

    Hegde, Karthik; Kashyap, Roopashri Rajesh; Nair, Gopakumar; Nair, Preeti P

    2013-07-23

    Ectodermal dysplasias include a various group of inherited disorders which share primary defect in the development of two or more tissues of embryonic ectodermal origin. Though there are many subtypes, ectodermal dysplasias are mainly hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, among which the most common variety is X linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. We report a rare case of X linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia occurring in a family with various skin, hair and oral abnormalities.

  13. Inherent X-Linked Genetic Variability and Cellular Mosaicism Unique to Females Contribute to Sex-Related Differences in the Innate Immune Response.

    PubMed

    Spolarics, Zoltan; Peña, Geber; Qin, Yong; Donnelly, Robert J; Livingston, David H

    2017-01-01

    Females have a longer lifespan and better general health than males. Considerable number of studies also demonstrated that, after trauma and sepsis, females present better outcomes as compared to males indicating sex-related differences in the innate immune response. The current notion is that differences in the immuno-modulatory effects of sex hormones are the underlying causative mechanism. However, the field remains controversial and the exclusive role of sex hormones has been challenged. Here, we propose that polymorphic X-linked immune competent genes, which are abundant in the population are important players in sex-based immuno-modulation and play a key role in causing sex-related outcome differences following trauma or sepsis. We describe the differences in X chromosome (ChrX) regulation between males and females and its consequences in the context of common X-linked polymorphisms at the individual as well as population level. We also discuss the potential pathophysiological and immune-modulatory aspects of ChrX cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females and how this may contribute to sex-biased immune-modulation. The potential confounding effects of ChrX skewing of cell progenitors at the bone marrow is also presented together with aspects of acute trauma-induced de novo ChrX skewing at the periphery. In support of the hypothesis, novel observations indicating ChrX skewing in a female trauma cohort as well as case studies depicting the temporal relationship between trauma-induced cellular skewing and the clinical course are also described. Finally, we list and discuss a selected set of polymorphic X-linked genes, which are frequent in the population and have key regulatory or metabolic functions in the innate immune response and, therefore, are primary candidates for mediating sex-biased immune responses. We conclude that sex-related differences in a variety of disease processes including the innate inflammatory response to injury and infection may be related to the abundance of X-linked polymorphic immune-competent genes, differences in ChrX regulation, and inheritance patterns between the sexes and the presence of X-linked cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females.

  14. Genetics Home Reference: FG syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Related Information What does it ... Opitz JO. Behavior phenotype of FG syndrome: cognition, personality, and behavior in eleven affected boys. Am J ...

  15. Severe manifestations in carrier females in X linked retinitis pigmentosa.

    PubMed Central

    Souied, E; Segues, B; Ghazi, I; Rozet, J M; Chatelin, S; Gerber, S; Perrault, I; Michel-Awad, A; Briard, M L; Plessis, G; Dufier, J L; Munnich, A; Kaplan, J

    1997-01-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive hereditary disorders of the retina in which various modes of inheritance have been described. Here, we report on X linked RP in nine families with constant and severe expression in carrier females. In our series, however, the phenotype was milder and delayed in carrier females compared to hemizygous males. This form of X linked RP could be regarded therefore as partially dominant. The disease gene maps to chromosome Xp2.1 in the genetic interval encompassing the RP3 locus (Zmax=13.71 at the DXS1100 locus). Single strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequence analysis of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene, which accounts for RP3, failed to detect any mutation in our families. Future advances in the identification of X linked RP genes will hopefully help to elucidate the molecular basis of this X linked dominant RP. Images PMID:9350809

  16. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in females and response to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Ali, Syed; Seth, Rajeev

    2013-01-01

    A 63 year old woman was referred to the retina clinic after her vision failed to improve in her left eye after cataract surgery. X-linked retinoschisis was diagnosed in the patient after her retina exam revealed an area of retinoschisis and a foveal cyst. The OCT confirmed the macular cyst and the ERG showed loss of B waves. The florescein angiogram showed no significant perifoveal leakage. Her foveal cyst resolved after treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The patient's son was examined and his ophthalmologic exam, ERG and imaging findings were consistent with X-linked retinoschisis. However, his bilateral foveal cysts did not respond to treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. X-linked retinoschisis is a very rare disease in women due to its X-linked recessive inheritance and the foveal cysts associated with it can respond to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

  17. Perinatal Autopsy Findings in a Case of De Novo Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

    PubMed

    Chikkannaiah, Panduranga; Nagaraju, Smitha; Kangle, Rajit; Gosavi, Mansi

    2015-01-01

    Ectodermal dysplasia are group of inherited disorders involving the developmental defects of ectodermal structures like hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands, and others. X-linked recessive inheritance is most common. Here we describe perinatal autopsy findings in a case of de novo ectodermal dysplasia in a female fetus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fetal autopsy description in a case of ectodermal dysplasia.

  18. Use of topical dorzolamide for patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis: case report.

    PubMed

    Bastos, André Luís Carvalho de Moura; Freitas, Bruno de Paula; Villas Boas, Oscar; Ramiro, Alexandre Campelo

    2008-01-01

    X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a recessively inherited vitreoretinal degeneration characterized by macular pathology and splitting of the neuroretinal layers that is associated with alterations in the XLRS1 gene. There have been no therapeutic interventions known to be effective for patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, but some studies are trying to determine the importance of dorzolamide for the treatment of foveal lesions in this disease. The authors, using optical coherence tomography, describe findings in a patient with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, before and after a topical use of dorzolamide. Besides the improvement in his visual acuity, further studies are required to elucidate the real prevalence of nonresponse to dorzolamide and the frequency with which there may be a recurrence of foveal cystic changes during continued treatment.

  19. Sex-linked inheritance of host-plant specialization in a polyphagous butterfly

    PubMed Central

    Janz, N.

    1998-01-01

    I investigated the genetic background of intraspecific variation in oviposition specificity in the generalist butterfly Polygonia c-album. Using reciprocal crosses between two populations that differ in their degree of specialization, I show that specificity is strongly sex-linked. This indicates that genes determining this difference are located primarily on the paternally inherited X-chromosome. The results suggest that intraspecific differences in specificity are caused by the same genetic mechanisms that have been shown to determine interspecific differences in host-plant ranking in other butterflies. Accordingly, the common assumption that specialization and ranking are determined by fundamentally different mechanisms was not supported.

  20. CHILD syndrome in a boy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Happle, R.; Effendy, I., Megahed, M.; Orlow, S.J.

    CHILD syndrome (congential hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects) occurs, as a rule, exclusively in girls because of the underlying X-linked gene exerts a lethal effect on male embryos. In this report the characteristic manifestations of CHILD syndrome are described in a 2-year-old boy with a normal chromosome constitution 46,XY. This exceptional case is best explained by the assumption of an early somatic mutation and thus compatible with the concept of X-linked dominant male-lethal inheritance of this trait. 18 refs., 6 figs.

  1. Identification of a novel heterozygous missense mutation in the CACNA1F gene in a chinese family with retinitis pigmentosa by next generation sequencing.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Qi; Cheng, Jingliang; Yang, Weichan; Tania, Mousumi; Wang, Hui; Khan, Md Asaduzzaman; Duan, Chengxia; Zhu, Li; Chen, Rui; Lv, Hongbin; Fu, Junjiang

    2015-01-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease, which is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and the inheritance pattern is complex. In this study, we have intended to study the possible association of certain genes with X-linked RP (XLRP) in a Chinese family. A Chinese family with RP was recruited, and a total of seven individuals were enrolled in this genetic study. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes, and used for the next generation sequencing (NGS). The affected individual presented the clinical signs of XLRP. A heterozygous missense mutation (c.1555C>T, p.R519W) was identified by NGS in exon 13 of the CACNA1F gene on X chromosome, and was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. It showed perfect cosegregation with the disease in the family. The mutation at this position in the CACNA1F gene of RP was found novel by database searching. By using NGS, we have found a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.1555C>T, p.R519W) in CACNA1F gene, which is probably associated with XLRP. The findings might provide new insights into the cause and diagnosis of RP, and have implications for genetic counseling and clinical management in this family.

  2. Reversal of an ancient sex chromosome to an autosome in Drosophila.

    PubMed

    Vicoso, Beatriz; Bachtrog, Doris

    2013-07-18

    Although transitions of sex-determination mechanisms are frequent in species with homomorphic sex chromosomes, heteromorphic sex chromosomes are thought to represent a terminal evolutionary stage owing to chromosome-specific adaptations such as dosage compensation or an accumulation of sex-specific mutations. Here we show that an autosome of Drosophila, the dot chromosome, was ancestrally a differentiated X chromosome. We analyse the whole genome of true fruitflies (Tephritidae), flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) to show that genes located on the dot chromosome of Drosophila are X-linked in outgroup species, whereas Drosophila X-linked genes are autosomal. We date this chromosomal transition to early drosophilid evolution by sequencing the genome of other Drosophilidae. Our results reveal several puzzling aspects of Drosophila dot chromosome biology to be possible remnants of its former life as a sex chromosome, such as its minor feminizing role in sex determination or its targeting by a chromosome-specific regulatory mechanism. We also show that patterns of biased gene expression of the dot chromosome during early embryogenesis, oogenesis and spermatogenesis resemble that of the current X chromosome. Thus, although sex chromosomes are not necessarily evolutionary end points and can revert back to an autosomal inheritance, the highly specialized genome architecture of this former X chromosome suggests that severe fitness costs must be overcome for such a turnover to occur.

  3. [Clinical and molecular study in a family with autosomal dominant hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia].

    PubMed

    Callea, Michele; Cammarata-Scalisi, Francisco; Willoughby, Colin E; Giglio, Sabrina R; Sani, Ilaria; Bargiacchi, Sara; Traficante, Giovanna; Bellacchio, Emanuele; Tadini, Gianluca; Yavuz, Izzet; Galeotti, Angela; Clarich, Gabriella

    2017-02-01

    Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare disease characterized by deficiency in development of structure derived from the ectoderm and is caused by mutations in the genes EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD. Phenotypes caused by mutations in these three may exhibit similar clinical features, explained by a common signaling pathway. Mutations in EDA gene cause X linked HED, which is the most common form. Mutations in EDAR and EDARADD genes cause autosomal dominant and recessive form of HED. The most striking clinical findings in HED are hypodontia, hypotrichosis and hypohidrosis that can lead to episodes of hyperthermia. We report on clinical findings in a child with HED with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with a heterozygous mutation c.1072C>T (p.Arg358X) in the EDAR gene. A review of the literature with regard to other cases presenting the same mutation has been carried out and discussed. Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.

  4. Ocular features in Alport syndrome: pathogenesis and clinical significance.

    PubMed

    Savige, Judy; Sheth, Shivanand; Leys, Anita; Nicholson, Anjali; Mack, Heather G; Colville, Deb

    2015-04-07

    Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by progressive renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Mutations in the COL4A5 (X-linked), or COL4A3 and COL4A4 (autosomal recessive) genes result in absence of the collagen IV α3α4α5 network from the basement membranes of the cornea, lens capsule, and retina and are associated with corneal opacities, anterior lenticonus, fleck retinopathy, and temporal retinal thinning. Typically, these features do not affect vision or, in the case of lenticonus, are correctable. In contrast, the rarer ophthalmic complications of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, giant macular hole, and maculopathy all produce visual loss. Many of the ocular features of Alport syndrome are common, easily recognizable, and thus, helpful diagnostically, and in identifying the likelihood of early-onset renal failure. Lenticonus and central fleck retinopathy strongly suggest the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and are associated with renal failure before the age of 30 years, in males with X-linked disease. Sometimes, ophthalmic features suggest the mode of inheritance. A peripheral retinopathy in the mother of a male with hematuria suggests X-linked inheritance, and central retinopathy or lenticonus in a female means that recessive disease is likely. Ocular examination, retinal photography, and optical coherence tomography are widely available, safe, fast, inexpensive, and acceptable to patients. Ocular examination is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of Alport syndrome when genetic testing is not readily available or the results are inconclusive. It also detects complications, such as macular hole, for which new treatments are emerging. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  5. Ocular Features in Alport Syndrome: Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance

    PubMed Central

    Sheth, Shivanand; Leys, Anita; Nicholson, Anjali; Mack, Heather G.; Colville, Deb

    2015-01-01

    Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by progressive renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Mutations in the COL4A5 (X-linked), or COL4A3 and COL4A4 (autosomal recessive) genes result in absence of the collagen IV α3α4α5 network from the basement membranes of the cornea, lens capsule, and retina and are associated with corneal opacities, anterior lenticonus, fleck retinopathy, and temporal retinal thinning. Typically, these features do not affect vision or, in the case of lenticonus, are correctable. In contrast, the rarer ophthalmic complications of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, giant macular hole, and maculopathy all produce visual loss. Many of the ocular features of Alport syndrome are common, easily recognizable, and thus, helpful diagnostically, and in identifying the likelihood of early-onset renal failure. Lenticonus and central fleck retinopathy strongly suggest the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and are associated with renal failure before the age of 30 years, in males with X-linked disease. Sometimes, ophthalmic features suggest the mode of inheritance. A peripheral retinopathy in the mother of a male with hematuria suggests X-linked inheritance, and central retinopathy or lenticonus in a female means that recessive disease is likely. Ocular examination, retinal photography, and optical coherence tomography are widely available, safe, fast, inexpensive, and acceptable to patients. Ocular examination is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of Alport syndrome when genetic testing is not readily available or the results are inconclusive. It also detects complications, such as macular hole, for which new treatments are emerging. PMID:25649157

  6. X-linked Acrogigantism (X-LAG) Syndrome: Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Responses

    PubMed Central

    Beckers, Albert; Lodish, Maya Beth; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Rostomyan, Liliya; Lee, Misu; Faucz, Fabio R; Yuan, Bo; Choong, Catherine S; Caberg, Jean-Hubert; Verrua, Elisa; Naves, Luciana Ansaneli; Cheetham, Tim D; Young, Jacques; Lysy, Philippe A; Petrossians, Patrick; Cotterill, Andrew; Shah, Nalini Samir; Metzger, Daniel; Castermans, Emilie; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Villa, Chiara; Strebkova, Natalia; Mazerkina, Nadia; Gaillard, Stéphan; Barra, Gustavo Barcelos; Casulari, Luis Augusto; Neggers, Sebastian J.; Salvatori, Roberto; Jaffrain-Rea, Marie-Lise; Zacharin, Margaret; Santamaria, Beatriz Lecumberri; Zacharieva, Sabina; Lim, Ee Mun; Mantovani, Giovanna; Zatelli, Maria Chaira; Collins, Michael T; Bonneville, Jean-François; Quezado, Martha; Chittiboina, Prashant; Oldfield, Edward H.; Bours, Vincent; Liu, Pengfei; De Herder, Wouter; Pellegata, Natalia; Lupski, James R.; Daly, Adrian F.; Stratakis, Constantine A.

    2015-01-01

    X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG) is a new syndrome of pituitary gigantism, caused by microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3, encompassing the gene GPR101, which is highly upregulated in pituitary tumors. We conducted this study to explore the clinical, radiological and hormonal phenotype and responses to therapy in patients with X-LAG syndrome. The study included 18 patients (13 sporadic) with X-LAG and a microduplication in chromosome Xq26.3. All sporadic cases had unique duplications and the inheritance pattern in 2 families was dominant with all Xq26.3 duplication carriers being affected. Patients began to grow rapidly as early as 2–3 months of age (median 12 months). At diagnosis (median delay 27 months), patients had a median height and weight SDS score of >+3.9 SDS. Apart from the increased overall body size, the children had acromegalic symptoms including acral enlargement and facial coarsening. More than a third of cases had increased appetite. Patients had marked hypersecretion of GH/IGF-1 and prolactin, usually due to a pituitary macroadenoma or hyperplasia. Primary neurosurgical control was achieved with extensive anterior pituitary resection but postoperative hypopituitarism was frequent. Control with somatostatin analogs was not readily achieved despite moderate to high somatostatin receptor subtype-2 expression in tumor tissue. Postoperative adjuvant pegvisomant achieved control of IGF-1 all 5 cases in which it was employed. X-LAG is a new infant-onset gigantism syndrome that has a severe clinical phenotype leading to challenging disease management. PMID:25712922

  7. Paternal lineage early onset hereditary ovarian cancers: A Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry study.

    PubMed

    Eng, Kevin H; Szender, J Brian; Etter, John Lewis; Kaur, Jasmine; Poblete, Samantha; Huang, Ruea-Yea; Zhu, Qianqian; Grzesik, Katherine A; Battaglia, Sebastiano; Cannioto, Rikki; Krolewski, John J; Zsiros, Emese; Frederick, Peter J; Lele, Shashikant B; Moysich, Kirsten B; Odunsi, Kunle O

    2018-02-01

    Given prior evidence that an affected woman conveys a higher risk of ovarian cancer to her sister than to her mother, we hypothesized that there exists an X-linked variant evidenced by transmission to a woman from her paternal grandmother via her father. We ascertained 3,499 grandmother/granddaughter pairs from the Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute observing 892 informative pairs with 157 affected granddaughters. We performed germline X-chromosome exome sequencing on 186 women with ovarian cancer from the registry. The rate of cancers was 28.4% in paternal grandmother/granddaughter pairs and 13.9% in maternal pairs consistent with an X-linked dominant model (Chi-square test X2 = 0.02, p = 0.89) and inconsistent with an autosomal dominant model (X2 = 20.4, p<0.001). Paternal grandmother cases had an earlier age-of-onset versus maternal cases (hazard ratio HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.12-2.25) independent of BRCA1/2 status. Reinforcing the X-linked hypothesis, we observed an association between prostate cancer in men and ovarian cancer in his mother and daughters (odds ratio, OR = 2.34, p = 0.034). Unaffected mothers with affected daughters produced significantly more daughters than sons (ratio = 1.96, p<0.005). We performed exome sequencing in reported BRCA negative cases from the registry. Considering age-of-onset, one missense variant (rs176026 in MAGEC3) reached chromosome-wide significance (Hazard ratio HR = 2.85, 95%CI: 1.75-4.65) advancing the age of onset by 6.7 years. In addition to the well-known contribution of BRCA, we demonstrate that a genetic locus on the X-chromosome contributes to ovarian cancer risk. An X-linked pattern of inheritance has implications for genetic risk stratification. Women with an affected paternal grandmother and sisters of affected women are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Further work is required to validate this variant and to characterize carrier families.

  8. Paternal lineage early onset hereditary ovarian cancers: A Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry study

    PubMed Central

    Eng, Kevin H.; Szender, J. Brian; Etter, John Lewis; Kaur, Jasmine; Poblete, Samantha; Huang, Ruea-Yea; Zhu, Qianqian; Battaglia, Sebastiano; Cannioto, Rikki; Krolewski, John J.; Zsiros, Emese; Frederick, Peter J.; Lele, Shashikant B.; Moysich, Kirsten B.; Odunsi, Kunle O.

    2018-01-01

    Given prior evidence that an affected woman conveys a higher risk of ovarian cancer to her sister than to her mother, we hypothesized that there exists an X-linked variant evidenced by transmission to a woman from her paternal grandmother via her father. We ascertained 3,499 grandmother/granddaughter pairs from the Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute observing 892 informative pairs with 157 affected granddaughters. We performed germline X-chromosome exome sequencing on 186 women with ovarian cancer from the registry. The rate of cancers was 28.4% in paternal grandmother/granddaughter pairs and 13.9% in maternal pairs consistent with an X-linked dominant model (Chi-square test X2 = 0.02, p = 0.89) and inconsistent with an autosomal dominant model (X2 = 20.4, p<0.001). Paternal grandmother cases had an earlier age-of-onset versus maternal cases (hazard ratio HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.12–2.25) independent of BRCA1/2 status. Reinforcing the X-linked hypothesis, we observed an association between prostate cancer in men and ovarian cancer in his mother and daughters (odds ratio, OR = 2.34, p = 0.034). Unaffected mothers with affected daughters produced significantly more daughters than sons (ratio = 1.96, p<0.005). We performed exome sequencing in reported BRCA negative cases from the registry. Considering age-of-onset, one missense variant (rs176026 in MAGEC3) reached chromosome-wide significance (Hazard ratio HR = 2.85, 95%CI: 1.75–4.65) advancing the age of onset by 6.7 years. In addition to the well-known contribution of BRCA, we demonstrate that a genetic locus on the X-chromosome contributes to ovarian cancer risk. An X-linked pattern of inheritance has implications for genetic risk stratification. Women with an affected paternal grandmother and sisters of affected women are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Further work is required to validate this variant and to characterize carrier families. PMID:29447163

  9. Genetics Home Reference: Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis

    MedlinePlus

    ... both females (who have two X chromosomes) and males (who have one X and one Y chromosome ) normally have two functional copies of the SHOX gene in each cell. The inheritance pattern of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis is described as dominant because one missing or altered copy of the ...

  10. The Coffin-Lowry syndrome: an inherited faciodigital mental retardation syndrome.

    PubMed

    Temtamy, S A; Miller, J D; Hussels-Maumenee, I

    1975-05-01

    Eight patients in three families had mental retardation, characteristic facies and hands, and skeletal changes; the clinical features suggested to us that they had a syndrome previously thought to represent two entities described by Lowry and associates and by Coffin and associates, respectively. New findings include skeletal, orodental, and dermatoglyphic abnormalities and histopathologic changes suggesting that the syndrome is a heritable disorder of connective tissue. Severe expression in males and transmission through mildly affected females suggest X-linked or sex-influenced autosomal dominant inheritance.

  11. Inactivation of AMMECR1 is associated with growth, bone, and heart alterations.

    PubMed

    Moysés-Oliveira, Mariana; Giannuzzi, Giuliana; Fish, Richard J; Rosenfeld, Jill A; Petit, Florence; Soares, Maria de Fatima; Kulikowski, Leslie Domenici; Di-Battista, Adriana; Zamariolli, Malú; Xia, Fan; Liehr, Thomas; Kosyakova, Nadezda; Carvalheira, Gianna; Parker, Michael; Seaby, Eleanor G; Ennis, Sarah; Gilbert, Rodney D; Hagelstrom, R Tanner; Cremona, Maria L; Li, Wenhui L; Malhotra, Alka; Chandrasekhar, Anjana; Perry, Denise L; Taft, Ryan J; McCarrier, Julie; Basel, Donald G; Andrieux, Joris; Stumpp, Taiza; Antunes, Fernanda; Pereira, Gustavo José; Neerman-Arbez, Marguerite; Meloni, Vera Ayres; Drummond-Borg, Margaret; Melaragno, Maria Isabel; Reymond, Alexandre

    2018-02-01

    We report five individuals with loss-of-function of the X-linked AMMECR1: a girl with a balanced X-autosome translocation and inactivation of the normal X-chromosome; two boys with maternally inherited and de novo nonsense variants; and two half-brothers with maternally inherited microdeletion variants. They present with short stature, cardiac and skeletal abnormalities, and hearing loss. Variants of unknown significance in AMMECR1 in four male patients from two families with partially overlapping phenotypes were previously reported. AMMECR1 is coexpressed with genes implicated in cell cycle regulation, five of which were previously associated with growth and bone alterations. Our knockdown of the zebrafish orthologous gene resulted in phenotypes reminiscent of patients' features. The increased transcript and encoded protein levels of AMMECR1L, an AMMECR1 paralog, in the t(X;9) patient's cells indicate a possible partial compensatory mechanism. AMMECR1 and AMMECR1L proteins dimerize and localize to the nucleus as suggested by their nucleic acid-binding RAGNYA folds. Our results suggest that AMMECR1 is potentially involved in cell cycle control and linked to a new syndrome with growth, bone, heart, and kidney alterations with or without elliptocytosis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Update on gene therapy of inherited immune deficiencies.

    PubMed

    Engel, Barbara C; Kohn, Donald B; Podsakoff, Greg M

    2003-10-01

    Gene therapy has been under development as a way to correct inborn errors for many years. Recently, patients with two forms of inherited severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), adenosine deaminase and X-linked, treated by three different clinical investigative teams, have shown significant immune reconstitution leading to protective immunity. These advances irrefutably prove the concept that hematopoietic progenitor cell gene therapy can ameliorate these diseases. However, due to proviral insertional oncogenesis, two individuals in one of the X-SCID studies developed T-cell leukemia more than two years after the gene transfer. Depending upon the results of long-term follow-up, the successes together with the side effects highlight the relative merits of this therapeutic approach.

  13. Suspected X-linked facial dysmorphia and growth retardation in related Labrador retriever puppies.

    PubMed

    Dierks, C; Hoffmann, H; Heinrich, F; Hellige, M; Hewicker-Trautwein, M; Distl, O

    2017-02-01

    Seven male Labrador retriever puppies from four different litters were identified with a brachycephalic-like face and skull, associated with low birth weight, severe growth retardation, and reduced abilities to crawl and suckle, which were not compatible with survival. Excessive doming of the cranium, brachygnathia superior and inferior, and an abnormally opened fontanelle were found in all affected puppies by computed tomography and at post-mortem examination. Pedigree analysis supported an X-linked recessive mode of inheritance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features as Surrogate Markers of X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets Activity.

    PubMed

    Lempicki, Marta; Rothenbuhler, Anya; Merzoug, Valérie; Franchi-Abella, Stéphanie; Chaussain, Catherine; Adamsbaum, Catherine; Linglart, Agnès

    2017-01-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is the most common form of inheritable rickets. Rickets treatment is monitored by assessing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, clinical features, and radiographs. Our objectives were to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of XLH and to assess correlations with disease activity. Twenty-seven XLH patients (median age 9.2 years) were included in this prospective single-center observational study. XLH activity was assessed using height, leg bowing, dental abscess history, and serum ALP levels. We looked for correlations between MRI features and markers of disease activity. On MRI, the median maximum width of the physis was 5.6 mm (range 4.8-7.8; normal <1.5), being >1.5 mm in all of the patients. The appearance of the zone of provisional calcification was abnormal on 21 MRI images (78%), Harris lines were present on 24 (89%), and bone marrow signal abnormalities were present on 16 (59%). ALP levels correlated with the maximum physeal widening and with the transverse extent of the widening. MRI of the knee provides precise rickets patterns that are correlated with ALP, an established biochemical marker of the disease, avoiding X-ray exposure and providing surrogate quantitative markers of disease activity. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  15. Female human pluripotent stem cells rapidly lose X chromosome inactivation marks and progress to a skewed methylation pattern during culture.

    PubMed

    Geens, M; Seriola, A; Barbé, L; Santalo, J; Veiga, A; Dée, K; Van Haute, L; Sermon, K; Spits, C

    2016-04-01

    Does a preferential X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern exist in female human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and does the pattern change during long-term culture or upon differentiation? We identified two independent phenomena that lead to aberrant XCI patterns in female hPSC: a rapid loss of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and long non-coding X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) expression during culture, often accompanied by erosion of XCI-specific methylation, and a frequent loss of random XCI in the cultures. Variable XCI patterns have been reported in female hPSC, not only between different hPSC lines, but also between sub-passages of the same cell line, however the reasons for this variability remain unknown. Moreover, while non-random XCI-linked DNA methylation patterns have been previously reported, their origin and extent have not been investigated. We investigated the XCI patterns in 23 human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines, during long-term culture and after differentiation, by gene expression analysis, histone modification assessment and study of DNA methylation. The presence and location of H3K27me3 was studied by immunofluorescence, XIST expression by real-time PCR, and mono- or bi-allelic expression of X-linked genes was studied by sequencing of cDNA. XCI-specific DNA methylation was analysed using methylation-sensitive restriction and PCR, and more in depth by massive parallel bisulphite sequencing. All hPSC lines showed XCI, but we found a rapid loss of XCI marks during the early stages of in vitro culture. While this loss of XCI marks was accompanied in several cases by an extensive erosion of XCI-specific methylation, it did not result in X chromosome reactivation. Moreover, lines without strong erosion of methylation frequently displayed non-random DNA methylation, which occurred independently from the loss of XCI marks. This bias in X chromosome DNA methylation did not appear as a passenger event driven by clonal culture take-over of chromosome abnormalities and was independent of the parental origin of the X chromosome. Therefore, we suggest that a culture advantage conferred by alleles on the X chromosome or by XCI-related mechanisms may be at the basis of this phenomenon. Finally, differentiated populations inherited the aberrant XCI patterns from the undifferentiated cells they were derived from. All hPSC lines in this study were cultured in highly similar conditions. Our results may therefore be specific for these conditions and alternative culture conditions might lead to different findings. Our findings are only a first step towards elucidating the molecular events leading to the phenomena we observed. Our results highlight the significant extent of aberrant XCI in female hPSC. The fact that these aberrations are inherited by the differentiated progeny may have a significant impact on downstream research and clinical uses of hPSC. In order to achieve the full potential of hPSC, more insight into the XCI status and its stability in hPSC and its effect on the properties of the differentiated progeny is needed. Not applicable. Our research is supported by grants from the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen, grant 1502512N), Generalitat de Catalunya (2014SGR-005214) and the Methusalem grant of the Research Council of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, on name of K.S. L.V.H. is funded by EMBO (ALTF 701-2013). The authors declare no potential conflict of interest. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa is highly prevalent in the Jerusalem region with a high frequency of founder mutations.

    PubMed

    Sharon, Dror; Banin, Eyal

    2015-01-01

    Nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal degeneration, and prevalence of the disease has been reported in populations of American and European origin with a relatively low consanguinity rate. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of nonsyndromic RP in the Jerusalem region, which has a population of about 1 million individuals with a high rate of consanguinity. The patients' clinical data included eye exam findings (visual acuity, anterior segment, and funduscopy) as well as electroretinographic (ERG) testing results under scotopic and photopic conditions. Mutation analysis on a subgroup of patients was performed mainly with candidate gene analysis and homozygosity mapping. We evaluated the medical records of patients with degenerative retinal diseases residing in the Jerusalem region who were examined over the past 20 years in a large tertiary medical center. A total of 453 individuals affected with nonsyndromic RP were diagnosed at our center, according to funduscopic findings and ERG testing. Based on the estimated population size of 945,000 individuals who reside in the vicinity of Jerusalem, the prevalence of nonsyndromic RP in this region is 1:2,086. The prevalence of RP was higher among Arab Muslims (1:1,798) compared to Jews (1:2,230), mainly due to consanguineous marriages that are more common in the Arab Muslim population. To identify the genetic causes of RP in our cohort, we recruited 383 patients from 183 different families for genetic analysis: 70 with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance, 15 with autosomal dominant, 86 isolate cases, and 12 with an X-linked inheritance pattern. In 64 (35%) of the families, we identified the genetic cause of the disease, and we revised the inheritance pattern of 20 isolate cases to the AR pattern; 49% of the families in our cohort had AR inheritance. Interestingly, in 42 (66%) of the genetically identified families, the cause of disease was a founder mutation. Previous studies showed an approximate prevalence of 1:5,260 on average for nonsyndromic RP in American and European populations. We show that the prevalence in the vicinity of Jerusalem is two-and-a-half times higher due to a high rate of consanguinity and highly prevalent founder mutations within the historically semi-isolated subpopulations we serve.

  17. Nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa is highly prevalent in the Jerusalem region with a high frequency of founder mutations

    PubMed Central

    Banin, Eyal

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal degeneration, and prevalence of the disease has been reported in populations of American and European origin with a relatively low consanguinity rate. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of nonsyndromic RP in the Jerusalem region, which has a population of about 1 million individuals with a high rate of consanguinity. Methods The patients’ clinical data included eye exam findings (visual acuity, anterior segment, and funduscopy) as well as electroretinographic (ERG) testing results under scotopic and photopic conditions. Mutation analysis on a subgroup of patients was performed mainly with candidate gene analysis and homozygosity mapping. Results We evaluated the medical records of patients with degenerative retinal diseases residing in the Jerusalem region who were examined over the past 20 years in a large tertiary medical center. A total of 453 individuals affected with nonsyndromic RP were diagnosed at our center, according to funduscopic findings and ERG testing. Based on the estimated population size of 945,000 individuals who reside in the vicinity of Jerusalem, the prevalence of nonsyndromic RP in this region is 1:2,086. The prevalence of RP was higher among Arab Muslims (1:1,798) compared to Jews (1:2,230), mainly due to consanguineous marriages that are more common in the Arab Muslim population. To identify the genetic causes of RP in our cohort, we recruited 383 patients from 183 different families for genetic analysis: 70 with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance, 15 with autosomal dominant, 86 isolate cases, and 12 with an X-linked inheritance pattern. In 64 (35%) of the families, we identified the genetic cause of the disease, and we revised the inheritance pattern of 20 isolate cases to the AR pattern; 49% of the families in our cohort had AR inheritance. Interestingly, in 42 (66%) of the genetically identified families, the cause of disease was a founder mutation. Conclusions Previous studies showed an approximate prevalence of 1:5,260 on average for nonsyndromic RP in American and European populations. We show that the prevalence in the vicinity of Jerusalem is two-and-a-half times higher due to a high rate of consanguinity and highly prevalent founder mutations within the historically semi-isolated subpopulations we serve. PMID:26261414

  18. Scope for more genetic testing in learning disability. Case report of an inherited duplication on the X-chromosome.

    PubMed

    Robertshaw, B A; MacPherson, J

    2006-08-01

    There have been major advances in the past few years in our understanding of the X-linked learning disabilities. The most common of these is the fragile-X syndrome, but the number of other gene defects that are now recognised to be linked with learning disability is increasing year on year. We describe one family displaying a family displaying a rare X-linked abnormality. Repeat genetic testing was requested for a family member with mild learning disability when, following chromosomal analysis for her brother, it became known that he had a genetic defect. The genetic defect 46, Xdup(X) (p22.13 p22.31) was identified. To our knowledge this is the first time this precise configuration has been demonstrated. We conclude that genetic testing for individuals with learning disability is worthwhile, even when there may be only a low index of suspicion.

  19. A general model for likelihood computations of genetic marker data accounting for linkage, linkage disequilibrium, and mutations.

    PubMed

    Kling, Daniel; Tillmar, Andreas; Egeland, Thore; Mostad, Petter

    2015-09-01

    Several applications necessitate an unbiased determination of relatedness, be it in linkage or association studies or in a forensic setting. An appropriate model to compute the joint probability of some genetic data for a set of persons given some hypothesis about the pedigree structure is then required. The increasing number of markers available through high-density SNP microarray typing and NGS technologies intensifies the demand, where using a large number of markers may lead to biased results due to strong dependencies between closely located loci, both within pedigrees (linkage) and in the population (allelic association or linkage disequilibrium (LD)). We present a new general model, based on a Markov chain for inheritance patterns and another Markov chain for founder allele patterns, the latter allowing us to account for LD. We also demonstrate a specific implementation for X chromosomal markers that allows for computation of likelihoods based on hypotheses of alleged relationships and genetic marker data. The algorithm can simultaneously account for linkage, LD, and mutations. We demonstrate its feasibility using simulated examples. The algorithm is implemented in the software FamLinkX, providing a user-friendly GUI for Windows systems (FamLinkX, as well as further usage instructions, is freely available at www.famlink.se ). Our software provides the necessary means to solve cases where no previous implementation exists. In addition, the software has the possibility to perform simulations in order to further study the impact of linkage and LD on computed likelihoods for an arbitrary set of markers.

  20. Phenotype-genotype correlations in X linked retinitis pigmentosa.

    PubMed Central

    Kaplan, J; Pelet, A; Martin, C; Delrieu, O; Aymé, S; Bonneau, D; Briard, M L; Hanauer, A; Larget-Piet, L; Lefrançois, P

    1992-01-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) represents a group of clinically heterogeneous retinal degenerations in which all modes of inheritance have been described. We have previously found two different clinical profiles in X linked RP as a function of age and mode of onset. The first clinical form has very early onset with severe myopia. The second form starts later with night blindness with mild myopia or none. At least two genes have been identified in X linked forms, namely RP2 (linked to DXS7, DXS255, and DXS14) and RP3 (linked to DXS84 and OTC) on the short arm of the X chromosome. In order to contribute to phenotype-genotype correlations in X linked RP, we tested the hypothesis that the two clinical profiles could be accounted for by the two different gene loci. The present study provides evidence for linkage of the clinical form with early myopia as the onset symptom with the RP2 gene (pairwise linkage to DXS255: Z = 3.13 at theta = 0), while the clinical form with later night blindness as the onset symptom is linked to the RP3 gene (pairwise linkage to OTC: Z = 4.16 at theta = 0). Images PMID:1357178

  1. Behavioural Phenotype in Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    de Winter, C. F.; van Dijk, F.; Stolker, J. J.; Hennekam, R. C. M.

    2009-01-01

    Background: Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLs) is an X-linked inherited disorder characterised by unusual facial features, abnormal fat distribution and intellectual disability. As many genetically determined disorders are characterised not only by physical features but also by specific behaviour, we studied whether a specific behavioural…

  2. Vascular and connective tissue anomalies associated with X-linked periventricular heterotopia due to mutations in Filamin A

    PubMed Central

    Reinstein, Eyal; Frentz, Sophia; Morgan, Tim; García-Miñaúr, Sixto; Leventer, Richard J; McGillivray, George; Pariani, Mitchel; van der Steen, Anthony; Pope, Michael; Holder-Espinasse, Muriel; Scott, Richard; Thompson, Elizabeth M; Robertson, Terry; Coppin, Brian; Siegel, Robert; Bret Zurita, Montserrat; Rodríguez, Jose I; Morales, Carmen; Rodrigues, Yuri; Arcas, Joaquín; Saggar, Anand; Horton, Margaret; Zackai, Elaine; Graham, John M; Rimoin, David L; Robertson, Stephen P

    2013-01-01

    Mutations conferring loss of function at the FLNA (encoding filamin A) locus lead to X-linked periventricular nodular heterotopia (XL-PH), with seizures constituting the most common clinical manifestation of this disorder in female heterozygotes. Vascular dilatation (mainly the aorta), joint hypermobility and variable skin findings are also associated anomalies, with some reports suggesting that this might represents a separate syndrome allelic to XL-PH, termed as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-periventricular heterotopia variant (EDS-PH). Here, we report a cohort of 11 males and females with both hypomorphic and null mutations in FLNA that manifest a wide spectrum of connective tissue and vascular anomalies. The spectrum of cutaneous defects was broader than previously described and is inconsistent with a specific type of EDS. We also extend the range of vascular anomalies associated with XL-PH to included peripheral arterial dilatation and atresia. Based on these observations, we suggest that there is little molecular or clinical justification for considering EDS-PH as a separate entity from XL-PH, but instead propose that there is a spectrum of vascular and connective tissues anomalies associated with this condition for which all individuals with loss-of-function mutations in FLNA should be evaluated. In addition, since some patients with XL-PH can present primarily with a joint hypermobility syndrome, we propose that screening for cardiovascular manifestations should be offered to those patients when there are associated seizures or an X-linked pattern of inheritance. PMID:23032111

  3. Identification of a Novel Heterozygous Missense Mutation in the CACNA1F Gene in a Chinese Family with Retinitis Pigmentosa by Next Generation Sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Tania, Mousumi; Wang, Hui; Khan, Md. Asaduzzaman; Duan, Chengxia; Zhu, Li; Chen, Rui; Lv, Hongbin

    2015-01-01

    Background. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease, which is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and the inheritance pattern is complex. In this study, we have intended to study the possible association of certain genes with X-linked RP (XLRP) in a Chinese family. Methods. A Chinese family with RP was recruited, and a total of seven individuals were enrolled in this genetic study. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes, and used for the next generation sequencing (NGS). Results. The affected individual presented the clinical signs of XLRP. A heterozygous missense mutation (c.1555C>T, p.R519W) was identified by NGS in exon 13 of the CACNA1F gene on X chromosome, and was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. It showed perfect cosegregation with the disease in the family. The mutation at this position in the CACNA1F gene of RP was found novel by database searching. Conclusion. By using NGS, we have found a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.1555C>T, p.R519W) in CACNA1F gene, which is probably associated with XLRP. The findings might provide new insights into the cause and diagnosis of RP, and have implications for genetic counseling and clinical management in this family. PMID:26075273

  4. X-linked acrogigantism syndrome: clinical profile and therapeutic responses.

    PubMed

    Beckers, Albert; Lodish, Maya Beth; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Rostomyan, Liliya; Lee, Misu; Faucz, Fabio R; Yuan, Bo; Choong, Catherine S; Caberg, Jean-Hubert; Verrua, Elisa; Naves, Luciana Ansaneli; Cheetham, Tim D; Young, Jacques; Lysy, Philippe A; Petrossians, Patrick; Cotterill, Andrew; Shah, Nalini Samir; Metzger, Daniel; Castermans, Emilie; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Villa, Chiara; Strebkova, Natalia; Mazerkina, Nadia; Gaillard, Stéphan; Barra, Gustavo Barcelos; Casulari, Luis Augusto; Neggers, Sebastian J; Salvatori, Roberto; Jaffrain-Rea, Marie-Lise; Zacharin, Margaret; Santamaria, Beatriz Lecumberri; Zacharieva, Sabina; Lim, Ee Mun; Mantovani, Giovanna; Zatelli, Maria Chaira; Collins, Michael T; Bonneville, Jean-François; Quezado, Martha; Chittiboina, Prashant; Oldfield, Edward H; Bours, Vincent; Liu, Pengfei; W de Herder, Wouter; Pellegata, Natalia; Lupski, James R; Daly, Adrian F; Stratakis, Constantine A

    2015-06-01

    X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG) is a new syndrome of pituitary gigantism, caused by microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3, encompassing the gene GPR101, which is highly upregulated in pituitary tumors. We conducted this study to explore the clinical, radiological, and hormonal phenotype and responses to therapy in patients with X-LAG syndrome. The study included 18 patients (13 sporadic) with X-LAG and microduplication of chromosome Xq26.3. All sporadic cases had unique duplications and the inheritance pattern in two families was dominant, with all Xq26.3 duplication carriers being affected. Patients began to grow rapidly as early as 2-3 months of age (median 12 months). At diagnosis (median delay 27 months), patients had a median height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS) of >+3.9 SDS. Apart from the increased overall body size, the children had acromegalic symptoms including acral enlargement and facial coarsening. More than a third of cases had increased appetite. Patients had marked hypersecretion of GH/IGF1 and usually prolactin, due to a pituitary macroadenoma or hyperplasia. Primary neurosurgical control was achieved with extensive anterior pituitary resection, but postoperative hypopituitarism was frequent. Control with somatostatin analogs was not readily achieved despite moderate to high levels of expression of somatostatin receptor subtype-2 in tumor tissue. Postoperative use of adjuvant pegvisomant resulted in control of IGF1 in all five cases where it was employed. X-LAG is a new infant-onset gigantism syndrome that has a severe clinical phenotype leading to challenging disease management. © 2015 Society for Endocrinology.

  5. Novel Missense Mutation A789V in IQSEC2 Underlies X-Linked Intellectual Disability in the MRX78 Family

    PubMed Central

    Kalscheuer, Vera M.; James, Victoria M.; Himelright, Miranda L.; Long, Philip; Oegema, Renske; Jensen, Corinna; Bienek, Melanie; Hu, Hao; Haas, Stefan A.; Topf, Maya; Hoogeboom, A. Jeannette M.; Harvey, Kirsten; Walikonis, Randall; Harvey, Robert J.

    2016-01-01

    Disease gene discovery in neurodevelopmental disorders, including X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) has recently been accelerated by next-generation DNA sequencing approaches. To date, more than 100 human X chromosome genes involved in neuronal signaling pathways and networks implicated in cognitive function have been identified. Despite these advances, the mutations underlying disease in a large number of XLID families remained unresolved. We report the resolution of MRX78, a large family with six affected males and seven affected females, showing X-linked inheritance. Although a previous linkage study had mapped the locus to the short arm of chromosome X (Xp11.4-p11.23), this region contained too many candidate genes to be analyzed using conventional approaches. However, our X-chromosome exome resequencing, bioinformatics analysis and inheritance testing revealed a missense mutation (c.C2366T, p.A789V) in IQSEC2, encoding a neuronal GDP-GTP exchange factor for Arf family GTPases (ArfGEF) previously implicated in XLID. Molecular modeling of IQSEC2 revealed that the A789V substitution results in the insertion of a larger side-chain into a hydrophobic pocket in the catalytic Sec7 domain of IQSEC2. The A789V change is predicted to result in numerous clashes with adjacent amino acids and disruption of local folding of the Sec7 domain. Consistent with this finding, functional assays revealed that recombinant IQSEC2A789V was not able to catalyze GDP-GTP exchange on Arf6 as efficiently as wild-type IQSEC2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the A789V mutation in IQSEC2 is the underlying cause of XLID in the MRX78 family. PMID:26793055

  6. X linked exudative vitreoretinopathy: clinical features and genetic linkage analysis.

    PubMed

    Fullwood, P; Jones, J; Bundey, S; Dudgeon, J; Fielder, A R; Kilpatrick, M W

    1993-03-01

    A four generation family in which familial exudative vitreoretinopathy is inherited as an X linked condition is described. Essentially the condition is one of abnormal vascularisation and signs at birth are those of a retinopathy superficially resembling retinopathy of prematurity, retinal folds, or, in advanced cases, enophthalmos or even phthisis. Prognosis depends on the progression of the retinal changes. The family members, including seven affected males and five obligate carrier females, have been types for 20 DNA markers, and linkage analysis suggests a gene locus either at Xq21.3 or at Xp11. As the latter region includes the locus for the gene for Norrie disease, it is possible that this and X linked vitreoretinopathy are allelic. We can further speculate that the differences in severity of the clinical manifestations are dependent only upon the timing of the insult.

  7. Genotypic analysis of X-linked retinoschisis in Western Australia.

    PubMed

    Lamey, Tina; Laurin, Sarina; Chelva, Enid; De Roach, John

    2010-01-01

    X-linked Retinoschisis is a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration. Four Western Australian families affected by X-Linked Retinoschisis were analysed using DNA and clinical information from the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Register and DNA Bank. By direct sequencing of the RS1 gene, three genetic variants were identified; 52+1G > T, 289T > G and 416delA. 289T > G has not been previously reported and is likely to cause a substitution of a membrane binding residue (W92G) in the functional discoidin domain. All clinically diagnosed individuals showed typical electronegative ERGs. The 52+1G > T obligate carrier also recorded a bilaterally abnormal rod ERG and mildly abnormal photopic responses. mfERG trace arrays showed reduced response densities in the paramacular region extending futher temporally for each eye.

  8. Mapping of the X-linked cataract (Xcat) mutation, the gene implicated in the Nance Horan syndrome, on the mouse X chromosome.

    PubMed

    Stambolian, D; Favor, J; Silvers, W; Avner, P; Chapman, V; Zhou, E

    1994-07-15

    The Xcat mutation in the mouse, an X-linked inherited disorder, is characterized by the congenital onset of cataracts. The cataracts have morphologies similar to those of cataracts found in the human Nance Horan (X-linked cataract dental) syndrome, suggesting that Xcat is an animal model for Nance Horan. The Xcat mutation provides an opportunity to investigate, at the molecular level, the pathogenesis of cataract. As a first step to cloning the Xcat gene, we report the localization of the Xcat mutation with respect to known molecular markers on the mouse X chromosome. Back-cross progeny carrying the Xcat mutation were obtained from an interspecific cross. Genomic DNA from each mouse was subjected to Southern and PCR analysis to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms and simple sequence length polymorphisms, respectively. Our results refine the location of Xcat to a 2-cM region, eliminate several genes from consideration as the Xcat mutation, identify molecular probes tightly linked with Xcat, and suggest candidate genes responsible for the Xcat phenotype.

  9. Biochemical and molecular analysis of an X-linked case of Leigh syndrome associated with thiamin-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.

    PubMed

    Naito, E; Ito, M; Yokota, I; Saijo, T; Matsuda, J; Osaka, H; Kimura, S; Kuroda, Y

    1997-08-01

    We report molecular analysis of thiamin-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency in a patient with an X-linked form of Leigh syndrome. PDHC activity in cultured lymphoblastoid cells of this patient and his asymptomatic mother were normal in the presence of a high thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) concentration (0.4 mmol/L). However, in the presence of a low concentration (1 x 10(-4) mmol/L) of TPP, the activity was significantly decreased, indicating that PDHC deficiency in this patient was due to decreased affinity of PDHC for TPP. The patient's older brother also was diagnosed as PDHC deficiency with Leigh syndrome, suggesting that PDHC deficiency in these two brothers was not a de novo mutation. Sequencing of the X-linked PDHC E1 alpha subunit revealed a C-->G point mutation at nucleotide 787, resulting in a substitution of glycine for arginine 263. Restriction enzyme analysis of the E1 alpha gene revealed that the mother was a heterozygote, indicating that thiamin-responsive PDHC deficiency associated with Leigh syndrome due to this mutation is transmitted by X-linked inheritance.

  10. Detection of Clinically Relevant Genetic Variants in Autism Spectrum Disorder by Whole-Genome Sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Yong-hui; Yuen, Ryan K.C.; Jin, Xin; Wang, Mingbang; Chen, Nong; Wu, Xueli; Ju, Jia; Mei, Junpu; Shi, Yujian; He, Mingze; Wang, Guangbiao; Liang, Jieqin; Wang, Zhe; Cao, Dandan; Carter, Melissa T.; Chrysler, Christina; Drmic, Irene E.; Howe, Jennifer L.; Lau, Lynette; Marshall, Christian R.; Merico, Daniele; Nalpathamkalam, Thomas; Thiruvahindrapuram, Bhooma; Thompson, Ann; Uddin, Mohammed; Walker, Susan; Luo, Jun; Anagnostou, Evdokia; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie; Ring, Robert H.; Wang, Jian; Lajonchere, Clara; Wang, Jun; Shih, Andy; Szatmari, Peter; Yang, Huanming; Dawson, Geraldine; Li, Yingrui; Scherer, Stephen W.

    2013-01-01

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrates high heritability and familial clustering, yet the genetic causes remain only partially understood as a result of extensive clinical and genomic heterogeneity. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) shows promise as a tool for identifying ASD risk genes as well as unreported mutations in known loci, but an assessment of its full utility in an ASD group has not been performed. We used WGS to examine 32 families with ASD to detect de novo or rare inherited genetic variants predicted to be deleterious (loss-of-function and damaging missense mutations). Among ASD probands, we identified deleterious de novo mutations in six of 32 (19%) families and X-linked or autosomal inherited alterations in ten of 32 (31%) families (some had combinations of mutations). The proportion of families identified with such putative mutations was larger than has been previously reported; this yield was in part due to the comprehensive and uniform coverage afforded by WGS. Deleterious variants were found in four unrecognized, nine known, and eight candidate ASD risk genes. Examples include CAPRIN1 and AFF2 (both linked to FMR1, which is involved in fragile X syndrome), VIP (involved in social-cognitive deficits), and other genes such as SCN2A and KCNQ2 (linked to epilepsy), NRXN1, and CHD7, which causes ASD-associated CHARGE syndrome. Taken together, these results suggest that WGS and thorough bioinformatic analyses for de novo and rare inherited mutations will improve the detection of genetic variants likely to be associated with ASD or its accompanying clinical symptoms. PMID:23849776

  11. Multiple sclerosis in an adrenoleukodystrophy carrier

    PubMed Central

    Jenkins, Thomas; Sarasamma, Priya; Gillett, Godfrey; Coley, Stuart; Sharrack, Basil

    2011-01-01

    X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder, in which accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) results in damage to the central nervous system. As the disease is X-linked, males are affected severely, but female carriers may also present with neurological symptoms. We report the case of a young adult female, who presented with episodic sensorimotor symptoms. Although she was a heterozygous female carrier of X-ALD, subsequent investigations confirmed a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a female X-ALD carrier in which the clinical features were more consistent with co-existent MS than ALD-related pathology. The case serves as a reminder that alternative, more common diagnoses should also be considered in carriers of rare neurological syndromes. PMID:24765366

  12. Identification of a novel PHEX mutation in a Chinese family with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets using exome sequencing.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Lamei; Wu, Song; Xu, Hongbo; Xiao, Jingjing; Yang, Zhijian; Xia, Hong; Liu, An; Hu, Pengzhi; Lu, Anjie; Chen, Yulan; Xu, Fengping; Deng, Hao

    2015-01-01

    Familial hypophosphatemic rickets (HR), the most common inherited form of rickets, is a group of inherited renal phosphate wasting disorders characterized by growth retardation, rickets with bone deformities, osteomalacia, poor dental development, and hypophosphatemia. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic defect responsible for familial HR in a four-generation Chinese Han pedigree by exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Clinical features include skeletal deformities, teeth abnormalities, hearing impairments and variable serum phosphate level in patients of this family. A novel deletion mutation, c.1553delT (p.F518Sfs*4), was identified in the X-linked phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog gene (PHEX). The mutation is predicted to result in prematurely truncated and loss-of-function PHEX protein. Our data suggest that exome sequencing is a powerful tool to discover mutation(s) in HR, a disorder with genetic and clinical heterogeneity. The findings may also provide new insights into the cause and diagnosis of HR, and have implications for genetic counseling and clinical management.

  13. Genetic forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI): Vasopressin receptor defect (X-linked) and aquaporin defect (autosomal recessive and dominant).

    PubMed

    Bichet, Daniel G; Bockenhauer, Detlef

    2016-03-01

    Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), which can be inherited or acquired, is characterized by an inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated plasma concentrations of the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP). Polyuria with hyposthenuria and polydipsia are the cardinal clinical manifestations of the disease. About 90% of patients with congenital NDI are males with X-linked NDI who have mutations in the vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2) gene encoding the vasopressin V2 receptor. In less than 10% of the families studied, congenital NDI has an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with mutations in the aquaporin-2 (AQP2) gene. When studied in vitro, most AVPR2 and AQP2 mutations lead to proteins trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum and are unable to reach the plasma membrane. Prior knowledge of AVPR2 or AQP2 mutations in NDI families and perinatal mutation testing is of direct clinical value and can avert the physical and mental retardation associated with repeated episodes of dehydration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Discoveries and controversies in cutaneous mosaicism.

    PubMed

    Castori, Marco; Tadini, Gianluca

    2016-06-01

    Genetic mosaicism is thought to be a common phenomenon in inherited skin disorders. It is the leading molecular mechanism explaining cutaneous hamartomas and nevoid disorders, skin manifestations of most X-linked genodermatoses and specific forms of clinical variability and topographic distribution in autosomal skin disorders. The developmental (in utero) origin and timing dependence are two major attributes for the current definition of cutaneous mosaicism. Chromosomal mosaicism, lyonization in X-linked genodermatoses, and various types of mosaicism (i.e. type 1, type 2 and revertant mosaicism) in autosomal skin disorders are mechanisms well defined at the molecular level. All these concepts have been fully included in the current medical terminology in dermatology and genetics. Mitotic crossing-over, paradominant inheritance, monoallelic expression of autosomal traits and mosaicism in acquired skin disorders remain without a formal molecular proof and still represent sources of debate in the scientific community. This review summarizes current concepts, discoveries and controversies in the field of cutaneous mosaicism for practitioners and clinical researchers to enhance their understanding of such a underestimated clinical phenomenon and its biological basis.

  15. Diagnosis of Fanconi Anemia: Chromosomal Breakage Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Oostra, Anneke B.; Nieuwint, Aggie W. M.; Joenje, Hans; de Winter, Johan P.

    2012-01-01

    Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited syndrome with diverse clinical symptoms including developmental defects, short stature, bone marrow failure, and a high risk of malignancies. Fifteen genetic subtypes have been distinguished so far. The mode of inheritance for all subtypes is autosomal recessive, except for FA-B, which is X-linked. Cells derived from FA patients are—by definition—hypersensitive to DNA cross-linking agents, such as mitomycin C, diepoxybutane, or cisplatinum, which becomes manifest as excessive growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and chromosomal breakage upon cellular exposure to these drugs. Here we provide a detailed laboratory protocol for the accurate assessment of the FA diagnosis as based on mitomycin C-induced chromosomal breakage analysis in whole-blood cultures. The method also enables a quantitative estimate of the degree of mosaicism in the lymphocyte compartment of the patient. PMID:22693659

  16. Faster-X Evolution of Gene Expression in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    Meisel, Richard P.; Malone, John H.; Clark, Andrew G.

    2012-01-01

    DNA sequences on X chromosomes often have a faster rate of evolution when compared to similar loci on the autosomes, and well articulated models provide reasons why the X-linked mode of inheritance may be responsible for the faster evolution of X-linked genes. We analyzed microarray and RNA–seq data collected from females and males of six Drosophila species and found that the expression levels of X-linked genes also diverge faster than autosomal gene expression, similar to the “faster-X” effect often observed in DNA sequence evolution. Faster-X evolution of gene expression was recently described in mammals, but it was limited to the evolutionary lineages shortly following the creation of the therian X chromosome. In contrast, we detect a faster-X effect along both deep lineages and those on the tips of the Drosophila phylogeny. In Drosophila males, the dosage compensation complex (DCC) binds the X chromosome, creating a unique chromatin environment that promotes the hyper-expression of X-linked genes. We find that DCC binding, chromatin environment, and breadth of expression are all predictive of the rate of gene expression evolution. In addition, estimates of the intraspecific genetic polymorphism underlying gene expression variation suggest that X-linked expression levels are not under relaxed selective constraints. We therefore hypothesize that the faster-X evolution of gene expression is the result of the adaptive fixation of beneficial mutations at X-linked loci that change expression level in cis. This adaptive faster-X evolution of gene expression is limited to genes that are narrowly expressed in a single tissue, suggesting that relaxed pleiotropic constraints permit a faster response to selection. Finally, we present a conceptional framework to explain faster-X expression evolution, and we use this framework to examine differences in the faster-X effect between Drosophila and mammals. PMID:23071459

  17. Does genomic imprinting play a role in autoimmunity?

    PubMed

    Camprubí, Cristina; Monk, David

    2011-01-01

    In the 19th century Gregor Mendel defined the laws of genetic inheritance by crossing different types of peas. From these results arose his principle of equivalence: the gene will have the same behaviour whether it is inherited from the mother or the father. Today, several key exceptions to this principle are known, for example sex-linked traits and genes in the mitochondrial genome, whose inheritance patterns are referred to as 'non mendelian'. A third, important exception in mammals is that of genomic imprinting, where transcripts are expressed in a monoallelic fashion from only the maternal or the paternal chromosome. In this chapter, we discuss how parent-of-origin effects and genomic imprinting may play a role in autoimmunity and speculate how imprinted miRNAs may influence the expression of many target autoimmune associated genes.

  18. FTD and ALS: genetic ties that bind.

    PubMed

    Orr, Harry T

    2011-10-20

    Curiously, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), seemingly disparate neurodegenerative disorders, can be inherited together. Two groups (DeJesus-Hernandez et al. and Renton et al.) show that the long sought after ALS/FTD mutation on chromosomal region 9p is a hexanucleotide expansion in C90RF72. These studies, plus a study on X-linked ALS/FTD, provide molecular starting points for identifying pathways that link ALS and FTD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Mapping of a possible X-linked form of familial developmental dysphasia (FDD) in a single large pedigree

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dunne, P.W.; Doody, R.S.; Epstein, H.F.

    Children diagnosed with developmental dysphasia develop speech very late without exhibiting sensory or motor dysfunction, and when they do begin to speak their grammar is abnormal. A large three-generation British pedigree was recently identified in which 16 out of 30 members were diagnosed as dysphasic. Assuming a dominant mode of inheritance with homogeneous phenotypic expression and complete penetrance among affected members, we showed by simulation analysis that this pedigree has the power to detect linkage to marker loci with an average maximum LOD score of 3.67 at {theta}=0.1. Given the absence of male-to-male transmission and a ratio of female tomore » male affecteds (10/6) in this pedigree within the expected range for an X-linked dominant mode of inheritance, we decided to begin a genome-wide linkage analysis with microsatellite markers on the human X chromosome. Fifteen individuals (10 affected) from three generations were genotyped with 35 polymorphic STS`s (Research Genetics) which were approximately uniformly distributed along the X chromosome. Two-point linkage was assessed using the MLINK and ILINK programs from the LINKAGE package. Markers DXS1223, DXS987, DXS996 and DXS1060 on Xp22 showed consistent linkage to the disease locus with a maximum LOD score of 0.86 at a distance of 22 cM for DXS1060. If further analysis with additional markers and additional family members confirms X-linkage, such a localization would provide support for Lehrke`s hypothesis for X-linkage of major intellectual traits including verbal functioning.« less

  20. Characterization of X Chromosome Inactivation Using Integrated Analysis of Whole-Exome and mRNA Sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Szelinger, Szabolcs; Malenica, Ivana; Corneveaux, Jason J.; Siniard, Ashley L.; Kurdoglu, Ahmet A.; Ramsey, Keri M.; Schrauwen, Isabelle; Trent, Jeffrey M.; Narayanan, Vinodh; Huentelman, Matthew J.; Craig, David W.

    2014-01-01

    In females, X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic, gene dosage compensatory mechanism by inactivation of one copy of X in cells. Random XCI of one of the parental chromosomes results in an approximately equal proportion of cells expressing alleles from either the maternally or paternally inherited active X, and is defined by the XCI ratio. Skewed XCI ratio is suggestive of non-random inactivation, which can play an important role in X-linked genetic conditions. Current methods rely on indirect, semi-quantitative DNA methylation-based assay to estimate XCI ratio. Here we report a direct approach to estimate XCI ratio by integrated, family-trio based whole-exome and mRNA sequencing using phase-by-transmission of alleles coupled with allele-specific expression analysis. We applied this method to in silico data and to a clinical patient with mild cognitive impairment but no clear diagnosis or understanding molecular mechanism underlying the phenotype. Simulation showed that phased and unphased heterozygous allele expression can be used to estimate XCI ratio. Segregation analysis of the patient's exome uncovered a de novo, interstitial, 1.7 Mb deletion on Xp22.31 that originated on the paternally inherited X and previously been associated with heterogeneous, neurological phenotype. Phased, allelic expression data suggested an 83∶20 moderately skewed XCI that favored the expression of the maternally inherited, cytogenetically normal X and suggested that the deleterious affect of the de novo event on the paternal copy may be offset by skewed XCI that favors expression of the wild-type X. This study shows the utility of integrated sequencing approach in XCI ratio estimation. PMID:25503791

  1. Gene therapy for inherited muscle diseases: where genetics meets rehabilitation medicine.

    PubMed

    Braun, Robynne; Wang, Zejing; Mack, David L; Childers, Martin K

    2014-11-01

    The development of clinical vectors to correct genetic mutations that cause inherited myopathies and related disorders of skeletal muscle is advancing at an impressive rate. Adeno-associated virus vectors are attractive for clinical use because (1) adeno-associated viruses do not cause human disease and (2) these vectors are able to persist for years. New vectors are now becoming available as gene therapy delivery tools, and recent preclinical experiments have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of gene therapy with adeno-associated virus for long-term correction of muscle pathology and weakness in myotubularin-deficient canine and murine disease models. In this review, recent advances in the application of gene therapies to treat inherited muscle disorders are presented, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and x-linked myotubular myopathy. Potential areas for therapeutic synergies between rehabilitation medicine and genetics are also discussed.

  2. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in a consanguineous family: phenotypic variability and report of a homozygous female patient.

    PubMed

    Gliem, Martin; Holz, Frank G; Stöhr, Heidi; Weber, Bernhard H F; Charbel Issa, Peter

    2014-12-01

    To describe the phenotypic variability in a consanguineous family with genetically confirmed X-linked retinoschisis. Five patients, including one homozygous female, were characterized by clinical examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, mapping of macular pigment optical density, electroretinography, and DNA testing. The 36-year-old male index patient showed a ring of enhanced autofluorescence and outer retinal atrophy on optical coherence tomography. Electroretinography testing revealed a reduced a/b ratio. His mother presented with a central atrophic retina with markedly reduced autofluorescence signal and a surrounding ring of enhanced autofluorescence. The 40-year-old brother of the index patient and his 2 sons showed characteristic signs for X-linked retinoschisis, including retinal schisis and a reduced a/b ratio. Genetic testing revealed a c.293C>A mutation in the RS1 gene in all affected family members while the mother of the index patient was homozygous for this mutation. X-linked retinoschisis can present with a wide phenotypic variability. Here, detailed family history and genetic testing established the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis despite striking differences in phenotypic presentation in affected subjects, homozygosity of one affected female, and seemingly dominant inheritance in three subsequent generations because of multiple consanguinity.

  3. Inheritance and heritability of deltamethrin resistance under laboratory conditions of Triatoma infestans from Bolivia.

    PubMed

    Gomez, Marinely Bustamante; Pessoa, Grasielle D'Avila Caldas; Rosa, Aline Cristine Luiz; Echeverria, Jorge Espinoza; Diotaiuti, Liléia Gonçalves

    2015-11-16

    Over the last few decades, pyrethroid-resistant in Triatoma infestans populations have been reported, mainly on the border between Argentina and Bolivia. Understanding the genetic basis of inheritance mode and heritability of resistance to insecticides under laboratory conditions is crucial for vector management and monitoring of insecticide resistance. Currently, few studies have been performed to characterize the inheritance mode of resistance to pyrethroids in T. infestans; for this reason, the present study aims to characterize the inheritance and heritability of deltamethrin resistance in T. infestans populations from Bolivia with different toxicological profiles. Experimental crosses were performed between a susceptible (S) colony and resistant (R) and reduced susceptibility (RS) colonies in both directions (♀ x ♂ and ♂ x ♀), and inheritance mode was determined based on degree of dominance (DO) and effective dominance (D(ML)). In addition, realized heritability (h(2)) was estimated based on a resistant colony, and select pressure was performed for two generations based on the diagnostic dose (10 ng. i. a. /nymph). The F1 progeny of the experimental crosses and the selection were tested by a standard insecticide resistance bioassay. The result for DO and D(ML) (< 1) indicates that resistance is an incompletely dominant character, and inheritance is autosomal, not sex-linked. The LD50 for F1 of ♀S x ♂R and ♂S x ♀R was 0.74 and 3.97, respectively, which is indicative of dilution effect. In the resistant colony, after selection pressure, the value of h(2) was 0.37; thus, the LD50 value increased 2.25-fold (F2) and 26.83-fold (F3) compared with the parental colony. The inheritance mode of resistance of T. infestans to deltamethrin, is autosomal and an incompletely dominant character; this is a previously known process, confirmed in the present study on T. infestans populations from Bolivia. The lethal doses (LD50) increase from one generation to another rapidly after selection pressure with deltamethrin. This suggests that resistance is an additive and cumulative factor, mainly in highly structured populations with limited dispersal capacity, such as T. infestans. This phenomenon was demonstrated for the first time for T. infestans in the present study. These results are very important for vector control strategies in problematic areas where high resistance ratios of T. infestans have been reported.

  4. Effect of heterogeneity and assumed mode of inheritance on lod scores.

    PubMed

    Durner, M; Greenberg, D A

    1992-02-01

    Heterogeneity is a major factor in many common, complex diseases and can confound linkage analysis. Using computer-simulated heterogeneous data we tested what effect unlinked families have on a linkage analysis when heterogeneity is not taken into account. We created 60 data sets of 40 nuclear families each with different proportions of linked and unlinked families and with different modes of inheritance. The ascertainment probability was 0.05, the disease had a penetrance of 0.6, and the recombination fraction for the linked families was zero. For the analysis we used a variety of assumed modes of inheritance and penetrances. Under these conditions we looked at the effect of the unlinked families on the lod score, the evaluation of the mode of inheritance, and the estimate of penetrance and of the recombination fraction in the linked families. 1. When the analysis was done under the correct mode of inheritance for the linked families, we found that the mode of inheritance of the unlinked families had minimal influence on the highest maximum lod score (MMLS) (i.e., we maximized the maximum lod score with respect to penetrance). Adding sporadic families decreased the MMLS less than adding recessive or dominant unlinked families. 2. The mixtures of dominant linked families with unlinked families always led to a higher MMLS when analyzed under the correct (dominant) mode of inheritance than when analyzed under the incorrect mode of inheritance. In the mixtures with recessive linked families, assuming the correct mode of inheritance generally led to a higher MMLS, but we observed broad variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  5. Sex-biased gene flow in spectacled eiders (Anatidae): Inferences from molecular markers with contrasting modes of inheritance

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Scribner, Kim T.; Petersen, Margaret R.; Fields, Raymond L.; Talbot, Sandra L.; Pearce, John M.; Chesser, Ronald K.

    2001-01-01

    Genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution (a sex-linked Z-specific microsatellite locus, five biparentally inherited microsatellite loci, and maternally inherited mitochondrial [mtDNA] sequences) were used to evaluate the degree of spatial genetic structuring at macro- and microgeographic scales, among breeding regions and local nesting populations within each region, respectively, for a migratory sea duck species, the spectacled eider (Somateria fisheri). Disjunct and declining breeding populations coupled with sex-specific differences in seasonal migratory patterns and life history provide a series of hypotheses regarding rates and directionality of gene flow among breeding populations from the Indigirka River Delta, Russia, and the North Slope and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. The degree of differentiation in mtDNA haplotype frequency among breeding regions and populations within regions was high (ϕCT = 0.189, P < 0.01; ϕSC = 0.059, P < 0.01, respectively). Eleven of 17 mtDNA haplotypes were restricted to a single breeding region. Genetic differences among regions were considerably lower for nuclear DNA loci (sex-linked: ϕST = 0.001, P > 0.05; biparentally inherited microsatellites: mean θ = 0.001, P > 0.05) than was observed for mtDNA. Using models explicitly designed for uniparental and biparentally inherited genes, estimates of spatial divergence based on nuclear and mtDNA data together with elements of the species' breeding ecology were used to estimate effective population size and degree of male and female gene flow. Differences in the magnitude and spatial patterns of gene correlations for maternally inherited and nuclear genes revealed that females exhibit greater natal philopatry than do males. Estimates of generational female and male rates of gene flow among breeding regions differed markedly (3.67 × 10−4 and 1.28 × 10−2, respectively). Effective population size for mtDNA was estimated to be at least three times lower than that for biparental genes (30,671 and 101,528, respectively). Large disparities in population sizes among breeding areas greatly reduces the proportion of total genetic variance captured by dispersal, which may accelerate rates of inbreeding (i.e., promote higher coancestries) within populations due to nonrandom pairing of males with females from the same breeding population.

  6. Molecular markers linked to resistance to Cryphonectria parasitica in chestnut

    Treesearch

    Thomas L. Kubisiak

    1996-01-01

    Kubisiak describes how he came to work on the chestnut blight problem. He touches on the underlying theory behind recombinational linkage mapping, mentions some current results in work with chestnut, and discusses how these results compare to prior knowledge regarding the suspected pattern of inheritance of blight resistance. Finally, the author looks ahead and...

  7. Inheritance pattern of microsatellite loci and their use for kinship analysis in the Japanese scallop Patinopecten yessoensis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Kefeng; Li, Qi

    2009-06-01

    The inheritance mode of seven microsatellite markers was investigated in Patinopecten yessoensis larvae from four controlled crosses, and the feasibility of using these markers for kinship estimation was also examined. All the seven microsatellite loci were compatible with Mendelian inheritance. Neither sex-linked barriers to transmission nor major barriers to fertilization between gametes from the parents were evident. Two of the seven loci showed the presence of null alleles in two families, suggesting the need to conduct comprehensive species-specific inheritance studies for microsatellite loci used in population genetic studies. However, even if the null allele heterozygotes were considered as homozygotes in the calculation of genetic distance, offspring from four families were all unambiguously discriminated in the neighbor-joining dendrogram. This result indicates that the microsatellite markers used may be capable of discriminating between related and unrelated scallop larvae in the absence of pedigree information, and of investigating the effective number of parents contributing to the hatchery population of the Japanese scallop.

  8. Intragenic rearrangements in X-linked intellectual deficiency: results of a-CGH in a series of 54 patients and identification of TRPC5 and KLHL15 as potential XLID genes.

    PubMed

    Mignon-Ravix, Cécile; Cacciagli, Pierre; Choucair, Nancy; Popovici, Cornel; Missirian, Chantal; Milh, Mathieu; Mégarbané, André; Busa, Tiffany; Julia, Sophie; Girard, Nadine; Badens, Catherine; Sigaudy, Sabine; Philip, Nicole; Villard, Laurent

    2014-08-01

    High-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) enables the detection of intragenic rearrangements, such as single exon deletion or duplication. This approach can lead to the identification of new disease genes. We report on the analysis of 54 male patients presenting with intellectual deficiency (ID) and a family history suggesting X-linked (XL) inheritance or maternal skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), using a home-made X-chromosome-specific microarray covering the whole human X-chromosome at high resolution. The majority of patients had whole genome array-CGH prior to the selection and we did not include large rearrangements such as MECP2 and FMR1 duplications. We identified four rearrangements considered as causative or potentially pathogenic, corresponding to a detection rate of 8%. Two CNVs affected known XLID genes and were therefore considered as causative (IL1RAPL1 and OPHN1 intragenic deletions). Two new CNVs were considered as potentially pathogenic as they affected interesting candidates for ID. The first CNV is a deletion of the first exon of the TRPC5 gene, encoding a cation channel implicated in dendrite growth and patterning, in a child presenting with ID and an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The second CNV is a partial deletion of KLHL15, in a patient with severe ID, epilepsy, and anomalies of cortical development. In both cases, in spite of strong arguments for clinical relevance, we were not able at this stage to confirm pathogenicity of the mutations, and the causality of the variants identified in XLID remains to be confirmed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. The evolution of polyandry: patterns of genotypic variation in female mating frequency, male fertilization success and a test of the sexy-sperm hypothesis.

    PubMed

    Simmons, L W

    2003-07-01

    The sexy-sperm hypothesis predicts that females obtain indirect benefits for their offspring via polyandy, in the form of increased fertilization success for their sons. I use a quantitative genetic approach to test the sexy-sperm hypothesis using the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. Previous studies of this species have shown considerable phenotypic variation in fertilization success when two or more males compete. There were high broad-sense heritabilities for both paternity and polyandry. Patterns of genotypic variance were consistent with X-linked inheritance and/or maternal effects on these traits. The genetic architecture therefore precludes the evolution of polyandry via a sexy-sperm process. Thus the positive genetic correlation between paternity in sons and polyandry in daughters predicted by the sexy-sperm hypothesis was absent. There was significant heritable variation in the investment by females in ovaries and by males in the accessory gland. Surprisingly there was a very strong genetic correlation between these two traits. The significance of this genetic correlation for the coevolution of male seminal products and polyandry is discussed.

  10. Heterozygote FANCD2 mutations associated with childhood T Cell ALL and testicular seminoma.

    PubMed

    Smetsers, Stephanie; Muter, Joanne; Bristow, Claire; Patel, Leena; Chandler, Kate; Bonney, Denise; Wynn, Robert F; Whetton, Anthony D; Will, Andrew M; Rockx, Davy; Joenje, Hans; Strathdee, Gordon; Shanks, Jonathan; Klopocki, Eva; Gille, Johan J P; Dorsman, Josephine; Meyer, Stefan

    2012-12-01

    Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an inherited disease with congenital and developmental abnormalities characterised by cellular cross linker hypersensitivity. FA is caused by mutations in any of so far 15 identified FANC genes, which encode proteins that interact in a common DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Individuals with FA have a high risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and squamous cell carcinoma. An increased cancer risk has been firmly established for carriers of mutations in FANCD1/BRCA2, FANCJ/BRIP1, FANCN/PALB2, RAD51C/FANCO and link the FA pathway to inherited breast and ovarian cancer. We describe a pedigree with FANCD2 mutations c.458T > C (p.Leu153Ser) and c.2715 + 1G > A (p.Glu906LeufsX4) with mild phenotype FA in the index case, T cell ALL in the Leu153Ser heterozygous brother and testicular seminoma in the p.Glu906LeufsX4 heterozygous father. Both FANCD2 alleles were present in the T Cell ALL and the seminoma. This links specific FANCD2 mutations to T cell ALL and seminoma without evidence of allelic loss in the tumour tissue.

  11. Increased skewing of X chromosome inactivation in Rett syndrome patients and their mothers.

    PubMed

    Knudsen, Gun Peggy S; Neilson, Tracey C S; Pedersen, June; Kerr, Alison; Schwartz, Marianne; Hulten, Maj; Bailey, Mark E S; Orstavik, Karen Helene

    2006-11-01

    Rett syndrome is a largely sporadic, X-linked neurological disorder with a characteristic phenotype, but which exhibits substantial phenotypic variability. This variability has been partly attributed to an effect of X chromosome inactivation (XCI). There have been conflicting reports regarding incidence of skewed X inactivation in Rett syndrome. In rare familial cases of Rett syndrome, favourably skewed X inactivation has been found in phenotypically normal carrier mothers. We have investigated the X inactivation pattern in DNA from blood and buccal cells of sporadic Rett patients (n=96) and their mothers (n=84). The mean degree of skewing in blood was higher in patients (70.7%) than controls (64.9%). Unexpectedly, the mothers of these patients also had a higher mean degree of skewing in blood (70.8%) than controls. In accordance with these findings, the frequency of skewed (XCI > or =80%) X inactivation in blood was also higher in both patients (25%) and mothers (30%) than in controls (11%). To test whether the Rett patients with skewed X inactivation were daughters of skewed mothers, 49 mother-daughter pairs were analysed. Of 14 patients with skewed X inactivation, only three had a mother with skewed X inactivation. Among patients, mildly affected cases were shown to be more skewed than more severely affected cases, and there was a trend towards preferential inactivation of the paternally inherited X chromosome in skewed cases. These findings, particularly the greater degree of X inactivation skewing in Rett syndrome patients, are of potential significance in the analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations in Rett syndrome.

  12. Rapid rise and fall of selfish sex-ratio X chromosomes in Drosophila simulans: spatiotemporal analysis of phenotypic and molecular data.

    PubMed

    Bastide, Héloïse; Cazemajor, Michel; Ogereau, David; Derome, Nicolas; Hospital, Frédéric; Montchamp-Moreau, Catherine

    2011-09-01

    Sex-ratio drive, which has been documented in several Drosophila species, is induced by X-linked segregation distorters. Contrary to Mendel's law of independent assortment, the sex-ratio chromosome (X(SR)) is inherited by more than half the offspring of carrier males, resulting in a female-biased sex ratio. This segregation advantage allows X(SR) to spread in populations, even if it is not beneficial for the carriers. In the cosmopolitan species D. simulans, the Paris sex-ratio is caused by recently emerged selfish X(SR) chromosomes. These chromosomes have triggered an intragenomic conflict, and their propagation has been halted over a large area by the evolution of complete drive suppression. Previous molecular population genetics analyses revealed a selective sweep indicating that the invasion of X(SR) chromosomes was very recent in Madagascar (likely less than 100 years ago). Here, we show that X(SR) chromosomes are now declining at this location as well as in Mayotte and Kenya. Drive suppression is complete in the three populations, which display little genetic differentiation and share swept haplotypes, attesting to a common and very recent ancestry of the X(SR) chromosomes. Patterns of DNA sequence variation also indicate a fitness cost of the segmental duplication involved in drive. The data suggest that X(SR) chromosomes started declining first on the African continent, then in Mayotte, and finally in Madagascar and strongly support a scenario of rapid cycling of X chromosomes. Once drive suppression has evolved, standard X(ST) chromosomes locally replace costly X(SR) chromosomes in a few decades.

  13. The X linked recessive form of XY gonadal dysgenesis with a high incidence of gonadal germ cell tumours: clinical and genetic studies.

    PubMed

    Mann, J R; Corkery, J J; Fisher, H J; Cameron, A H; Mayerová, A; Wolf, U; Kennaugh, A A; Woolley, V

    1983-08-01

    Five phenotypic females in one family had the genotype 46,XY and all had gonadal germ cell tumours. Studies of the family pedigree suggest that this form of XY gonadal dysgenesis is inherited in an X linked recessive manner. G banding of elongated metaphase chromosomes from two subjects with XY gonadal dysgenesis and a female carrier showed no aberrations of the X chromosome. The titres of H-Y antigen in three girls with XY gonadal dysgenesis were in the male control range. Thus it appears that, in the X linked form, XY gonadal dysgenesis may be caused by a point deletion or mutation of a gene on the X chromosome, which controls the gonad specific receptor for the H-Y antigen. Studies of Xg blood groups were uninformative about linkage of Xg with the X borne gene causing the XY gonadal dysgenesis. Dermatoglyphic studies in the girls with XY gonadal dysgenesis and female carriers revealed high a-b palmar ridge counts and a tendency for the A mainline to terminate in the thenar area. Both of these features have been described in patients with Turner's syndrome.

  14. X-linked retinitis pigmentosa: Report of a large kindred with loss of central vision and preserved peripheral function

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shastry, B.S.; Trese, M.T.

    1995-11-20

    X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is the most severe form of the inherited forms of retinitis pigmentosa and is clinically variable and genetically heterogeneous. It affects one in 20,000 live births. The affected individuals manifest degeneration of the peripheral retina during the first two decades of life on the basis of night blindness. Central vision usually is preserved until age 50, when the disease advances, affecting central vision and ultimately leading to complete loss of sight. Linkage analysis has shown two loci with a possibility of a third locus on the human X chromosome. The genetic abnormality that causes XLRP ismore » not known at present. Here we describe a large kindred which manifests central loss of field with the preservation of peripheral vision. 5 refs., 1 fig.« less

  15. [Gene therapy for inherited retinal dystrophies].

    PubMed

    Côco, Monique; Han, Sang Won; Sallum, Juliana Maria Ferraz

    2009-01-01

    The inherited retinal dystrophies comprise a large number of disorders characterized by a slow and progressive retinal degeneration. They are the result of mutations in genes that express in either the photoreceptor cells or the retinal pigment epithelium. The mode of inheritance can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X linked recessive, digenic or mitochondrial DNA inherited. At the moment, there is no treatment for these conditions and the patients can expect a progressive loss of vision. Accurate genetic counseling and support for rehabilitation are indicated. Research into the molecular and genetic basis of disease is continually expanding and improving the prospects for rational treatments. In this way, gene therapy, defined as the introduction of exogenous genetic material into human cells for therapeutic purposes, may ultimately offer the greatest treatment for the inherited retinal dystrophies. The eye is an attractive target for gene therapy because of its accessibility, immune privilege and translucent media. A number of retinal diseases affecting the eye have known gene defects. Besides, there is a well characterized animal model for many of these conditions. Proposals for clinical trials of gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerations owing to defects in the gene RPE65, have recently received ethical approval and the obtained preliminary results brought large prospects in the improvement on patient's quality of life.

  16. Autosomal-recessive and X-linked forms of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy in childhood.

    PubMed

    Ouvrier, Robert; Geevasingha, Nimeshan; Ryan, Monique M

    2007-08-01

    The hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies (HMSNs, Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies) are the most common degenerative disorders of the peripheral nervous system. In recent years a dramatic expansion has occurred in our understanding of the molecular basis and cell biology of the recessively inherited demyelinating and axonal neuropathies, with delineation of a number of new neuropathies. Mutations in some genes cause a wide variety of clinical, neurophysiologic, and pathologic phenotypes, rendering diagnosis difficult. The X-linked forms of HMSN represent at least 10%-15% of all HMSNs and have an expanded disease spectrum including demyelinating, intermediate, and axonal neuropathies, transient central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, mental retardation, and hearing loss. This review presents an overview of the recessive and X-linked forms of HMSN observed in childhood, with particular reference to disease phenotype and neurophysiologic and pathologic abnormalities suggestive of specific diagnoses. These findings can be used by the clinician to formulate a differential diagnosis and guide targeted genetic testing.

  17. A novel mutation of α-galactosidase A gene causes Fabry disease mimicking primary erythromelalgia in a Chinese family.

    PubMed

    Ge, Wei; Wei, Bin; Zhu, Hao; Miao, Zhigang; Zhang, Weimin; Leng, Cuihua; Li, Jizhen; Zhang, Dan; Sun, Miao; Xu, Xingshun

    2017-05-01

    Fabry disease is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by the mutations of α-galactosidase A (GLA, MIM 300644) gene presenting with various clinical symptoms including small-fiber peripheral neuropathy and limb burning pain. Here, we reported a Chinese pedigree with the initial diagnosis of primary erythromelalgia in an autosomal dominant (AD)-inherited pattern. Mutation analysis of SCN9A and GLA genes by direct sequencing and functional analysis of a novel mutation of GLA in cells were performed. Our data did not show any pathological mutations in SCN9A gene; however, a novel missense mutation c.139T>C (p.W47R) of GLA was identified in a male proband as well as two female carriers in this family. Enzyme assay of α-galactosidase A activity showed deficient enzyme activity in male patients and female carriers, further confirming the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Finally, a functional analysis indicated that the replacement of the 47th amino acid tryptophan (W47) with arginine (W47R) or glycine (W47G) led to reduced activity of α-galactosidase A in 293T cells. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that the novel mutation p.W47R of GLA is the cause of Fabry disease. Because Fabry disease and primary erythromelalgia share similar symptoms, it is a good strategy for clinical physicians to perform genetic mutation screenings on both SCN9A and GLA genes in those patients with limb burning pain but without a clear inheritant pattern.

  18. Kbus/Idr, a mutant mouse strain with skeletal abnormalities and hypophosphatemia: identification as an allele of 'Hyp'.

    PubMed

    Moriyama, Kenji; Hanai, Atsuko; Mekada, Kazuyuki; Yoshiki, Atsushi; Ogiwara, Katsueki; Kimura, Atsushi; Takahashi, Takayuki

    2011-08-20

    The endopeptidase encoded by Phex (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases linked to the X chromosome) is critical for regulation of bone matrix mineralization and phosphate homeostasis. PHEX has been identified from analyses of human X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and Hyp mutant mouse models. We here demonstrated a newly established dwarfism-like Kbus/Idr mouse line to be a novel Hyp model. Histopathological and X-ray examination with cross experiments were performed to characterize Kbus/Idr. RT-PCR-based and exon-directed PCR screening performed to identify the presence of genetic alteration. Biochemical assays were also performed to evaluate activity of alkaline phosphatase. Kbus/Idr, characterized by bone mineralization defects, was found to be inherited in an X chromosome-linked dominant manner. RT-PCR experiments showed that a novel mutation spanning exon 16 and 18 causing hypophosphatemic rickets. Alkaline phosphatase activity, as an osteoblast marker, demonstrated raised levels in the bone marrow of Kbus/Idr independent of the age. Kbus mice should serve as a useful research tool exploring molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant Phex-associated pathophysiological phenomena.

  19. Connexin mutations in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bergoffen, J.; Scherer, S.S.; Wang, S.

    1993-12-24

    X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX) is a form of hereditary neuropathy with demyelination. Recently, this disorder was mapped to chromosome Xq13.1. The gene for the gap junction protein connexin32 is located in the same chromosomal segment, which led to its consideration as a candidate gene for CMTX. With the use of Northern (RNA) blot and immunohistochemistry techniques, it was found that connexin32 is normally expressed in myelinated peripheral nerve. Direct sequencing of the connexin32 gene showed seven different mutations in affected persons from eight CMTX families. These findings, a demonstration of inherited defects in a gap junction protein, suggest that connexin32more » plays an important role in peripheral nerve.« less

  20. [Development, problems and results of specialty-specific genetic counseling at the Neurology Clinic of the Karl Marx University].

    PubMed

    Bachmann, H

    1987-11-01

    Genetic counselling for inherited neurological diseases has been established at the Clinic for Neurology of Karl Marx University. Comprehensive experiences have been got with the specific and sometimes markedly different problems and aims of counselling in Wilsons disease, X-linked recessive muscular dystrophies, myotonic dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, Huntingtons chorea and hereditary ataxias.

  1. Epilepsy in fragile-X-syndrome mimicking panayiotopoulos syndrome: Description of three patients.

    PubMed

    Bonanni, Paolo; Casellato, Susanna; Fabbro, Franco; Negrin, Susanna

    2017-10-01

    Fragile-X-syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability. Epilepsy is reported to occur in 10-20% of individuals with Fragile-X-syndrome. A frequent seizure/electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern resembles that of benign rolandic epilepsy. We describe the clinical features, EEG findings and evolution in three patients affected by Fragile-X-syndrome and epilepsy mimicking Panayiotopoulos syndrome. Age at seizure onset was between 4 and about 7 years. Seizures pattern comprised a constellation of autonomic symptoms with unilateral deviation of the eyes and ictal syncope. Duration of the seizures could be brief or lengthy. Interictal EEGs revealed functional multifocal abnormalities. The evolution was benign in all patients with seizures remission before the age of 14. This observation expands the spectrum of benign epileptic phenotypes present in Fragile-X-syndrome and may be quite helpful in guiding anticonvulsant management and counseling families as to expectations regarding seizure remission. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Large effects on birth weight follow inheritance pattern consistent with gametic imprinting and X chromosome

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Birth weight (BW) records of 28,638 Brangus and Simbrah calves (12,295 of which were produced by embryo transfer) were provided by a private seedstock breeder. The objectives were to determine the genetic mechanism(s) responsible for previously observed 12.3 and 6.9 kg differences in birth weight b...

  3. Mutational Survey of the PHEX Gene in Patients with X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets

    PubMed Central

    Ichikawa, Shoji; Traxler, Elizabeth A.; Estwick, Selina A.; Curry, Leah R.; Johnson, Michelle L.; Sorenson, Andrea H.; Imel, Erik A.; Econs, Michael J.

    2008-01-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by renal phosphate wasting, aberrant vitamin D metabolism, and abnormal bone mineralization. XLH is caused by inactivating mutations in PHEX (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). In this study, we sequenced the PHEX gene in subjects from 26 kindreds who were clinically diagnosed with XLH. Sequencing revealed 18 different mutations, of which thirteen have not been reported previously. In addition to deletions, splice site mutations, and missense and nonsense mutations, a rare point mutation in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) was identified as a novel cause of XLH. In summary, we identified a wide spectrum of mutations in the PHEX gene. Our data, in accord with those of others, indicate that there is no single predominant PHEX mutation responsible for XLH. PMID:18625346

  4. [Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs--pathological, clinical, diagnosis and genetic aspects].

    PubMed

    Broschk, C; Distl, O

    2005-10-01

    Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease which is often found in humans and animals. The age of onset of this progressive disease varies between 3 and 7 years of age. A juvenile form of DCM has been found in Portuguese Water Dogs and Doberman Pinscher Dogs. Some breeds such as Doberman pinscher, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water dog, Boxer, Great Dane, Cocker Spaniel and Irish Wolfhound exhibit a higher prevalence to DCM. There also seems to be a sex predisposition as male dogs are affected more often than female dogs and in Great Danes an X-linked recessive inheritance is likely. In Newfoundland and Boxer an autosomal dominant inheritance was found whereas an autosomal recessive inheritance was described in Portuguese Water Dogs. Atrial fibrillation as a cause or consequence of DCM is assumed for certain breeds. The causes of DCM are widely unknown in dogs. A genetic basis for this heart disease seems to exist. Apart from a few exceptions the mode of inheritance and the possible underlying gene mutations are not known for DCM in dogs. In humans mutations in several genes responsible for DCM have been identified. Comparative genetic analyses in dogs using genes causing DCM in men and a genome-wide scan with anonymus markers were not able to detect causative mutations or genomic regions harboring gene loci linked to DCM. The investigation of the genetic basis of canine DCM may lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of DCM and may result in new therapeutic approaches and breeding strategies.

  5. Mutations in DDX3X Are a Common Cause of Unexplained Intellectual Disability with Gender-Specific Effects on Wnt Signaling.

    PubMed

    Snijders Blok, Lot; Madsen, Erik; Juusola, Jane; Gilissen, Christian; Baralle, Diana; Reijnders, Margot R F; Venselaar, Hanka; Helsmoortel, Céline; Cho, Megan T; Hoischen, Alexander; Vissers, Lisenka E L M; Koemans, Tom S; Wissink-Lindhout, Willemijn; Eichler, Evan E; Romano, Corrado; Van Esch, Hilde; Stumpel, Connie; Vreeburg, Maaike; Smeets, Eric; Oberndorff, Karin; van Bon, Bregje W M; Shaw, Marie; Gecz, Jozef; Haan, Eric; Bienek, Melanie; Jensen, Corinna; Loeys, Bart L; Van Dijck, Anke; Innes, A Micheil; Racher, Hilary; Vermeer, Sascha; Di Donato, Nataliya; Rump, Andreas; Tatton-Brown, Katrina; Parker, Michael J; Henderson, Alex; Lynch, Sally A; Fryer, Alan; Ross, Alison; Vasudevan, Pradeep; Kini, Usha; Newbury-Ecob, Ruth; Chandler, Kate; Male, Alison; Dijkstra, Sybe; Schieving, Jolanda; Giltay, Jacques; van Gassen, Koen L I; Schuurs-Hoeijmakers, Janneke; Tan, Perciliz L; Pediaditakis, Igor; Haas, Stefan A; Retterer, Kyle; Reed, Patrick; Monaghan, Kristin G; Haverfield, Eden; Natowicz, Marvin; Myers, Angela; Kruer, Michael C; Stein, Quinn; Strauss, Kevin A; Brigatti, Karlla W; Keating, Katherine; Burton, Barbara K; Kim, Katherine H; Charrow, Joel; Norman, Jennifer; Foster-Barber, Audrey; Kline, Antonie D; Kimball, Amy; Zackai, Elaine; Harr, Margaret; Fox, Joyce; McLaughlin, Julie; Lindstrom, Kristin; Haude, Katrina M; van Roozendaal, Kees; Brunner, Han; Chung, Wendy K; Kooy, R Frank; Pfundt, Rolph; Kalscheuer, Vera; Mehta, Sarju G; Katsanis, Nicholas; Kleefstra, Tjitske

    2015-08-06

    Intellectual disability (ID) affects approximately 1%-3% of humans with a gender bias toward males. Previous studies have identified mutations in more than 100 genes on the X chromosome in males with ID, but there is less evidence for de novo mutations on the X chromosome causing ID in females. In this study we present 35 unique deleterious de novo mutations in DDX3X identified by whole exome sequencing in 38 females with ID and various other features including hypotonia, movement disorders, behavior problems, corpus callosum hypoplasia, and epilepsy. Based on our findings, mutations in DDX3X are one of the more common causes of ID, accounting for 1%-3% of unexplained ID in females. Although no de novo DDX3X mutations were identified in males, we present three families with segregating missense mutations in DDX3X, suggestive of an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. In these families, all males with the DDX3X variant had ID, whereas carrier females were unaffected. To explore the pathogenic mechanisms accounting for the differences in disease transmission and phenotype between affected females and affected males with DDX3X missense variants, we used canonical Wnt defects in zebrafish as a surrogate measure of DDX3X function in vivo. We demonstrate a consistent loss-of-function effect of all tested de novo mutations on the Wnt pathway, and we further show a differential effect by gender. The differential activity possibly reflects a dose-dependent effect of DDX3X expression in the context of functional mosaic females versus one-copy males, which reflects the complex biological nature of DDX3X mutations. Copyright © 2015 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. 'Designer babies' almost thirty years on.

    PubMed

    Handyside, Alan H

    2018-06-13

    The first pregnancies and live births following IVF and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), formerly known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), were reported in 1990, almost 30 years ago, in several couples at risk of X-linked inherited conditions, which typically only affect boys inheriting the X chromosome with the affected gene from their carrier mothers. At that time, it was only possible to identify the sex of the embryo by amplifying a Y-linked repeat sequence in single cells biopsied at cleavage stages and avoid the transfer of males, half of which would be affected. The extensive publicity surrounding these cases and the perceived risk of using IVF and PGT for desirable characteristics not related to health, such as sex selection, led to the epithet of 'designer babies' which continues to resonate to this day. Here I briefly reflect on how the technology of PGT has evolved over the decades and whether it deserves this reputation. With efficient methods for whole genome amplification and the genomic revolution, we now have highly accurate universal tests which combine marker-based diagnosis of almost any monogenic disorder with the detection of aneuploidy. PGT is now clinically well established and is likely to remain a valuable alternative for couples at risk of having affected children.

  7. X linked neonatal centronuclear/myotubular myopathy: evidence for linkage to Xq28 DNA marker loci.

    PubMed

    Thomas, N S; Williams, H; Cole, G; Roberts, K; Clarke, A; Liechti-Gallati, S; Braga, S; Gerber, A; Meier, C; Moser, H

    1990-05-01

    We have studied the inheritance of several polymorphic Xq27/28 DNA marker loci in two three generation families with the X linked neonatal lethal form of centronuclear/myotubular myopathy (XL MTM). We found complete linkage of XLMTM to all four informative Xq28 markers analysed, with GCP/RCP (Z = 3.876, theta = 0.00), with DXS15 (Z = 3.737, theta = 0.00), with DXS52 (Z = 2.709, theta = 0.00), and with F8C (Z = 1.020, theta = 0.00). In the absence of any observable recombination, we are unable to sublocalise the XLMTM locus further within the Xq28 region. This evidence for an Xq28 localisation may allow us to carry out useful genetic counselling within such families.

  8. Hemophilia Facts

    MedlinePlus

    ... one X and one Y chromosome (XY) and females have two X chromosomes (XX). Males inherit the ... mothers and the Y chromosome from their fathers. Females inherit one X chromosome from each parent. The ...

  9. Environmental Factors Can Influence Mitochondrial Inheritance in the Saccharomyces Yeast Hybrids.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Yu-Yi; Chou, Jui-Yu

    2017-01-01

    Mitochondria play a critical role in the generation of metabolic energy and are crucial for eukaryotic cell survival and proliferation. In most sexual eukaryotes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited from only one parent in non-Mendelian inheritance in contrast to the inheritance of nuclear DNA. The model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commonly used to study mitochondrial biology. It has two mating types: MATa and MATα. Previous studies have suggested that the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrid diploid cells depend on the genetic background of parental strains. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined the effects of environmental factors on the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrids obtained by crossing S. cerevisiae with its close relative S. paradoxus. The results demonstrated that environmental factors can influence mtDNA transmission in hybrid diploids, and that the inheritance patterns are strain dependent. The fitness competition assay results showed that the fitness differences can explain the mtDNA inheritance patterns under specific conditions. However, in this study, we found that fitness differences cannot fully be explained by mitochondrial activity in hybrids under stress conditions.

  10. Atypical mitochondrial inheritance patterns in eukaryotes.

    PubMed

    Breton, Sophie; Stewart, Donald T

    2015-10-01

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is predominantly maternally inherited in eukaryotes. Diverse molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of strict maternal inheritance (SMI) of mtDNA have been described, but the evolutionary forces responsible for its predominance in eukaryotes remain to be elucidated. Exceptions to SMI have been reported in diverse eukaryotic taxa, leading to the prediction that several distinct molecular mechanisms controlling mtDNA transmission are present among the eukaryotes. We propose that these mechanisms will be better understood by studying the deviations from the predominating pattern of SMI. This minireview summarizes studies on eukaryote species with unusual or rare mitochondrial inheritance patterns, i.e., other than the predominant SMI pattern, such as maternal inheritance of stable heteroplasmy, paternal leakage of mtDNA, biparental and strictly paternal inheritance, and doubly uniparental inheritance of mtDNA. The potential genes and mechanisms involved in controlling mitochondrial inheritance in these organisms are discussed. The linkage between mitochondrial inheritance and sex determination is also discussed, given that the atypical systems of mtDNA inheritance examined in this minireview are frequently found in organisms with uncommon sexual systems such as gynodioecy, monoecy, or andromonoecy. The potential of deviations from SMI for facilitating a better understanding of a number of fundamental questions in biology, such as the evolution of mtDNA inheritance, the coevolution of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and, perhaps, the role of mitochondria in sex determination, is considerable.

  11. A novel CDKL5 mutation in a Japanese patient with atypical Rett syndrome.

    PubMed

    Christianto, Antonius; Katayama, Syouichi; Kameshita, Isamu; Inazu, Tetsuya

    2016-08-01

    Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked dominant inheritance disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Mutations in Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), Cyclin dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) have been associated with classic and/or variant RTT. This study was conducted to identify the responsible gene(s) in atypical RTT patient, and to examine the effect of the mutation on protein function. DNA sequence analysis showed a novel heterozygous mutation in CDKL5 identified as c.530A>G which resulted in an amino acid substitution at position 177, from tyrosine to cysteine. Genotyping analysis indicated that the mutation was not merely a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We also revealed that patient's blood lymphocytes had random X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern. Further examination by bioinformatics analysis demonstrated the mutation caused damage or deleterious in its protein. In addition, we demonstrated in vitro kinase assay of mutant protein showed impairment of its activity. Taken together, the results suggested the mutant CDKL5 was responsible for the disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia by microfluidics digital PCR analysis of maternal plasma DNA.

    PubMed

    Tsui, Nancy B Y; Kadir, Rezan A; Chan, K C Allen; Chi, Claudia; Mellars, Gillian; Tuddenham, Edward G; Leung, Tak Y; Lau, Tze K; Chiu, Rossa W K; Lo, Y M Dennis

    2011-03-31

    Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder with X-linked inheritance. Current prenatal diagnostic methods for hemophilia are invasive and pose a risk to the fetus. Cell-free fetal DNA analysis in maternal plasma provides a noninvasive mean of assessing fetal sex in such pregnancies. However, the disease status of male fetuses remains unknown if mutation-specific confirmatory analysis is not performed. Here we have developed a noninvasive test to diagnose whether the fetus has inherited a causative mutation for hemophilia from its mother. The strategy is based on a relative mutation dosage approach, which we have previously established for determining the mutational status of fetuses for autosomal disease mutations. In this study, the relative mutation dosage method is used to deduce whether a fetus has inherited a hemophilia mutation on chromosome X by detecting whether the concentration of the mutant or wild-type allele is overrepresented in the plasma of heterozygous women carrying male fetuses. We correctly detected fetal genotypes for hemophilia mutations in all of the 12 studied maternal plasma samples obtained from at-risk pregnancies from as early as the 11th week of gestation. This development would make the decision to undertake prenatal testing less traumatic and safer for at-risk families.

  13. Altered erythrocyte nucleotide patterns are characteristic of inherited disorders of purine or pyrimidine metabolism.

    PubMed

    Simmonds, H A; Fairbanks, L D; Morris, G S; Webster, D R; Harley, E H

    1988-02-15

    This paper compares erythrocyte nucleotide levels in patients with eight different inherited purine or pyrimidine enzyme defects identified amongst a variety of patients referred predominantly for investigation of severe neurological abnormalities, or immunodeficiency syndromes. Characteristic nucleotide patterns were identified only in the six disorders (four involving purine and two pyrimidine metabolism) where there was clinical evidence of cellular toxicity. They were frequently related to the accumulation of abnormal metabolites in body fluids. These erythrocyte studies have demonstrated the following. 1. ATP depletion is not an invariable feature of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, but the accumulation of the deoxyribonucleotides dATP, or dGTP, is diagnostic of ADA, or purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency, respectively. The early accumulation of dATP in foetal blood is a valuable aid to prenatal diagnosis of ADA deficiency. 2. GTP depletion appears to reflect the degree of CNS involvement in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase and PNP deficiency, as well as PP-ribose-P synthetase superactivity. Other diagnostic changes involving increased pyrimidine sugars and increased or decreased NAD levels, or ZTP in Lesch Nyhan erythrocytes, show no consistent correlation with the clinical manifestations. 3. These altered nucleotide levels afford a novel means for carrier detection of the X-linked defect associated with aberrant PP-ribose-P synthetase activity, where no other test is yet available. Measurement of erythrocyte nucleotide levels thus provides a simple and rapid aid to diagnosis and may sometimes be essential for determining prognosis, carrier detection, or monitoring therapy. These characteristic 'fingerprints' may give some insight into the mechanism by which the abnormal gene product produces disease. Such grossly altered nucleotide levels could also result in loss of erythrocyte flexibility, increased destruction and hence the anaemia, or other clinical manifestations, observed in some disorders.

  14. What is new in genetics and osteogenesis imperfecta classification?

    PubMed

    Valadares, Eugênia R; Carneiro, Túlio B; Santos, Paula M; Oliveira, Ana Cristina; Zabel, Bernhard

    2014-01-01

    Literature review of new genes related to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and update of its classification. Literature review in the PubMed and OMIM databases, followed by selection of relevant references. In 1979, Sillence et al. developed a classification of OI subtypes based on clinical features and disease severity: OI type I, mild, common, with blue sclera; OI type II, perinatal lethal form; OI type III, severe and progressively deforming, with normal sclera; and OI type IV, moderate severity with normal sclera. Approximately 90% of individuals with OI are heterozygous for mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes, with dominant pattern of inheritance or sporadic mutations. After 2006, mutations were identified in the CRTAP, FKBP10, LEPRE1, PLOD2, PPIB, SERPINF1, SERPINH1, SP7, WNT1, BMP1, and TMEM38B genes, associated with recessive OI and mutation in the IFITM5 gene associated with dominant OI. Mutations in PLS3 were recently identified in families with osteoporosis and fractures, with X-linked inheritance pattern. In addition to the genetic complexity of the molecular basis of OI, extensive phenotypic variability resulting from individual loci has also been documented. Considering the discovery of new genes and limited genotype-phenotype correlation, the use of next-generation sequencing tools has become useful in molecular studies of OI cases. The recommendation of the Nosology Group of the International Society of Skeletal Dysplasias is to maintain the classification of Sillence as the prototypical form, universally accepted to classify the degree of severity in OI, while maintaining it free from direct molecular reference. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  15. Natural hybridization between Phlomis lycia D. Don x P. bourgaei Boiss., (Lamiaceae) revealed by RAPD markers.

    PubMed

    Yüzbaşioğlu, Ertuğrul; Dadandi, Mehmet Yaşar; Ozcan, Sebahattin

    2008-05-01

    Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD) were used to assess the hybrid identity of individuals sampled as Phlomis x termessi Davis. Out of 95 primers screened, 11 primers produced reproducible amplification patterns used for discrimination of P. x termessi and their parents. Eleven primers produced 81 bands. Forty two percent of the RAPD bands existed in parents. Of the 54 bands found in P. lycia, 19 were found only in this species and 7 of these were monomorphic. Similarly, of 57 RAPD bands observed in P. bourgaei, 18 were found only in P. bourgaei and 6 of these were monomorphic. Among hybrid individuals, 35 of the 73 markers were monomorphic. Fifteen of these existed in individual parents showing that parents were homozygous for these markers. Of the 35 monomorphic bands observed among hybrid individuals, 5 were present in the samples of one of the parents and completely absent from the samples of the other; therefore, additive inheritance is indicated. Of the 5 additive bands, 1 was inherited from P. bourgaei and 4 were inherited from P. lycia. Among 38 polymorhic markers observed in hybrid individuals, 9 were new and hybrid-specific. Pollen fertility was also investigated. Mean pollen fertility for P. lycia and P. bourgaei was 93% and 97% respectively. However, mean pollen fertility for hybrids was 65% (+/-10.5).

  16. Biallelic variants in the ciliary gene TMEM67 cause RHYNS syndrome.

    PubMed

    Brancati, Francesco; Camerota, Letizia; Colao, Emma; Vega-Warner, Virginia; Zhao, Xiangzhong; Zhang, Ruixiao; Bottillo, Irene; Castori, Marco; Caglioti, Alfredo; Sangiuolo, Federica; Novelli, Giuseppe; Perrotti, Nicola; Otto, Edgar A

    2018-06-11

    A rare syndrome was first described in 1997 in a 17-year-old male patient presenting with Retinitis pigmentosa, HYpopituitarism, Nephronophthisis and Skeletal dysplasia (RHYNS). In the single reported familial case, two brothers were affected, arguing for X-linked or recessive mode of inheritance. Up to now, the underlying genetic basis of RHYNS syndrome remains unknown. Here we applied whole-exome sequencing in the originally described family with RHYNS to identify compound heterozygous variants in the ciliary gene TMEM67. Sanger sequencing confirmed a paternally inherited nonsense c.622A > T, p.(Arg208*) and a maternally inherited missense variant c.1289A > G, p.(Asp430Gly), which perturbs the correct splicing of exon 13. Overall, TMEM67 showed one of the widest clinical continuum observed in ciliopathies ranging from early lethality to adults with liver fibrosis. Our findings extend the spectrum of phenotypes/syndromes resulting from biallelic TMEM67 variants to now eight distinguishable clinical conditions including RHYNS syndrome.

  17. Linkage approach and direct COL4A5 gene mutation screening in Alport syndrome

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Turco, A.E.; Rossetti, S.; Biasi, O.

    1994-09-01

    Alport Syndrome (AS) is transmitted as an X-linked dominant trait in the majority of families, the defective gene being COL4A5 at Xq22. In the remaining cases AS appears to be autosomally inherited. Recently, mutations in COL4A3 and COL4A4 genes at 2q35-q37 were identified in families with autosomal recessive AS. Mutation detection screening is being performed by non-radioactive single stand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), heteroduplex analysis, and automated DNA sequencing in over 170 AS patients enrolled in the ongoing Italian Multicenter Study on AS. So far twenty-five different mutations have been found, including missense, splicing, and frameshifts. Moreover, by using six tightlymore » linked COL4A5 informative makers, we have also typed two larger AS families, and have shown compatible sex-linked transmission in one other, suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. In this latter three-generation COL4A5-unlinked family we are now looking for linkage and for mutations in the candidate COL4A3 and COL4A4 genes on chromosome 2q.« less

  18. Neo-sex chromosome inheritance across species in Silene hybrids.

    PubMed

    Weingartner, L A; Delph, L F

    2014-07-01

    Neo-sex chromosomes, which form through the major restructuring of ancestral sex chromosome systems, have evolved in various taxa. Such restructuring often consists of the fusion of an autosome to an existing sex chromosome, resulting in novel sex chromosome formations (e.g. X1X2Y or XY1Y2.). Comparative studies are often made between restructured sex chromosome systems of closely related species, and here we evaluate the consequences of variable sex chromosome systems to hybrids. If neo-sex chromosomes are improperly inherited across species, this could lead to aberrant development and reproductive isolation. In this study, we examine the fate of neo-sex chromosomes in hybrids of the flowering plants Silene diclinis and Silene latifolia. Silene diclinis has a neo-sex chromosome system (XY1Y2) that is thought to have evolved from an ancestral XY system that is still present in S. latifolia. These species do not hybridize naturally, and improper sex chromosome inheritance could contribute to reproductive isolation. We investigated whether this major restructuring of sex chromosomes prevents their proper inheritance in a variety of hybrid crosses, including some F2 - and later-generation hybrids, with sex chromosome-linked, species-specific, polymorphic markers and chromosome squashes. We discovered that despite the differences in sex chromosomes that exist between these two species, proper segregation had occurred in hybrids that made it to flowering, including later-generation hybrids, indicating that neo-sex chromosome formation alone does not result in complete reproductive isolation between these two species. Additionally, hybrids with aberrant sex expression (e.g. neuter, hermaphrodite) also inherited the restructured sex chromosomes properly, highlighting that issues with sexual development in hybrids can be caused by intrinsic genetic incompatibility rather than improper sex chromosome inheritance. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2014 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

  19. Prevalence of unilateral and bilateral deafness in border collies and association with phenotype.

    PubMed

    Platt, Simon; Freeman, Julia; di Stefani, Alberta; Wieczorek, Lara; Henley, William

    2006-01-01

    Congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) occurs in Border Collies, but its prevalence and inheritance are unknown. This study estimated the prevalence of CSD in Border Collies and investigated its association with phenotypic attributes linked to the merle gene, including coat pigmentation and iris color. Deafness in Border Collies is associated with pigmentation patterns linked to the merle gene. A total of 2597 Border Collies from the United Kingdom. A retrospective study of Border Collies tested, during 1994-2002, by using brainstem auditory evoked responses. Associations between deafness and phenotypic attributes were assessed by using generalized logistic regression. The prevalence of CSD in puppies was estimated as 2.8%. The corresponding rates of unilateral and bilateral CSD were 2.3 and 0.5%, respectively. Adjustment for clustering of hearing status by litter reduced the overall prevalence estimate to 1.6%. There was no association between CSD and sex (P = .2). Deaf Border Collies had higher rates of merle coat pigmentation, blue iris pigment, and excess white on the head than normal hearing Border Collies (all P < .001). The odds of deafness were increased by a factor of 14 for Border Collies with deaf dams, relative to the odds for dogs with normal dams (P = .007), after adjustment for phenotypic attributes. Associations between CSD and pigmentation patterns linked to the merle gene were demonstrated for Border Collies. Evidence for an inherited component to CSD in Border Collies supports selective breeding from only tested and normal parents to reduce the prevalence of this disease.

  20. A major X-linked locus affects kidney function in mice

    PubMed Central

    Leduc, Magalie S.; Savage, Holly S.; Stearns, Timothy M.; Cario, Clinton L.; Walsh, Kenneth A.; Paigen, Beverly; Berndt, Annerose

    2012-01-01

    Chronic kidney disease is a common disease with increasing prevalence in the western population. One common reason for chronic kidney failure is diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy and hyperglycemia are characteristics of the mouse inbred strain KK/HlJ, which is predominantly used as a model for metabolic syndrome due to its inherited glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. We used KK/HlJ, an albuminuria-sensitive strain, and C57BL/6J, an albuminuria-resistant strain, to perform a quantitative trait locus (QTL) cross to identify the genetic basis for chronic kidney failure. Albumin-creatinine-ratio (ACR) was measured in 130 F2 male offspring. One significant QTL was identified on chromosome (Chr) X and four suggestive QTLs were found on Chrs 6, 7, 12, and 13. Narrowing of the QTL region was focused on the X-linked QTL and performed by incorporating genotype and expression analyses for genes located in the region. From the 485 genes identified in the X-linked QTL region, a few candidate genes were identified using a combination of bioinformatic evidence based on genomic comparison of the parental strains and known function in urine homeostasis. Finally, this study demonstrates the significance of the X chromosome in the genetic determination of albuminuria. PMID:23011808

  1. Environmental Factors Can Influence Mitochondrial Inheritance in the Saccharomyces Yeast Hybrids

    PubMed Central

    Hsu, Yu-Yi; Chou, Jui-Yu

    2017-01-01

    Mitochondria play a critical role in the generation of metabolic energy and are crucial for eukaryotic cell survival and proliferation. In most sexual eukaryotes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited from only one parent in non-Mendelian inheritance in contrast to the inheritance of nuclear DNA. The model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commonly used to study mitochondrial biology. It has two mating types: MATa and MATα. Previous studies have suggested that the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrid diploid cells depend on the genetic background of parental strains. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined the effects of environmental factors on the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrids obtained by crossing S. cerevisiae with its close relative S. paradoxus. The results demonstrated that environmental factors can influence mtDNA transmission in hybrid diploids, and that the inheritance patterns are strain dependent. The fitness competition assay results showed that the fitness differences can explain the mtDNA inheritance patterns under specific conditions. However, in this study, we found that fitness differences cannot fully be explained by mitochondrial activity in hybrids under stress conditions. PMID:28081193

  2. Truncating mutation in the NHS gene: phenotypic heterogeneity of Nance-Horan syndrome in an asian Indian family.

    PubMed

    Ramprasad, Vedam Lakshmi; Thool, Alka; Murugan, Sakthivel; Nancarrow, Derek; Vyas, Prateep; Rao, Srinivas Kamalakar; Vidhya, Authiappan; Ravishankar, Krishnamoorthy; Kumaramanickavel, Govindasamy

    2005-01-01

    A four-generation family containing eight affected males who inherited X-linked developmental lens opacity and microcornea was studied. Some members in the family had mild to moderate nonocular clinical features suggestive of Nance-Horan syndrome. The purpose of the study was to map genetically the gene in the large 57-live-member Asian-Indian pedigree. PCR-based genotyping was performed on the X-chromosome, by using fluorescent microsatellite markers (10-cM intervals). Parametric linkage analysis was performed by using two disease models, assuming either recessive or dominant X-linked transmission by the MLINK/ILINK and FASTLINK (version 4.1P) programs (http:www.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk/; provided in the public domain by the Human Genome Mapping Project Resources Centre, Cambridge, UK). The NHS gene at the linked region was screened for mutation. By fine mapping, the disease gene was localized to Xp22.13. Multipoint analysis placed the peak LOD of 4.46 at DSX987. The NHS gene mapped to this region. Mutational screening in all the affected males and carrier females (heterozygous form) revealed a truncating mutation 115C-->T in exon 1, resulting in conversion of glutamine to stop codon (Q39X), but was not observed in unaffected individuals and control subjects. conclusions. A family with X-linked Nance-Horan syndrome had severe ocular, but mild to moderate nonocular, features. The clinical phenotype of the truncating mutation (Q39X) in the NHS gene suggests allelic heterogeneity at the NHS locus or the presence of modifier genes. X-linked families with cataract should be carefully examined for both ocular and nonocular features, to exclude Nance-Horan syndrome. RT-PCR analysis did not suggest nonsense-mediated mRNA decay as the possible mechanism for clinical heterogeneity.

  3. Fine genetic mapping of a gene for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa on chromosome 6p21

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shugart, Yin Y.; Banerjee, P.; Knowles, J.A.

    1995-08-01

    The inherited retinal degenerations known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can be caused by mutations at many different loci and can be inherited as an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or X-linked recessive trait. Two forms of autosomal recessive (arRP) have been reported to cosegregate with mutations in the rhodopsin gene and the beta-subunit of rod phosphodiesterase on chromosome 4p. Genetic linkage has been reported on chromosomes 6p and 1q. In a large Dominican family, we reported an arRp gene near the region of the peripherin/RDS gene. Four recombinations were detected between the disease locus and an intragenic marker derived from peripherin/RDS.more » 26 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  4. Sex-Linked Behavior: Evolution, Stability, and Variability.

    PubMed

    Fine, Cordelia; Dupré, John; Joel, Daphna

    2017-07-29

    Common understanding of human sex-linked behaviors is that proximal mechanisms of genetic and hormonal sex, ultimately shaped by the differential reproductive challenges of ancestral males and females, act on the brain to transfer sex-linked predispositions across generations. Here, we extend the debate on the role of nature and nurture in the development of traits in the lifetime of an individual, to their role in the cross-generation transfer of traits. Advances in evolutionary theory that posit the environment as a source of trans-generational stability, and new understanding of sex effects on the brain, suggest that the cross-generation stability of sex-linked patterns of behavior are sometimes better explained in terms of inherited socioenvironmental conditions, with biological sex fostering intrageneration variability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Sex-Linked Behavior: Evolution, Stability, and Variability.

    PubMed

    Fine, Cordelia; Dupré, John; Joel, Daphna

    2017-09-01

    Common understanding of human sex-linked behaviors is that proximal mechanisms of genetic and hormonal sex, ultimately shaped by the differential reproductive challenges of ancestral males and females, act on the brain to transfer sex-linked predispositions across generations. Here, we extend the debate on the role of nature and nurture in the development of traits in the lifetime of an individual, to their role in the cross-generation transfer of traits. Advances in evolutionary theory that posit the environment as a source of trans-generational stability, and new understanding of sex effects on the brain, suggest that the cross-generation stability of sex-linked patterns of behavior are sometimes better explained in terms of inherited socioenvironmental conditions, with biological sex fostering intrageneration variability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Sexual selection and sex linkage.

    PubMed

    Kirkpatrick, Mark; Hall, David W

    2004-04-01

    Some animal groups, such as birds, seem prone to extreme forms of sexual selection. One contributing factor may be sex linkage of genes affecting male displays and female preferences. Here we show that sex linkage can have substantial effects on the genetic correlation between these traits and consequently for Fisher's runaway and the good-genes mechanisms of sexual selection. Under some kinds of sex linkage (e.g. Z-linked preferences), a runaway is more likely than under autosomal inheritance, while under others (e.g., X-linked preferences and autosomal displays), the good-genes mechanism is particularly powerful. These theoretical results suggest empirical tests based on the comparative method.

  7. Unraveling unusual X-chromosome patterns during fragile-X syndrome genetic testing.

    PubMed

    Esposito, Gabriella; Tremolaterra, Maria Roberta; Savarese, Maria; Spiniello, Michele; Patrizio, Maria Pia; Lombardo, Barbara; Pastore, Lucio; Salvatore, Francesco; Carsana, Antonella

    2018-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability (ID). Together with fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia (FXTAS) and fragile X-associated premature ovarian failure (POF)/primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), FXS depends on dysfunctional expression of the FMR1 gene on Xq27.3. In most cases, FXS is caused by a >200 CGG repeats in FMR1 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and by promoter hypermethylation that results in gene silencing. Males and females with unmethylated premutated alleles (repeats between 55 and 200) are at risk for FXTAS and POF/POI. FXS molecular testing relied on PCR and methylation-specific Southern blot analysis of the FMR1 5'UTR. Atypical Southern blot patterns were studied by X-chromosome microsatellite analysis, copy number dosage at DMD locus, amelogenin gender-marker analysis and array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Six men affected by ID and three women affected by ID and POF/POI underwent FXS molecular testing. They had normal FMR1 CGG repeats, but atypical X chromosome patterns. Further investigations revealed that the six males had Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), one female was a Turner mosaic (X0/XX) and two women had novel rearrangements involving X chromosome. Diagnostic investigation of atypical patterns at FMR1 locus can address patients and/or their relatives to further verify the condition by performing karyotyping and/or array-CGH. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  8. [Paroxysmal stereotypy-tic-dystonia syndrome].

    PubMed

    Cabrera-López, J C; Martí-Herrero, M; Fernández-Burriel, M; Toledo-Bravo de Laguna, L; Domínguez-Ramírez, S; Fortea-Sevilla, S

    We report the cases of four males from four different families, who presented paroxysmal episodes from the 1st 2nd year. These episodes were characterised by asymmetrical bilateral dystonia of the upper limbs, predominantly in both hands, and were associated with orofacial dyskinesias, stereotipies (jumping, arm flapping, etc.), facial tics and, occasionally, phonic tics. Consciousness is not affected in any of the cases. These movements are triggered in situations where the patient is relaxed or excited. They occur daily and last from a few seconds to 30 minutes. Between the bouts, they remain asymptomatic. Family cases suggest it is inherited by autosomal dominant transmission, perhaps linked to the X chromosome; in addition, two cases are sporadic. In the only adult, the movements progress to a series of rhythmic bilateral dystonic myoclonias and facial tics dyskinesias. All the studies carried out, EEG, hemogram, biochemical analysis, neuroimaging, copper and ceruloplasmin levels, were normal. 1. We report a non epileptic paroxysmal disorder originating in the extrapyramidal tracts with its own characteristics, with onset during early childhood, which is associated with stereotipies, tics and dystonia; 2. It occurs predominantly in males; 3. It is inherited by autosomal dominant transmission, or perhaps sex linked autosomal dominant inheritance, and there are also sporadic cases; 4. The range of clinical features is very wide and includes cases in which there are few symptoms to others where the extent and gravity of the disorder is very significant.

  9. Genetic forms of pituitary dwarfism.

    PubMed

    Rimoin, D L

    1971-05-01

    Pituitary dwarfism represents a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders which may be classified on the basis of: associated developmental anomalies or degenerative disease; deficiency of, or peripheral insensitivity to HGH; the number of deficient hormones; the associated metabolic disturbances; and the mode of inheritance. Hereditary forms of pituitary dwarfism include: congenital absence of the pituitary, panhypopituitary dwarfism (autosomal and X-linked recessive forms), isolated HGH deficiency (Types I and II), Laron type of dwarfism, and peripheral unresponsiveness to HGH (the African Pygmies).

  10. Hereditary hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: report of a rare case.

    PubMed

    Paramkusam, Geetha; Meduri, Venkateswarlu; Nadendla, Lakshmi Kavitha; Shetty, Namratha

    2013-09-01

    Hereditary Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HHED), an X-linked, recessive, Mendelian character, is seen usually in males and it is inherited through female carriers. It is characterised by congenital dysplasia of one or more ectodermal structures and it is manifested by hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis and hypodontia. It results from abnormal morphogenesis of cutaneous and oral embryonic ectoderm. Here, we are presenting a rare case of HHED in a 19 year female with classic features of this condition.

  11. Hereditary Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia: Report of a Rare Case

    PubMed Central

    Paramkusam, Geetha; Meduri, Venkateswarlu; Nadendla, Lakshmi Kavitha; Shetty, Namratha

    2013-01-01

    Hereditary Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HHED), an X-linked, recessive, Mendelian character, is seen usually in males and it is inherited through female carriers. It is characterised by congenital dysplasia of one or more ectodermal structures and it is manifested by hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis and hypodontia. It results from abnormal morphogenesis of cutaneous and oral embryonic ectoderm. Here, we are presenting a rare case of HHED in a 19 year female with classic features of this condition. PMID:24179947

  12. Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and related retinopathies

    PubMed Central

    Gilmour, D F

    2015-01-01

    Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a rare inherited disorder of retinal angiogenesis. Cases can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. FEVR patients have an avascular peripheral retina which, depending on the degree of ischaemia, causes the secondary complications of the disease. Expressivity may be asymmetric and is highly variable. Five genes have been identified that when mutated, cause FEVR; NDP (X-linked), FZD4 (autosomal dominant and recessive), LRP5 (autosomal dominant and recessive), TSPAN12 (autosomal dominant and recessive), and ZNF408 (autosomal dominant). Four of these genes have been shown to have a central role in Norrin/Frizzled4 signalling, suggesting a critical role for this pathway in retinal angiogenesis. In addition to the ocular features, LRP5 mutations can cause osteopenia and osteoporosis. All FEVR patients in whom molecular testing is not easily accessible should have dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans to assess bone mineral density, as treatment can be initiated to reduce the risk of bone fractures. PMID:25323851

  13. Status of Adults With X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

    PubMed Central

    Winkelstein, Jerry A.; Conley, Mary Ellen; James, Cynthia; Howard, Vanessa; Boyle, John

    2010-01-01

    Since many children with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) can now be expected to reach adulthood, knowledge of the status of adults with XLA would be of importance to the patients, their families, and the physicians caring for these patients. We performed the current study in adults with XLA to examine the impact of XLA on their daily lives and quality of life, their educational and socioeconomic status, their knowledge of the inheritance of their disorder, and their reproductive attitudes. Physicians who had entered adult patients with XLA in a national registry were asked to pass on a survey instrument to their patients. The patients then filled out the survey instrument and returned it directly to the investigators. Adults with XLA were hospitalized more frequently and missed more work and/or school than did the general United States population. However, their quality of life was comparable to that of the general United States population. They achieved a higher level of education and had a higher income than did the general United States population. Their knowledge of the inheritance of their disease was excellent. Sixty percent of them would not exercise any reproductive planning options as a result of their disease. The results of the current study suggest that although the disease impacts the daily lives of adults with XLA, they still become productive members of society and excel in many areas. PMID:18794707

  14. Expert guidelines for the management of Alport syndrome and thin basement membrane nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Savige, Judy; Gregory, Martin; Gross, Oliver; Kashtan, Clifford; Ding, Jie; Flinter, Frances

    2013-02-01

    Few prospective, randomized controlled clinical trials address the diagnosis and management of patients with Alport syndrome or thin basement membrane nephropathy. Adult and pediatric nephrologists and geneticists from four continents whose clinical practice focuses on these conditions have developed the following guidelines. The 18 recommendations are based on Level D (Expert opinion without explicit critical appraisal, or based on physiology, bench research, or first principles-National Health Service category) or Level III (Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees-U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) evidence. The recommendations include the use of genetic testing as the gold standard for the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and the demonstration of its mode of inheritance; the need to identify and follow all affected members of a family with X-linked Alport syndrome, including most mothers of affected males; the treatment of males with X-linked Alport syndrome and individuals with autosomal recessive disease with renin-angiotensin system blockade, possibly even before the onset of proteinuria; discouraging the affected mothers of males with X-linked Alport syndrome from renal donation because of their own risk of kidney failure; and consideration of genetic testing to exclude X-linked Alport syndrome in some individuals with thin basement membrane nephropathy. The authors recognize that as evidence emerges, including data from patient registries, these guidelines will evolve further.

  15. Elevated frequencies of hyperhaploid sperm were detected in a man with a history of multiple aneuploid pregnancies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chuu, Y.J.; Wyrobek, A.J.; Kidd, S.

    The goal of this research is to determine the heritable risk associated with elevations in the proportion of hyperhaploid human sperm. A case family presented with a history of four aneuploid pregnancies: two with autosomal trisomies (47,+ 22 and 47, +15) which were non-viable and two children with sex chromosomal aneuploidies (47, XYY and Klinefelter syndrome, 47, XXY). The father consumed {approximately}{1/2} pack of cigarettes and 1 alcoholic drink per day. He had no notable occupational or environmental exposures. Paternal origin of extra X chromosomes in the boy with Klinefelter syndrome was confirmed by DNA analyses of blood using polymorphicmore » X-linked microsatellite markers. The inheritance pattern was established by {ge}2 informative loci using PCR products analyzed on an automatic DNA sequencer. Multi-probe sperm FISH was employed to determine the proportion of sperm with aneuploidies involving chromosome 21, X, and Y. Sperm aneuploidy frequencies of hyper-haploid sperm; XY ({approximately}6 fold, p < 0.001), 21-21 ({approximately}6 fold, p< 0.001), XX and YY ({approximately}2 fold, p<0.02). These findings suggest that elevated proportions of aneuploid sperm may be associated with an increased risk of fathering an aneuploid offspring. These findings are also relevant for future studies of heritable risk for men with elevations in sperm aneuploidy after exposures to therapeutic or environmental agents.« less

  16. Linkage localization of the thoraco-abdominal syndrome (TAS) gene to Xq25-26.

    PubMed

    Parvari, R; Weinstein, Y; Ehrlich, S; Steinitz, M; Carmi, R

    1994-02-15

    The thoraco-abdominal syndrome (TAS) presents a closure defect confined to the ventral midline, manifested as ventral hernia of various degrees in all affected individuals and antero-lateral diaphragmatic defect manifested almost exclusively in affected males. The syndrome is inherited as an X-linked dominant trait affecting blastogenesis (XLB mutation). We studied 27 members of the TAS family for linkage on the X chromosome. The best lod score of 5.5 at theta 0.04 was found for the HPRT locus on Xq26.1. A multilocus lod score of 12.4 was observed when the linkage analysis utilized additional markers in Xq25-26.

  17. Mitochondrial DNA inheritance in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zixuan; Wilson, Amanda; Xu, Jianping

    2015-02-01

    The inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is predominantly uniparental in most sexual eukaryotes. In this study, we examined the mitochondrial inheritance pattern of Cryptococcus gattii, a basidiomycetous yeast responsible for the recent and ongoing outbreak of cryptococcal infections in the US Pacific Northwest and British Columbia (especially Vancouver Island) in Canada. Using molecular markers, we analyzed the inheritance of mtDNA in 14 crosses between strains within and between divergent lineages in C. gattii. Consistent with results from recent studies, our analyses identified significant variations in mtDNA inheritance patterns among strains and crosses, ranging from strictly uniparental to biparental. For two of the crosses that showed uniparental mitochondrial inheritance in standard laboratory conditions, we further investigated the effects of the following environmental variables on mtDNA inheritance: UV exposure, temperature, and treatments with the methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and with the ubiquitination inhibitor ammonium chloride. Interestingly, one of these crosses showed no response to these environmental variables while the other exhibited diverse patterns ranging from complete uniparental inheritance of the MATa parent mtDNA, to biparental inheritance, and to a significant bias toward inheritance of the MATα parental mtDNA. Our results indicate that mtDNA inheritance in C. gattii differs from that in its closely related species Cryptococcus neoformans. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Tandem duplication dup(X)(q13q22) in a male proband inherited from the mother showing mosaicism of X-inactivation.

    PubMed

    Steinbach, P; Horstmann, W; Scholz, W

    1980-01-01

    An aberrant X chromosome containing extra material in the long arm was observed in a psychomotoric retarded boy and his healthy, short-statured mother. The proband showed generalized muscular hypotony, growth retardation, and somatic anomalies including hypoplastic genitalia and cryptorchism. Chromosomal banding techniques suggested a tandem duplication of the segment Xq13 leads to Xq22. In the mother the vast majority of lymphocytes showed late replication of the aberrant X chromosome. Some of her cells, however, contained an apparently active aberrant X. Both the early- and late-replicating aberrant X exhibited late replication patterns very similar to those described for normal X chromosomes in lymphocytes. Asynchrony of DNA replication among the two segments Xq13 leads to Xq22 in the dup(X) was never observed. We consider that the clinical picture of the proband is caused by an excess of active X material.

  19. Familial autosomal dominant severe ankyloglossia with tooth abnormalities.

    PubMed

    Lenormand, Anaëlle; Khonsari, Roman; Corre, Pierre; Perrin, Jean Philippe; Boscher, Cécile; Nizon, Mathilde; Pichon, Olivier; David, Albert; Le Caignec, Cedric; Bertin, Helios; Isidor, Bertrand

    2018-04-28

    Ankyloglossia is a congenital oral anomaly characterized by the presence of a hypertrophic and short lingual frenulum. Mutations in the gene encoding the transcription factor TBX22 have been involved in isolated ankyloglossia and X-linked cleft palate. The knockout of Lgr5 in mice results in ankyloglossia. Here, we report a five-generation family including patients with severe ankyloglossia and missing lower central incisors. Two members of this family also exhibited congenital anorectal malformations. In this report, male-to-male transmission was in favor of an autosomal dominant inheritance, which allowed us to exclude the X-linked TBX22 gene. Linkage analysis using short tandem repeat markers located in the vicinity of LGR5 excluded this gene as a potential candidate. These results indicate genetic heterogeneity for ankyloglossia. Further investigations with additional families are required in order to identify novel candidate genes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Characterization of 4 New Mutations in the CYBB Gene in 10 Iranian Families With X-linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

    PubMed

    Teimourian, Shahram; Sazgara, Faezeh; de Boer, Martin; van Leeuwen, Karin; Roos, Dirk; Lashkary, Sharzad; Chavoshzadeh, Zahra; Nabavi, Mohammad; Bemanian, Mohammad Hassan; Isaian, Anna

    2018-04-26

    Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disease of the innate immune system that results from defects in 1 of the 5 subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex and leads to life-threatening infections with granuloma formation. During 3 years of study, we recognized 10 male patients with X-linked CGD from a tertiary referral center for immune deficiencies in Iran. The CGD patients were diagnosed according to clinical features and biochemical tests, including nitroblue tetrazolium and dihydrorhodamine-1, 2, 3 tests, performed on patients and their mothers. In all patients, Western blot analysis showed a gp91 phenotype. Mutation screening by single strand conformation polymorphism and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis of the CYBB gene encoding gp91, followed by sequencing, showed 9 different mutations, 4 of them novel as far as we know.

  1. Inheritance-mode specific pathogenicity prioritization (ISPP) for human protein coding genes.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Jacob Shujui; Kwan, Johnny S H; Pan, Zhicheng; Garcia-Barcelo, Maria-Mercè; Sham, Pak Chung; Li, Miaoxin

    2016-10-15

    Exome sequencing studies have facilitated the detection of causal genetic variants in yet-unsolved Mendelian diseases. However, the identification of disease causal genes among a list of candidates in an exome sequencing study is still not fully settled, and it is often difficult to prioritize candidate genes for follow-up studies. The inheritance mode provides crucial information for understanding Mendelian diseases, but none of the existing gene prioritization tools fully utilize this information. We examined the characteristics of Mendelian disease genes under different inheritance modes. The results suggest that Mendelian disease genes with autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance mode are more haploinsufficiency and de novo mutation sensitive, whereas those autosomal recessive (AR) genes have significantly more non-synonymous variants and regulatory transcript isoforms. In addition, the X-linked (XL) Mendelian disease genes have fewer non-synonymous and synonymous variants. As a result, we derived a new scoring system for prioritizing candidate genes for Mendelian diseases according to the inheritance mode. Our scoring system assigned to each annotated protein-coding gene (N = 18 859) three pathogenic scores according to the inheritance mode (AD, AR and XL). This inheritance mode-specific framework achieved higher accuracy (area under curve  = 0.84) in XL mode. The inheritance-mode specific pathogenicity prioritization (ISPP) outperformed other well-known methods including Haploinsufficiency, Recessive, Network centrality, Genic Intolerance, Gene Damage Index and Gene Constraint scores. This systematic study suggests that genes manifesting disease inheritance modes tend to have unique characteristics. ISPP is included in KGGSeq v1.0 (http://grass.cgs.hku.hk/limx/kggseq/), and source code is available from (https://github.com/jacobhsu35/ISPP.git). mxli@hku.hkSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  2. Molecular investigation of mental retardation locus gene PRSS12 by linkage analysis

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Zafar; Babar, Masroor Ellahi; Ahmad, Jamil; Yousaf, Muhammad Zubair; Asif, Muhammad; Shah, Sajjad Ali

    2011-01-01

    The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of families having mental retardation in Pakistani population. We enrolled seven mentally retarded (MR) families with two or more affected individuals. Family history was taken to minimize the chances of other abnormalities. Pedigrees were drawn using the Cyrillic software (version 2.1). The structure of pedigrees shows that all the marriages are consanguineous and the families have recessive mode of inheritance. All the families were studied by linkage analysis to mental retardation locus (MRT1)/gene PRSS12. Three STR markers (D4S191, D4S2392, and D4S3024) in vicinity of mental retardation (MR) locus (MRT1)/gene PRSS12 were amplified on all the sample of each family by PCR. The PCR products were then genotyped on non denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The Haplotype were constructed to determine the pattern of inheritance and also to determine that a family was linked or unlinked to gene PRSS12. One out of the seven families was potentially linked to gene PRSS12, while the other six families remain unlinked. PMID:22090715

  3. Molecular investigation of mental retardation locus gene PRSS12 by linkage analysis.

    PubMed

    Ali, Zafar; Babar, Masroor Ellahi; Ahmad, Jamil; Yousaf, Muhammad Zubair; Asif, Muhammad; Shah, Sajjad Ali

    2011-05-01

    The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of families having mental retardation in Pakistani population. We enrolled seven mentally retarded (MR) families with two or more affected individuals. Family history was taken to minimize the chances of other abnormalities. Pedigrees were drawn using the Cyrillic software (version 2.1). The structure of pedigrees shows that all the marriages are consanguineous and the families have recessive mode of inheritance. All the families were studied by linkage analysis to mental retardation locus (MRT1)/gene PRSS12. Three STR markers (D4S191, D4S2392, and D4S3024) in vicinity of mental retardation (MR) locus (MRT1)/gene PRSS12 were amplified on all the sample of each family by PCR. The PCR products were then genotyped on non denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The Haplotype were constructed to determine the pattern of inheritance and also to determine that a family was linked or unlinked to gene PRSS12. One out of the seven families was potentially linked to gene PRSS12, while the other six families remain unlinked.

  4. A neo-W chromosome in a tropical butterfly links colour pattern, male-killing, and speciation.

    PubMed

    Smith, David A S; Gordon, Ian J; Traut, Walther; Herren, Jeremy; Collins, Steve; Martins, Dino J; Saitoti, Kennedy; Ireri, Piera; Ffrench-Constant, Richard

    2016-07-27

    Sexually antagonistic selection can drive both the evolution of sex chromosomes and speciation itself. The tropical butterfly the African Queen, Danaus chrysippus, shows two such sexually antagonistic phenotypes, the first being sex-linked colour pattern, the second, susceptibility to a male-killing, maternally inherited mollicute, Spiroplasma ixodeti, which causes approximately 100% mortality in male eggs and first instar larvae. Importantly, this mortality is not affected by the infection status of the male parent and the horizontal transmission of Spiroplasma is unknown. In East Africa, male-killing of the Queen is prevalent in a narrow hybrid zone centred on Nairobi. This hybrid zone separates otherwise allopatric subspecies with different colour patterns. Here we show that a neo-W chromosome, a fusion between the W (female) chromosome and an autosome that controls both colour pattern and male-killing, links the two phenotypes thereby driving speciation across the hybrid zone. Studies of the population genetics of the neo-W around Nairobi show that the interaction between colour pattern and male-killer susceptibility restricts gene flow between two subspecies of D. chrysippus Our results demonstrate how a complex interplay between sex, colour pattern, male-killing, and a neo-W chromosome, has set up a genetic 'sink' that keeps the two subspecies apart. The association between the neo-W and male-killing thus provides a 'smoking gun' for an ongoing speciation process. © 2016 The Authors.

  5. The Changing Face of Hypophosphatemic Disorders in the FGF-23 Era

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Janet Y.; Imel, Erik A.

    2014-01-01

    In the past decade, research in genetic disorders of hypophosphatemia has significantly expanded our understanding of phosphate metabolism. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common inherited form of rickets due to renal phosphate wasting. Recent understanding of the mechanisms of disease and role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in XLH and other hypophosphatemic disorders have opened new potential therapeutic avenues. We will discuss the current standard of treatment for XLH as well as promising future directions under study. PMID:23858620

  6. Familial Dandy-Walker malformation associated with macrocephaly, facial anomalies, developmental delay, and brain stem dysgenesis: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal outcome in brothers. A new syndrome?

    PubMed

    Chitayat, D; Moore, L; Del Bigio, M R; MacGregor, D; Ben-Zeev, B; Hodgkinson, K; Deck, J; Stothers, T; Ritchie, S; Toi, A

    1994-10-01

    Brothers are reported with an apparently new constellation of manifestations including Dandy-Walker complex (DWC), migrational brain disorder, macrocephaly, and facial anomalies. The first brother presented at birth, the second was detected prenatally with DWC and the pregnancy terminated. Fetal brain histopathology showed DWC associated with brainstem dysgenesis. Inheritance is likely autosomal or X-linked recessive. An extensive review of the differential diagnosis of DWC is provided.

  7. Ambiguous genitalia

    MedlinePlus

    ... chromosome. These X and Y chromosomes determine the child's genetic sex. Normally, an infant inherits 1 pair of sex ... from the father. The father "determines" the genetic sex of the child. A baby who inherits the X chromosome from ...

  8. Analysis of X chromosome inactivation in autism spectrum disorders

    PubMed Central

    Gong, Xiaohong; Bacchelli, Elena; Blasi, Francesca; Toma, Claudio; Betancur, Catalina; Chaste, Pauline; Delorme, Richard; Durand, Christelle; Fauchereau, Fabien; Botros, Hany Goubran; Leboyer, Marion; Mouren-Simeoni, Marie-Christine; Nygren, Gudrun; Anckarsäter, Henrik; Rastam, Maria; Gillberg, I Carina; Gillberg, Christopher; Moreno-De-Luca, Daniel; Carone, Simona; Nummela, Ilona; Rossi, Mari; Battaglia, Agatino; Jarvela, Irma; Maestrini, Elena; Bourgeron, Thomas

    2008-01-01

    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex genetic disorders more frequently observed in males. Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is observed in heterozygous females carrying gene mutations involved in several X-linked syndromes. In this study, we aimed to estimate the role of X-linked genes in the susceptibility to ASD by ascertaining the XCI pattern in a sample of 543 informative mothers of children with ASD and in a sample of 163 affected girls. The XCI pattern was also determined in two control groups (144 adult females and 40 young females) with a similar age distribution to the mothers sample and affected girls sample, respectively. We observed no significant excess of skewed XCI in families with ASD. Interestingly, two mothers and one girl carrying known mutations in X-linked genes (NLGN3, ATRX, MECP2) showed highly skewed XCI, suggesting that ascertainment of XCI could reveal families with X-linked mutations. Linkage analysis was carried out in the subgroup of multiplex families with skewed XCI (80:20) and a modest increased allele sharing was obtained in the Xq27-Xq28 region, with a peak Z-score of 1.75 close to rs719489. In summary, our results suggest that there is no major X-linked gene subject to XCI and expressed in blood cells conferring susceptibility to ASD. However, the possibility that rare mutations in X-linked genes could contribute to ASD cannot be excluded. We propose that the XCI profile could be a useful criteria to prioritize families for mutation screening of X-linked candidate genes. PMID:18361425

  9. Analysis of X chromosome inactivation in autism spectrum disorders.

    PubMed

    Gong, Xiaohong; Bacchelli, Elena; Blasi, Francesca; Toma, Claudio; Betancur, Catalina; Chaste, Pauline; Delorme, Richard; Durand, Christelle M; Fauchereau, Fabien; Botros, Hany Goubran; Leboyer, Marion; Mouren-Simeoni, Marie-Christine; Nygren, Gudrun; Anckarsäter, Henrik; Rastam, Maria; Gillberg, I Carina; Gillberg, Christopher; Moreno-De-Luca, Daniel; Carone, Simona; Nummela, Ilona; Rossi, Mari; Battaglia, Agatino; Jarvela, Irma; Maestrini, Elena; Bourgeron, Thomas

    2008-09-05

    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex genetic disorders more frequently observed in males. Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is observed in heterozygous females carrying gene mutations involved in several X-linked syndromes. In this study, we aimed to estimate the role of X-linked genes in ASD susceptibility by ascertaining the XCI pattern in a sample of 543 informative mothers of children with ASD and in a sample of 163 affected girls. The XCI pattern was also determined in two control groups (144 adult females and 40 young females) with a similar age distribution to the mothers sample and affected girls sample, respectively. We observed no significant excess of skewed XCI in families with ASD. Interestingly, two mothers and one girl carrying known mutations in X-linked genes (NLGN3, ATRX, MECP2) showed highly skewed XCI, suggesting that ascertainment of XCI could reveal families with X-linked mutations. Linkage analysis was carried out in the subgroup of multiplex families with skewed XCI (> or = 80:20) and a modest increased allele sharing was obtained in the Xq27-Xq28 region, with a peak Z-score of 1.75 close to rs719489. In summary, our results suggest that there is no major X-linked gene subject to XCI and expressed in blood cells conferring susceptibility to ASD. However, the possibility that rare mutations in X-linked genes could contribute to ASD cannot be excluded. We propose that the XCI profile could be a useful criteria to prioritize families for mutation screening of X-linked candidate genes. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  10. The Evolutionary Tempo of Sex Chromosome Degradation in Carica papaya.

    PubMed

    Wu, Meng; Moore, Richard C

    2015-06-01

    Genes on non-recombining heterogametic sex chromosomes may degrade over time through the irreversible accumulation of deleterious mutations. In papaya, the non-recombining male-specific region of the Y (MSY) consists of two evolutionary strata corresponding to chromosomal inversions occurring approximately 7.0 and 1.9 MYA. The step-wise recombination suppression between the papaya X and Y allows for a temporal examination of the degeneration progress of the young Y chromosome. Comparative evolutionary analyses of 55 X/Y gene pairs showed that Y-linked genes have more unfavorable substitutions than X-linked genes. However, this asymmetric evolutionary pattern is confined to the oldest stratum, and is only observed when recently evolved pseudogenes are included in the analysis, indicating a slow degeneration tempo of the papaya Y chromosome. Population genetic analyses of coding sequence variation of six Y-linked focal loci in the oldest evolutionary stratum detected an excess of nonsynonymous polymorphism and reduced codon bias relative to autosomal loci. However, this pattern was also observed for corresponding X-linked loci. Both the MSY and its corresponding X-specific region are pericentromeric where recombination has been shown to be greatly reduced. Like the MSY region, overall selective efficacy on the X-specific region may be reduced due to the interference of selective forces between highly linked loci, or the Hill-Robertson effect, that is accentuated in regions of low or suppressed recombination. Thus, a pattern of gene decay on the X-specific region may be explained by relaxed purifying selection and widespread genetic hitchhiking due to its pericentromeric location.

  11. Hypomelanosis of Ito: neurological and psychiatric pictures in developmental age.

    PubMed

    Parisi, L; Di Filippo, T; Roccella, M

    2012-02-01

    Hypomelanosis of Ito (HOI) is a multisystem neurocutaneous disorder. In the described cases, cutaneous manifestations (unilateral or bilateral streaks and swirls of hypomelanosis with regular and confluent borders) and extracutaneous abnormalities are often associated. Extracutaneous abnormalities involve the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, vertebral anomalies, cranial-facial malformations) and other organs, as well as the central nervous system (CNS). The most significant anomalies of the CNS are psychomotor retardation and cognitive deficit. Autism, epilepsy, language disorders, cerebral malformations (neural migration disorders, cerebral hypoplasia, cortical atrophy, agenesis of the corpus callosum) are sometimes present. Numerous abnormal chromosomal patterns have been observed. HOI is usually a sporadic disorder; though autosomal dominant transmission has been suggested, recessive and X-linked inheritance patterns have also been reported. This study describes five children with HOI presenting with various features of the clinical spectrum of the syndrome. Some of these cases were referred for psychomotor therapy as part of an integrated neuropsychologic and psychomotor treatment support program. In this view, psychomotor treatment aims to promote the emotional-relational component, to overcome rigid divisions, and to integrate learning-related cognitive aspects with psychodynamic concepts. Finally, the goals of psychological and social support are to help the parents accept their child's handicap, understand the child's behavior, plan future pregnancies, and foster an environment for their child's integration.

  12. Male-to-male transmission in extended pedigrees with multiple cases of autism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hallmayer, J.; Spiker, D.; Lotspeich, L.

    Despite strong genetic influences in autism, the true mode of inheritance remains unknown. Sex differences in autism have been described in both singleton and multiplex families: boys outnumber girls by 3 or 4 to 1, and so a sex-linked mode of transmission must also be considered. The key characteristic of X-linkage is that all sons of affected men are unaffected (no male-to-male transmission). In the present study, which is part of an ongoing linkage project in autism, we describe 77 multiplex autism families, 11 of who are affected cousin or half-sibling families. By using these families, it is possible tomore » trace the path of genetic transmission and observe whether the hypothesis of X-linkage is tenable. Of 11 extended pedigrees from 77 multiplex families, six show male-to-male transmission; in these families, X-linkage can be excluded as the genetic basis for their autism. The data from the other five families are compatible with either an autosomal or an X-linked mode of transmission. The key point to emerge, then, is that autism cannot be exclusively an X-linked disorder; there must be an autosomal mode of transmission at least in some families. Thus we must consider the alternative hypotheses that autism is either entirely autosomal, or it is genetically heterogeneous, involving at least one autosomal locus with gender-specific expression, as well as a possible locus on the X-chromosome. 28 refs., 1 fig.« less

  13. A pseudoautosomal random amplified polymorphic DNA marker for the sex chromosomes of Silene dioica.

    PubMed Central

    Di Stilio, V S; Kesseli, R V; Mulcahy, D L

    1998-01-01

    The segregation pattern of an 810-bp random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) band in the F1 and backcross generations of a Silene dioica (L.) Clairv. family provides evidence that this molecular marker is located in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of the X and Y chromosomes. The marker was found through a combination of bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and RAPD techniques. Recombination rates between this pseudoautosomal marker and the differentiating portion of the Y chromosome are 15% in both generations. Alternative explanations involving nondisjunction or autosomal inheritance are presented and discussed. Chromosome counts provide evidence against the nondisjunction hypothesis, and probability calculations argue against the possibility of autosomal inheritance. This constitutes the first report of a pseudoautosomal DNA marker for plant sex chromosomes. PMID:9691057

  14. Patients with autosomal nephrogenic diabetes insipidus homozygous for mutations in the aquaporin 2 water-channel gene.

    PubMed Central

    van Lieburg, A. F.; Verdijk, M. A.; Knoers, V. V.; van Essen, A. J.; Proesmans, W.; Mallmann, R.; Monnens, L. A.; van Oost, B. A.; van Os, C. H.; Deen, P. M.

    1994-01-01

    Mutations in the X-chromosomal V2 receptor gene are known to cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Besides the X-linked form, an autosomal mode of inheritance has been described. Recently, mutations in the autosomal gene coding for water-channel aquaporin 2 (AQP2) of the renal collecting duct were reported in an NDI patient. In the present study, missense mutations and a single nucleotide deletion in the aquaporin 2 gene of three NDI patients from consanguineous matings are described. Expression studies in Xenopus oocytes showed that the missense AQP2 proteins are nonfunctional. These results prove that mutations in the AQP2 gene cause autosomal recessive NDI. PMID:7524315

  15. Fragile X syndrome: causes, diagnosis, mechanisms, and therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Bagni, Claudia; Tassone, Flora; Neri, Giovanni; Hagerman, Randi

    2012-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and is also linked to other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. FXS is caused by a triplet expansion that inhibits expression of the FMR1 gene; the gene product, FMRP, regulates mRNA metabolism in the brain and thus controls the expression of key molecules involved in receptor signaling and spine morphology. While there is no definitive cure for FXS, the understanding of FMRP function has paved the way for rational treatment designs that could potentially reverse many of the neurobiological changes observed in FXS. Additionally, behavioral, pharmacological, and cognitive interventions can raise the quality of life for both patients and their families. PMID:23202739

  16. OVAS: an open-source variant analysis suite with inheritance modelling.

    PubMed

    Mozere, Monika; Tekman, Mehmet; Kari, Jameela; Bockenhauer, Detlef; Kleta, Robert; Stanescu, Horia

    2018-02-08

    The advent of modern high-throughput genetics continually broadens the gap between the rising volume of sequencing data, and the tools required to process them. The need to pinpoint a small subset of functionally important variants has now shifted towards identifying the critical differences between normal variants and disease-causing ones. The ever-increasing reliance on cloud-based services for sequence analysis and the non-transparent methods they utilize has prompted the need for more in-situ services that can provide a safer and more accessible environment to process patient data, especially in circumstances where continuous internet usage is limited. To address these issues, we herein propose our standalone Open-source Variant Analysis Sequencing (OVAS) pipeline; consisting of three key stages of processing that pertain to the separate modes of annotation, filtering, and interpretation. Core annotation performs variant-mapping to gene-isoforms at the exon/intron level, append functional data pertaining the type of variant mutation, and determine hetero/homozygosity. An extensive inheritance-modelling module in conjunction with 11 other filtering components can be used in sequence ranging from single quality control to multi-file penetrance model specifics such as X-linked recessive or mosaicism. Depending on the type of interpretation required, additional annotation is performed to identify organ specificity through gene expression and protein domains. In the course of this paper we analysed an autosomal recessive case study. OVAS made effective use of the filtering modules to recapitulate the results of the study by identifying the prescribed compound-heterozygous disease pattern from exome-capture sequence input samples. OVAS is an offline open-source modular-driven analysis environment designed to annotate and extract useful variants from Variant Call Format (VCF) files, and process them under an inheritance context through a top-down filtering schema of swappable modules, run entirely off a live bootable medium and accessed locally through a web-browser.

  17. Genetics Home Reference: Dupuytren contracture

    MedlinePlus

    ... is the most common inherited disorder of connective tissue. The inheritance pattern is often unclear. Some people who inherit ... Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases: Joining NDB Research for Dupuytren ...

  18. Genetics Home Reference: spastic paraplegia type 11

    MedlinePlus

    ... Inheritance Pattern This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern , which means both copies of the ... mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the ...

  19. Mechanisms of rapid sympatric speciation by sex reversal and sexual selection in cichlid fish.

    PubMed

    Lande, R; Seehausen, O; van Alphen, J J

    2001-01-01

    Mechanisms of speciation in cichlid fish were investigated by analyzing population genetic models of sexual selection on sex-determining genes associated with color polymorphisms. The models are based on a combination of laboratory experiments and field observations on the ecology, male and female mating behavior, and inheritance of sex-determination and color polymorphisms. The models explain why sex-reversal genes that change males into females tend to be X-linked and associated with novel colors, using the hypothesis of restricted recombination on the sex chromosomes, as suggested by previous theory on the evolution of recombination. The models reveal multiple pathways for rapid sympatric speciation through the origin of novel color morphs with strong assortative mating that incorporate both sex-reversal and suppressor genes. Despite the lack of geographic isolation or ecological differentiation, the new species coexists with the ancestral species either temporarily or indefinitely. These results may help to explain different patterns and rates of speciation among groups of cichlids, in particular the explosive diversification of rock-dwelling haplochromine cichlids.

  20. Agreement Between Aging Parent’s Bequest Intention and Middle-Aged Child’s Inheritance Expectation

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Kyungmin

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: This study investigated discrepancies in expectations of aging parents and their middle-aged offspring regarding future inheritances. Methods: Data from 327 older parent–adult child dyads were analyzed. Using multilevel models, we examined factors (e.g., economic resources, family characteristics, current support exchanges, and beliefs about family obligation) associated with expectations of inheritance. We also explored patterns of correspondence in expectations over inheritance within dyads and what factors are associated with these patterns. Results: We found a significant generational difference in expectations of inheritance, with children less likely to expect inheritances than parents expected to give. Parent’s income, number of siblings, and support currently given to children were significantly associated with both parents’ and children’s positive expectations of inheritance. The effects of child’s income, support given to parent, and parent’s gender on inheritance expectations differed between parents and children. Compared with discordant dyads (parents intended to leave a bequest, but their child did not expect an inheritance), correspondent dyads (both parents and children expected a bequest) showed higher income of parents and children, more support given to the child, and lower levels of child’s filial obligation. Implications: Although bequest decisions are circumscribed by parent’s financial resources, our findings suggest that they are also a continuation of established patterns of exchanges. Parents and children form their intention or expectation about inheritance based on different factors, leaving open the possibility of misunderstandings between the generations. PMID:23197395

  1. Application of carrier testing to genetic counseling for X-linked agammaglobulinemia

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Allen, R.C.; Nachtman, R.G.; Belmont, J.W.

    Bruton X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a phenotypically recessive genetic disorder of B lymphocyte development. Female carriers of XLA, although asymptomatic, have a characteristic B cell lineage-specific skewing of the pattern of X inactivation. Skewing apparently results from defective growth and maturation of B cell precursors bearing a mutant active X chromosome. In this study, carrier status was tested in 58 women from 22 families referred with a history of agammaglobulinemia. Primary carrier analysis to examine patterns of X inactivation in CD19[sup +] peripheral blood cells (B lymphocytes) was conducted using quantitative PCR at the androgen-receptor locus. Obligate carriers of XLAmore » demonstrated >95% skewing of X inactivation in peripheral blood CD19[sup +] cells but not in CD19[sup [minus

  2. NMDA receptor hypofunction in the dentate gyrus and impaired context discrimination in adult Fmr1 knockout mice.

    PubMed

    Eadie, Brennan D; Cushman, Jesse; Kannangara, Timal S; Fanselow, Michael S; Christie, Brian R

    2012-02-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in humans. This X-linked disorder is caused by the transcriptional repression of a single gene, Fmr1. The loss of Fmr1 transcription prevents the production of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) which in turn disrupts the expression of a variety of key synaptic proteins that appear to be important for intellectual ability. A clear link between synaptic dysfunction and behavioral impairment has been elusive, despite the fact that several animal models of FXS have been generated. Here we report that Fmr1 knockout mice exhibit impaired bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. These deficits are associated with a novel decrease in functional NMDARs (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors). In addition, mice lacking the Fmr1 gene show impaired performance in a context discrimination task that normally requires functional NMDARs in the DG. These data indicate that Fmr1 deletion results in significant NMDAR-dependent electrophysiological and behavioral impairments specific to the DG. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. X-linked hypophosphataemia: a homologous disorder in humans and mice.

    PubMed

    Tenenhouse, H S

    1999-02-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemia is an inherited disorder of phosphate (Pi) homeostasis characterized by growth retardation, rickets and osteomalacia, hypophosphataemia, and aberrant renal Pi reabsorption and vitamin D metabolism. Studies in murine Hyp and Gy homologues have identified a specific defect in Na+-Pi cotransport at the brush border membrane, abnormal regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) synthesis and degradation, and an intrinsic defect in bone mineralization. The mutant gene has been identified in XLH patients, by positional cloning, and in Hyp and Gy mice, and was designated PHEX/Phex to signify a PHosphate-regulating gene with homology to Endopeptidases on the X chromosome. PHEX/Phex is expressed in bones and teeth but not in kidney and efforts are under way to elucidate how loss of PHEX/Phex function elicits the mutant phenotype. Based on its homology to endopeptidases, it is postulated that PHEX/Phex is involved in the activation or inactivation of a peptide hormone(s) which plays a key role in the regulation of bone mineralization, renal Pi handling and vitamin D metabolism.

  4. Mapping of angular leaf spot resistance QTL in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under different environments

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume for human diet worldwide and the angular leaf spot (ALS) is one of the most devastating diseases of this crop, leading to yield losses as high as 80%. In an attempt to breed resistant cultivars, it is important to first understand the inheritance mode of resistance and to develop tools that could be used in assisted breeding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to ALS under natural infection conditions in the field and under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse. Results QTL analyses were made using phenotypic data from 346 recombinant inbreed lines from the IAC-UNA x CAL 143 cross, gathered in three experiments, two of which were conducted in the field in different seasons and one in the greenhouse. Joint composite interval mapping analysis of QTL x environment interaction was performed. In all, seven QTLs were mapped on five linkage groups. Most of them, with the exception of two, were significant in all experiments. Among these, ALS10.1DG,UC presented major effects (R2 between 16% - 22%). This QTL was found linked to the GATS11b marker of linkage group B10, which was consistently amplified across a set of common bean lines and was associated with the resistance. Four new QTLs were identified. Between them the ALS5.2 showed an important effect (9.4%) under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse. ALS4.2 was another major QTL, under natural infection in the field, explaining 10.8% of the variability for resistance reaction. The other QTLs showed minor effects on resistance. Conclusions The results indicated a quantitative inheritance pattern of ALS resistance in the common bean line CAL 143. QTL x environment interactions were observed. Moreover, the major QTL identified on linkage group B10 could be important for bean breeding, as it was stable in all the environments. Thereby, the GATS11b marker is a potential tool for marker assisted selection for ALS resistance. PMID:22738188

  5. Genetics Home Reference: Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome/dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis

    MedlinePlus

    ... that are the basis for each person's unique fingerprints. Additional features of NFJS/DPR can include a ... Mutations and Health Inheritance Pattern This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern , which means one ...

  6. Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) caused by a VDR mutation: A novel mechanism of dominant inheritance.

    PubMed

    Isojima, Tsuyoshi; Ishizawa, Michiyasu; Yoshimura, Kazuko; Tamura, Mayuko; Hirose, Shinichi; Makishima, Makoto; Kitanaka, Sachiko

    2015-06-01

    Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is caused by mutations in the VDR gene, and its inheritance is autosomal recessive. In this report, we aimed to confirm whether HVDRR is occasionally inherited as a dominant trait. An 18-month-old Japanese boy was evaluated for short stature and bowlegs. His father had been treated for rickets during childhood, and his paternal grandfather had bowlegs. We diagnosed him with HVDRR based on laboratory data and radiographic evidence of rickets. Sequence analyses of VDR were performed, and the functional consequences of the detected mutations were analyzed for transcriptional activity, ligand binding, and interaction with the retinoid X receptor, cofactors, and the vitamin D response element (VDRE). A novel mutation (Q400LfsX7) and a reported variant (R370H) were identified in the patient. Heterozygous Q400LfsX7 was detected in his father, and heterozygous R370H was detected in his healthy mother. Functional studies revealed that the transcriptional activity of Q400LfsX7-VDR was markedly disturbed. The mutant had a dominant-negative effect on wild-type-VDR, and the ligand binding affinity of Q400LfsX7-VDR was completely impaired. Interestingly, Q400LfsX7-VDR had a strong interaction with corepressor NCoR and could interact with VDRE without the ligand. R370H-VDR was functionally similar to wild-type-VDR. In conclusion, we found a dominant-negative mutant of VDR causing dominantly inherited HVDRR through a constitutive corepressor interaction, a mechanism similar to that in dominantly inherited thyroid hormone receptor mutations. Our report together with a reported pedigree suggested a distinct inheritance of HVDRR and enriched our understanding of VDR abnormalities.

  7. Apparent X-linked primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with retinitis pigmentosa and a hearing loss.

    PubMed

    Krawczyński, Maciej R; Dmeńska, Hanna; Witt, Michał

    2004-01-01

    Three brothers, one 10-year-old and a pair of 14-year-old dizygotic twins--expressed the classical, early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with typical ophthalmoscopic findings, night blindness, visual field constricted to 10 degrees and flat ERG response. All three brothers were also diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and had recurrent respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis and bronchiectasis. In all of them, resection of the middle lobe of the right lung was performed. A similar clinical picture of coexisting RP and PCD was noted in the brother of the probands' mother. All probands displayed situs solitus. Consistent with the X-linked mode of RP inheritance, there were also three obligatory female carriers of the disorder in this family: the mother of the affected boys, her mother and a daughter of her brother. In all of them, retinitis pigmentosa "sine pigmento" was found with milder but clinically significant symptoms (mild night blindness, visual field constricted to 30 degrees, and scotopic and photopic ERG responses reduced to 30-60%). No extraocular symptoms were detected in any of the heterozygous female carriers. This family presents an example of two rare phenomena: X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa (with milder expression in females) and a rare combination of RP with recurrent respiratory infections due to PCD.

  8. Two models for a maternal factor in the inheritance of Huntington disease.

    PubMed Central

    Boehnke, M; Conneally, P M; Lange, K

    1983-01-01

    Huntington disease is a classic example of an autosomal dominant trait. Over the years, however, a number of investigators have reported anomalies regarding the age of onset of the disease that are inconsistent with this paradigm. We propose two models in which a maternal factor--cytoplasmic in one case, autosomal or X-linked in the other--acts to delay onset in a manner consistent with the previously reported anomalies. Relevant data from the Huntington's Disease Research Roster are presented that reinforce and extend the previous observations. PMID:6225335

  9. Juvenile Macular Degenerations

    PubMed Central

    Altschwager, Pablo; Ambrosio, Lucia; Swanson, Emily A.; Moskowitz, Anne; Fulton, Anne B.

    2017-01-01

    In this paper we review three common juvenile macular degenerations: Stargardt disease, X-linked retinoschisis, and Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. These are inherited disorders that typically present during childhood, when vision is still developing. They are sufficiently common that they should be included in the differential diagnosis of visual loss in pediatric patients. Diagnosis is secured by a combination of clinical findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, and genetic testing. Early diagnosis promotes optimal management. While there is currently no definitive cure for these conditions, therapeutic modalities under investigation include pharmacologic treatment, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation. PMID:28941524

  10. X-linked gene expression in the Virginia opossum: differences between the paternally derived Gpd and Pgk-A loci

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Samollow, P.B.; Ford, A.L.; VandeBerg, J.L.

    1987-01-01

    Expression of X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phosphoglycerate kinase-A (PGK-A) in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) was studied electrophoretically in animals from natural populations and those produced through controlled laboratory crosses. Blood from most of the wild animals exhibited a common single-banded phenotype for both enzymes. Rare variant animals, regardless of sex, exhibited single-banded phenotypes different in mobility from the common mobility class of the respective enzyme. The laboratory crosses confirmed the allelic basis for the common and rare phenotypes. Transmission of PGK-A phenotypes followed the pattern of determinate (nonrandom) inactivation of the paternally derived Pgk-A allele, and transmission ofmore » G6PD also was consistent with this pattern. A survey of tissue-specific expression of G6PD phenotypes of heterozygous females revealed, in almost all tissues, three-banded patterns skewed in favor of the allele that was expressed in blood cells. Three-banded patterns were never observed in males or in putatively homozygous females. These patterns suggest simultaneous, but unequal, expression of the maternally and paternally derived Gpd alleles within individual cells. The absence of such partial expression was noted in a parallel survey of females heterozygous at the Pgd-A locus. Thus, it appears that Gpd and Pgk-A are X-linked in D. virginiana and subject to preferential paternal allele inactivation, but that dosage compensation may not be complete for all paternally derived X-linked genes.« less

  11. Growth, patterning, and weak-link fabrication of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilton, G. C.; Harris, E. B.; van Harlingen, D. J.

    1988-09-01

    Thin films of the high-temperature superconducting ceramic oxides have been grown, and techniques for fabricating weak-link structures have been investigated. Films of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) grown on SrTiO3 by a combination of dc magnetron sputtering and thermal evaporation from the three sources have been patterned into microbridges with widths down to 2 microns. Evidence is found that the bridges behave as arrays of Josephson-coupled superconducting islands. Further weak-link behavior is induced by in situ modification of the coupling by ion milling through the bridge.

  12. The normal huntington disease (HD) allele, or a closely linked gene, influences age at onset of HD

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farrer, L.A.; Cupples, L.A.; Conneally, P.M.

    1993-07-01

    The authors evaluated the hypothesis that Huntington disease (HD) is influenced by the normal HD allele by comparing transmission patterns of genetically linked markers at the D4S10 locus in the normal parent against age at onset in the affected offspring. Analysis of information from 21 sibships in 14 kindreds showed a significant tendency for sibs who have similar onset ages to share the same D4S10 allele from the normal parent. Affected sibs who inherited different D4S10 alleles from the normal parent tended to have more variable ages at onset. These findings suggest that the expression of HD is modulated bymore » the normal HD allele or by a closely linked locus. 38 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  13. Isotopic and genetic evidence for culturally inherited site fidelity to feeding grounds in southern right whales (Eubalaena australis).

    PubMed

    Valenzuela, Luciano O; Sironi, Mariano; Rowntree, Victoria J; Seger, Jon

    2009-03-01

    Ocean warming will undoubtedly affect the migratory patterns of many marine species, but specific changes can be predicted only where behavioural mechanisms guiding migration are understood. Southern right whales show maternally inherited site fidelity to near-shore winter nursery grounds, but exactly where they feed in summer (collectively and individually) remains mysterious. They consume huge quantities of copepods and krill, and their reproductive rates respond to fluctuations in krill abundance linked to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Here we show that genetic and isotopic signatures, analysed together, indicate maternally directed site fidelity to diverse summer feeding grounds for female right whales calving at Península Valdés, Argentina. Isotopic values from 131 skin samples span a broad range (-23.1 to -17.2‰ δ¹³C, 6.0 to 13.8‰ δ¹⁵N) and are more similar than expected among individuals sharing the same mitochondrial haplotype. This pattern indicates that calves learn summer feeding locations from their mothers, and that the timescale of culturally inherited site fidelity to feeding grounds is at least several generations. Such conservatism would be expected to limit the exploration of new feeding opportunities, and may explain why this population shows increased rates of reproductive failure in years following elevated sea-surface temperature anomalies off South Georgia, the richest known feeding ground for baleen whales in the South Atlantic.

  14. Explaining Mendelian inheritance in genetic consultations: an IPR study of counselor and counselee experiences.

    PubMed

    Gale, Theodora; Pasalodos-Sanchez, Sara; Kerzin-Storrar, Lauren; Hall, Georgina; MacLeod, Rhona

    2010-02-01

    The explanation of Mendelian inheritance is a key component of most genetic counselling consultations, yet no evidence base exists for this area of practice. This qualitative study used Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) to explore how information about X-linked inheritance is provided and received in genetic counseling. Twelve consultations involving two senior genetic counselors and 21 counselees were videotaped. Section(s) of videotape featuring the explanation were subsequently played back separately to both counselees and counselors and their responses and reflections recorded. All interviews were fully transcribed and analysed using the constant comparison method. A personalized diagram, drawn "live" by the counselor during the consultation was recalled by counselees as being central to their understanding of the "bottom line". This helped bridge the gap between scientific information and their family experience and did not appear to require a baseline understanding of genetic concepts such as genes or chromosomes. Counselors reflected on the diagram's positive impact on the way they sequenced, paced and tailored the explanation. A positive counselor-counselee relationship was vital even during this educative exchange: for counselees to feel at ease discussing complex genetic information and to help gauge counselee understanding.

  15. [Vasopressin V2 receptor-related pathologies: congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and nephrogenic syndrome of inappropiate antidiuresis].

    PubMed

    Morin, Denis

    2014-12-01

    Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare hereditary disease with mainly an X-linked inheritance (90% of the cases) but there are also autosomal recessive and dominant forms. Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is characterized by a resistance of the renal collecting duct to the action of the arginine vasopressin hormone responsible for the inability of the kidney to concentrate urine. The X-linked form is due to inactivating mutations of the vasopressin 2 receptor gene leading to a loss of function of the mutated receptors. Affected males are often symptomatic in the neonatal period with a lack of weight gain, dehydration and hypernatremia but mild phenotypes may also occur. Females carrying the mutation may be asymptomatic but, sometimes, severe polyuria is found due to the random X chromosome inactivation. The autosomal recessive and dominant forms, occurring in both genders, are linked to mutations in the aquaporin-2 gene. The treatment remains difficult, especially in infants, and is based on a low osmotic diet with increased water intake and the use of thiazides and indomethacin. The main goal is to avoid hypernatremic episodes and maintain a good hydration state. Potentially, specific treatment, in some cases of X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, with pharmacological chaperones such as non-peptide vasopressin-2 receptor antagonists will be available in the future. Conversely, the nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (NSIAD) is linked to a constitutive activation of the V(2)-receptor due to activating mutations with clinical and biological features of inappropriate antidiuresis but with low or undetectable plasma arginine vasopressin hormone levels. Copyright © 2014 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency and its relationship with epilepsy frequency--An overview.

    PubMed

    Bhandary, Suman; Aguan, Kripamoy

    2015-10-01

    The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) is a member of a family of multienzyme complexes that provides the link between glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by catalyzing the physiologically irreversible decarboxylation of various 2-oxoacid substrates to their corresponding acyl-CoA derivatives, NADH and CO2. PDHc deficiency is a metabolic disorder commonly associated with lactic acidosis, progressive neurological and neuromuscular degeneration that vary with age and gender. In this review, we aim to discuss the relationship between occurrence of epilepsy and PDHc deficiency associated with the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (E1α subunit (PDHA1) and E1β subunit (PDHB)) and PDH phosphatase (PDP) deficiency. PDHc plays a crucial role in the aerobic carbohydrate metabolism and regulates the use of carbohydrate as the source of oxidative energy. In severe PDHc deficiency, the energy deficit impairs brain development in utero resulting in physiological and structural changes in the brain that contributes to the subsequent onset of epileptogenesis. Epileptogenesis in PDHc deficiency is linked to energy failure and abnormal neurotransmitter metabolism that progressively alters neuronal excitability. This metabolic blockage might be restricted via inclusion of ketogenic diet that is broken up by β-oxidation and directly converting it to acetyl-CoA, and thereby improving the patient's health condition. Genetic counseling is essential as PDHA1 deficiency is X-linked. The demonstration of the X-chromosome localization of PDHA1 resolved a number of questions concerning the variable phenotype displayed by patients with E1 deficiency. Most patients show a broad range of neurological abnormalities, with the severity showing some dependence on the nature of the mutation in the Elα gene, while PDHB and PDH phosphatase (PDP) deficiencies are of autosomal recessive inheritance. However, in females, the disorder is further complicated by the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation, i.e., unfavorable lyonization. Furthermore research should focus on epileptogenic animal models; this might pave a new way toward identification of the pathophysiology of this challenging disorder. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Amelogenesis imperfecta

    PubMed Central

    Crawford, Peter JM; Aldred, Michael; Bloch-Zupan, Agnes

    2007-01-01

    Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) represents a group of developmental conditions, genomic in origin, which affect the structure and clinical appearance of enamel of all or nearly all the teeth in a more or less equal manner, and which may be associated with morphologic or biochemical changes elsewhere in the body. The prevalence varies from 1:700 to 1:14,000, according to the populations studied. The enamel may be hypoplastic, hypomineralised or both and teeth affected may be discoloured, sensitive or prone to disintegration. AI exists in isolation or associated with other abnormalities in syndromes. It may show autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, sex-linked and sporadic inheritance patterns. In families with an X-linked form it has been shown that the disorder may result from mutations in the amelogenin gene, AMELX. The enamelin gene, ENAM, is implicated in the pathogenesis of the dominant forms of AI. Autosomal recessive AI has been reported in families with known consanguinity. Diagnosis is based on the family history, pedigree plotting and meticulous clinical observation. Genetic diagnosis is presently only a research tool. The condition presents problems of socialisation, function and discomfort but may be managed by early vigorous intervention, both preventively and restoratively, with treatment continued throughout childhood and into adult life. In infancy, the primary dentition may be protected by the use of preformed metal crowns on posterior teeth. The longer-term care involves either crowns or, more frequently these days, adhesive, plastic restorations. PMID:17408482

  18. Molecular characterization of a novel X-linked syndrome involving developmental delay and deafness.

    PubMed

    Hildebrand, Michael S; de Silva, Michelle G; Tan, Tiong Yang; Rose, Elizabeth; Nishimura, Carla; Tolmachova, Tanya; Hulett, Joanne M; White, Susan M; Silver, Jeremy; Bahlo, Melanie; Smith, Richard J H; Dahl, Hans-Henrik M

    2007-11-01

    X-linked syndromes associated with developmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) have been characterized at the molecular level, including Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome and Norrie disease. In this study we report on a novel X-linked recessive, congenital syndrome in a family with developmental delay and SNHL that maps to a locus associated with mental retardation (MR) for which no causative gene has been identified. The X-linked recessive inheritance and congenital nature of the syndrome was confirmed by detailed clinical investigation and the family history. Linkage mapping of the X-chromosome was conducted to ascertain the disease locus and candidate genes were screened by direct sequencing and STRP analysis. The recessive syndrome was mapped to Xp11.3-q21.32 and a deletion was identified in a regulatory region upstream of the POU3F4 gene in affected family members. Since mutations in POU3F4 cause deafness at the DFN3 locus, the deletion is the likely cause of the SNHL in this family. The choroideremia (CHM) gene was also screened and a novel missense change was identified. The alteration changes the serine residue at position 89 in the Rab escort 1 protein (REP-1) to a cysteine (S89C). Prenylation of Rab proteins was investigated in patients and the location of REP-1 expression in the brain determined. However, subsequent analysis revealed that this change in CHM was polymorphic having no effect on REP-1 function. Although the causative gene at the MR locus in this family has not been identified, there are a number of genes involved in syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of MR that are potential candidates. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  19. Using lod-score differences to determine mode of inheritance: a simple, robust method even in the presence of heterogeneity and reduced penetrance.

    PubMed

    Greenberg, D A; Berger, B

    1994-10-01

    Determining the mode of inheritance is often difficult under the best of circumstances, but when segregation analysis is used, the problems of ambiguous ascertainment procedures, reduced penetrance, heterogeneity, and misdiagnosis make mode-of-inheritance determinations even more unreliable. The mode of inheritance can also be determined using a linkage-based method (maximized maximum lod score or mod score) and association-based methods, which can overcome many of these problems. In this work, we determined how much information is necessary to reliably determine the mode of inheritance from linkage data when heterogeneity and reduced penetrance are present in the data set. We generated data sets under both dominant and recessive inheritance with reduced penetrance and with varying fractions of linked and unlinked families. We then analyzed those data sets, assuming reduced penetrance, both dominant and recessive inheritance, and no heterogeneity. We investigated the reliability of two methods for determining the mode of inheritance from the linkage data. The first method examined the difference (delta) between the maximum lod scores calculated under the two mode-of-inheritance assumptions. We found that if delta was > 1.5, then the higher of the two maximum lod scores reflected the correct mode of inheritance with high reliability and that a delta of 2.5 appeared to practically guarantee a correct mode-of-inheritance inference. Furthermore, this reliability appeared to be virtually independent of alpha, the fraction of linked families in the data set, although the reliability decreased slightly as alpha fell below .50.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  20. Clinical management of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome from maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) genetic inheritance.

    PubMed

    Bellon-Harn, Monica L

    2005-01-01

    Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is reported in 1 in 10,000-15,000 individuals. Unfortunately, many cases are missed due to clinicians' lack of familiarity with the syndrome as well as clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria. Although common clinical characteristics are reported, variety exists in the nature and severity of dysfunction associated with PWS. Case studies can provide information to understand relationships between phenotypic characteristics and genetic inheritance, which can in turn lead to effective clinical management. The purpose of this case study was to describe the characteristics of a child with PWS due to maternal uniparental disomy inheritance pattern and to describe clinical management and treatment outcomes. The reader will obtain information about: (1) the genetic inheritance patterns and clinical characteristics of Prader-Willi Syndrome, (2) genotypic/phenotypic relationships specific to Prader-Willi Syndrome, and (3) clinical implications, management, and outcomes in a case description of a child with PWS due to maternal uniparental disomy inheritance pattern.

  1. A new Xist allele driven by a constitutively active promoter is dominated by Xist locus environment and exhibits the parent-of-origin effects.

    PubMed

    Amakawa, Yuko; Sakata, Yuka; Hoki, Yuko; Arata, Satoru; Shioda, Seiji; Fukagawa, Tatsuo; Sasaki, Hiroyuki; Sado, Takashi

    2015-12-15

    The dosage difference of X-linked genes between the sexes in mammals is compensated for by genetic inactivation of one of the X chromosomes in XX females. A noncoding RNA transcribed from the Xist gene at the onset of X chromosome inactivation coats the X chromosome in cis and induces chromosome-wide heterochromatinization. Here, we report a new Xist allele (Xist(CAG)) driven by a CAG promoter, which is known to be constitutively active in many types of cells. The paternal transmission of Xist(CAG) resulted in the preferential inactivation of the targeted paternal X (Xp) not only in the extra-embryonic but also the embryonic lineage, whereas maternal transmission ended with embryonic lethality at the early postimplantation stage with a phenotype that resembled mutant embryos carrying a maternal deficiency in Tsix, an antisense negative regulator of Xist, in both sexes. Interestingly, we found that the upregulation of Xist(CAG) in preimplantation embryos temporally differed depending on its parental origin: its expression started at the 4- to 8-cell stages when paternally inherited, and Xist(CAG) was upregulated at the blastocyst stage when maternally inherited. This might indicate that the Xist locus on Xp is permissive to transcription, but the Xist locus on the maternal X (Xm) is not. We extrapolated from these findings that the maternal Xist allele might manifest a chromatin structure inaccessible by transcription factors relative to the paternal allele. This might underlie the mechanism for the maternal repression of Xist at the early cleavage stage when Tsix expression has not yet occurred on Xm. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  2. 77 FR 14700 - Streamlining Inherited Regulations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-13

    ... contains notices to the public of #0;the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these... X [Docket No. CFPB-2011-0039] Streamlining Inherited Regulations AGENCY: Bureau of Consumer... the public for streamlining regulations it recently inherited from other Federal agencies (the...

  3. Heckathorn's disease: variable functional dificiency of antihemophilic factor (factor VIII).

    PubMed

    Ratnoff, O D; Lewis, J H

    1975-08-01

    A family is described in which a syndrome resembling moderately severe classic hemophilia was apparently inherited as an X chromosome-linked trait. In two affected individuals, the titer of functional antihemophilic factor varied dramatically from time to time, while the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin was impaired in no apparent relationship to AHF functional activity. A transfusion of 200 ml of fresh-frozen plasma did not correct the serum prothrombin times in either patient. In vitro, the additions of 10% of normal plasma or serum or washed plain or frozen platelets also did not normalize the serum prothrombin times. No inhibitor could be demonstrated in the blood of either patient. In one patient, RH, dissipation of infused cryoprecipitated AHF was abnormally slow, and, after an intensive course of transfusion of cryoprecipitate and whole blood, the titer of functional AHF remained at normal levels for at least 1 wk. The plasma of RH inhibited a human antibody against AHF in proportion to its titer of functional AHF (i.e., the defect was CRM-) despite the presence of relatively greater amounts of antigenic material recognized by heterologous antiserum. No qualitative abnormality of the AHF-like material in RH's plasma was identified. Inheritance of the abnormality appears superficially to be X chromosome-linked; on this assumption, three of four obligate carriers of the disorder were recognized by the presence of excess amounts of AHF-like antigens relative to AHF functional activity. This coagulation disorder has been designated Heckathorn's disease and may presage the discovery of other examples of hemophilia-related syndromes.

  4. A novel DCX missense mutation in a family with X-linked lissencephaly and subcortical band heterotopia syndrome inherited from a low-level somatic mosaic mother: Genetic and functional studies.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Meng-Han; Kuo, Pei-Wen; Myers, Candace T; Li, Shih-Wen; Lin, Wei-Che; Fu, Ting-Ying; Chang, Hsin-Yun; Mefford, Heather C; Chang, Yao-Chung; Tsai, Jin-Wu

    2016-09-01

    To study the genetics and functional alteration of a family with X-linked lissencephaly and subcortical band heterotopia. Five affected patients (one male with lissencephaly, four female with subcortical band heterotopia) and their relatives were studied. Sanger sequencing of DCX gene, allele specific PCR and molecular inversion probe technique were performed. Mutant and wild type of the gene products, namely doublecortin, were expressed in cells followed by immunostaining to explore the localization of doublecortin and microtubules in cells. In vitro microtubule-binding protein spin-down assay was performed to quantify the binding ability of doublecortin to microtubules. We identified a novel DCX mutation c.785A > G, p.Asp262Gly that segregated with the affected members of the family. Allele specific PCR and molecular inversion probe technique demonstrated that the asymptomatic female carrier had an 8% mutant allele fraction in DNA derived from peripheral leukocytes. This mother had 7 children, 4 of whom were affected and all four affected siblings carried the mutation. Functional study showed that the mutant doublecortin protein had a significant reduction of its ability to bind microtubules. Low level mosaicism could be a cause of inherited risk from asymptomatic parents for DCX related lissencephaly-subcortical band heterotopia spectrum. This is particularly important in terms of genetic counselling for recurrent risk of future pregnancies. The reduced binding affinity of mutant doublecortin may contribute to developmental malformation of the cerebral cortex. Copyright © 2016 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. [Molecular genetics of pigmentary retinopathies: identification of mutations in CHM, RDS, RHO, RPE65, USH2A and XLRS1 genes].

    PubMed

    Hamel, C P; Griffoin, J M; Bazalgette, C; Lasquellec, L; Duval, P A; Bareil, C; Beaufrère, L; Bonnet, S; Eliaou, C; Marlhens, F; Schmitt-Bernard, C F; Tuffery, S; Claustres, M; Arnaud, B

    2000-12-01

    To evaluate the occurrence and inheritance of various types of pigmentary retinopathy in patients followed at the outpatient clinic in the university hospital, Montpellier, France. To characterize genes and mutations causing these conditions. Ophthalmic examination and various visual tests were performed. Mutations were sought from genomic DNA by PCR amplification of exons associated with single-strand conformation analysis and/or direct sequencing. Among 315 patients over an 8-year period, cases of retinitis pigmentosa (63.2%), Usher's syndrome (10.2%), Stargardt's disease (5.4%), choroideremia (3.2%), Leber's congenital amaurosis (3.2%), congenital stationary night blindness (2.9%), cone dystrophy (2.5%), dominant optic atrophy (1.9%), X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (1.6%), Best's disease (1.6%), and others (4.3%) were diagnosed. In retinitis pigmentosa, inheritance could be determined in 54.2% of the cases including dominant autosomic (26.6%), recessive autosomic (22.6%), and X-linked cases (5%) while it could not be confirmed in 45.7% of the cases (simplex cases in the majority). For the 6 examined genes, mutations were found in 22 out of 182 propositus (12.1%). Analysis of phenotype-genotype correlations indicates that in retinitis pigmentosa, RDS is more frequently associated with macular involvement and retinal flecks, RHO with regional disease, and RPE65 with the great severity of the disease with some cases of Leber's congenital amaurosis. Identification of genes may help in diagnosis and in genetic counseling, especially in simplex cases with retinitis pigmentosa. In this latter condition, molecular diagnosis will be necessary to rationalize future treatments.

  6. Does cross-generational epigenetic inheritance contribute to cultural continuity?

    PubMed

    Pembrey, Marcus E

    2018-04-01

    Human studies of cross-generational epigenetic inheritance have to consider confounding by social patterning down the generations, often referred to as 'cultural inheritance'. This raises the question to what extent is 'cultural inheritance' itself epigenetically mediated rather than just learnt. Human studies of non-genetic inheritance have demonstrated that, beyond foetal life, experiences occurring in mid-childhood before puberty are the most likely to be associated with cross-generational responses in the next generation(s). It is proposed that cultural continuity is played out along the axis, or 'payoff', between responsiveness and stability. During the formative years of childhood a stable family and/or home permits small children to explore and thereby learn. To counter disruptions to this family home ideal, cultural institutions such as local schools, religious centres and market places emerged to provide ongoing stability, holding the received wisdom of the past in an accessible state. This cultural support allows the growing child to freely indulge their responsiveness. Some of these prepubertal experiences induce epigenetic responses that also transfer molecular signals to the gametes through which they contribute to the conception of future offspring. In parallel co-evolution with growing cultural support for increasing responsiveness, 'runaway' responsiveness is countered by the positive selection of genetic variants that dampen responsiveness. Testing these ideas within longitudinal multigenerational cohorts will need information on ancestors/parents' own communities and experiences (Exposome scans) linked to ongoing Phenome scans on grandchildren; coupled with epigenome analysis, metastable epialleles and DNA methylation age. Interactions with genetic variants affecting responsiveness should help inform the broad hypothesis.

  7. The mitochondrial plasmid of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum bypasses uniparental inheritance by promoting mitochondrial fusion.

    PubMed

    Sakurai, Rakusa; Nomura, Hideo; Moriyam, Yohsuke; Kawano, Shigeyuki

    2004-08-01

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited maternally in most eukaryotes. Linear mitochondrial plasmids in higher plants and fungi are also transmitted from the maternal parent to the progeny. However, mF, which is a mitochondrial linear plasmid of Physarum polycephalum, evades uniparental mitochondrial inheritance. We examined 36 myxamoebal strains of Physarum and isolated three novel mF+ strains (JE8, TU111, NG111) that harbored free mF plasmids. These strains were mated with the mF- strain KM88. Of the three mF- x mF+ crosses, only KM88 x JE8 displayed complete uniparental inheritance. However, in KM88 x TU111 and KM88 x NG111, the mtDNA of KM88 and mF of TU111 and NG111 were inherited by the plasmodia and showed recombination. For example, although the mtDNA of TU111 was eliminated, the mF of TU111 persisted and became inserted into the mtDNA of KM88, such that recombinant mtDNA represented 80% of the total mtDNA. The parental mitochondria fused to yield giant mitochondria with two or more mitochondrial nucleoids. The mF appears to exchange mitochondria from the recipient (paternal) to the donor (maternal) by promoting mitochondrial fusion.

  8. Genetics Home Reference: myasthenia gravis

    MedlinePlus

    ... ventilation assistance. This respiratory failure, called a myasthenic crisis, may be triggered by stresses such as infections ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (2 links) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  9. Genetics Home Reference: hereditary angioedema

    MedlinePlus

    ... 000 people. Type I is the most common, accounting for 85 percent of cases. Type II occurs ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (3 links) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  10. Genetics Home Reference: multiminicore disease

    MedlinePlus

    ... are less common than the classic form, together accounting for about 25 percent of all cases. The ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (5 links) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  11. What is Cystic Fibrosis?

    MedlinePlus

    ... pass the faulty CFTR gene to their children. Example of an Inheritance Pattern for Cystic Fibrosis The image shows how CFTR genes are inherited. A person inherits two copies of the CFTR gene—one from each parent. If each parent has a ...

  12. DNA variant databases improve test accuracy and phenotype prediction in Alport syndrome.

    PubMed

    Savige, Judy; Ars, Elisabet; Cotton, Richard G H; Crockett, David; Dagher, Hayat; Deltas, Constantinos; Ding, Jie; Flinter, Frances; Pont-Kingdon, Genevieve; Smaoui, Nizar; Torra, Roser; Storey, Helen

    2014-06-01

    X-linked Alport syndrome is a form of progressive renal failure caused by pathogenic variants in the COL4A5 gene. More than 700 variants have been described and a further 400 are estimated to be known to individual laboratories but are unpublished. The major genetic testing laboratories for X-linked Alport syndrome worldwide have established a Web-based database for published and unpublished COL4A5 variants ( https://grenada.lumc.nl/LOVD2/COL4A/home.php?select_db=COL4A5 ). This conforms with the recommendations of the Human Variome Project: it uses the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) format, describes variants according to the human reference sequence with standardized nomenclature, indicates likely pathogenicity and associated clinical features, and credits the submitting laboratory. The database includes non-pathogenic and recurrent variants, and is linked to another COL4A5 mutation database and relevant bioinformatics sites. Access is free. Increasing the number of COL4A5 variants in the public domain helps patients, diagnostic laboratories, clinicians, and researchers. The database improves the accuracy and efficiency of genetic testing because its variants are already categorized for pathogenicity. The description of further COL4A5 variants and clinical associations will improve our ability to predict phenotype and our understanding of collagen IV biochemistry. The database for X-linked Alport syndrome represents a model for databases in other inherited renal diseases.

  13. Genetics Home Reference: combined pituitary hormone deficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... the most common known cause of this disorder, accounting for an estimated 12 to 55 percent of ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (7 links) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  14. Genetics Home Reference: Paget disease of bone

    MedlinePlus

    ... genetic cause of classic Paget disease of bone , accounting for 10 to 50 percent of cases that ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (6 links) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  15. Genetics Home Reference: familial isolated pituitary adenoma

    MedlinePlus

    ... 1,000 people. FIPA, though, is quite rare, accounting for approximately 2 percent of pituitary adenomas. More ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (1 link) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  16. Codominant expression of genes coding for different sets of inducible salivary polypeptides associated with parotid hypertrophy in two inbred mouse strains.

    PubMed

    López-Solís, Remigio O; Kemmerling, Ulrike

    2005-05-01

    Experimental mouse parotid hypertrophy has been associated with the expression of a number of isoproterenol-induced salivary proline-rich polypeptides (IISPs). Mouse salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) have been mapped both to chromosomes 6 and 8. Recently, mice of two inbred strains (A/Snell and A. Swiss) have been found to differ drastically in the IISPs. In this study, mice of both strains were used for cross-breeding experiments addressed to define the pattern of inheritance of the IISP phenotype and to establish whether the IISPs are coded on a single or on several chromosomes. The IISP phenotype of individual mice was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole saliva collected after three daily stimulations by isoproterenol. Parental A/Snell and A. Swiss mice were homogeneous for distinctive strain-associated IISP-patterns. First filial generation (F1) mice obtained from the cross of A/Snell with A. Swiss mice expressed with no exception both the A/Snell and A. Swiss IISPs (coexpression). In the second filial generation (F2) both parental IISP phenotypes reappeared together with a majority of mice expressing the F1-hybrid phenotype (1:2:1 ratio). Backcrosses of F1 x A/Snell and F1 x A. Swiss produced offsprings displaying the F1 and the corresponding parental phenotypes with a 1:1 ratio. No recombinants were observed among F2 mice or among mice resulting from backcrosses. Thus, genes coding for the IISPs that are expressed differentially in both mouse strains are located on the same chromosome, probably at the same locus (alleles) or at quite closely linked loci (nonalleles). 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc

  17. A novel mutation in FRMD7 causing X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus in a large family

    PubMed Central

    He, Xiang; Gu, Feng; Wang, Yujing; Yan, Jinting; Zhang, Meng; Huang, Shangzhi

    2008-01-01

    Purpose To identify the gene responsible for causing an X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus (XLICN) in a six-generation Chinese family. Methods Forty-nine members of an XLICN family were recruited and examined after obtaining informed consent. Affected male individuals were genotyped with microsatellite markers around the FRMD7 locus. Mutations were comprehensively screened by direct sequencing using gene specific primers. An X-inactivation pattern was investigated by X chromosome methylation analysis. Results The patients showed phenotypes consistent with XLICN. Genotype analysis showed that male affected individuals in the family shared a common haplotype with the selected markers. Sequencing FRMD7 revealed a G>T transversion (c.812G>T) in exon 9, which caused a conservative substitution of Cys to Phe at codon 271 (p.C271F). This mutation co-segregated with all affected individuals and was present in the obligate, non-penetrant female carriers. However, the mutation was not observed in unaffected familial males or 400 control males. Females with the mutant gene could be affected or carrier and they shared the same inactivated X chromosome harboring the mutation in blood cells, which showed there is no clear causal link between X-inactivation pattern and phenotype. Conclusions We identified a novel mutation in FRMD7 and confirmed the role of this mutation in the pathogenesis of X-linked congenital nystagmus. PMID:18246032

  18. Genetic analysis of the pedigrees and molecular defects of the GH-receptor gene in the Israeli cohort of patients with Laron syndrome.

    PubMed

    Shevah, Orit; Laron, Zvi

    2006-08-01

    Out of the 63 patients with Laron Syndrome ( LS) followed in our clinic we were able to perform a genetic analysis on 43 patients belonging to 28 families. Twenty-seven patients were Jews, eight were Arabs, one was Druze, and six were Caucasians from countries other then Israel. Consanguinity was found in 11 families. Molecular analysis of the growth hormone receptor gene was performed in 32 patients and 32 family members. From the study of the pedigrees, as well as the GH receptor gene analysis, we confirmed an earlier report from our group that LS is a recessively inherited disease. One patient with a classical phenotype of LS had a non-classical pattern of inheritance: R43X heterozygosity together with a heterozygous polymorphism G168G; a condition which needs further exploration.

  19. [Congenital talipes equinovarus--family occurrence].

    PubMed

    Kołecka, Ewa; Niedzielski, Kryspin Ryszard; Cukras, Zbigniew; Piotrowicz, Małgorzata

    2011-01-01

    Although congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is one of the most frequently occurring congenital defects of locomotor organs, its ethiopathogenesis is still not fully known. Amongst the others, the inheritance patterns of that defect are not fully known, and that restricts genetic therapeutics and development of new treatment technologies. The aim of this study was analysis of family lineages of 205 children with CTEV (298 feet) treated at our centre in the years 1998-2008. The family occurrence of CTEV was found in 16 cases (8% of analysed group). 6 lineages, in which CTEV occurred in successive generations, were analysed in detail. Particularly interesting is the lineage of the family 1, in which the defect occurred in three successive generations. In case of that family, an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern is possible. Previously that pattern of CTEV inheritance was described only for isolated populations of Polynesians. In own material the family occurrence of CTEV was found to be less frequent than in bibliographic references. The defect occurred twice as often in boys, while the severe form was more frequently observed in girls, and that is consisted with data in the available bibliography. The analysis of presented lineages of families with CTEV did not allow unambiguous defining of the inheritance pattern for that defect. To confirm the autosomal dominant pattern of CTEV inheritance in the family in which the defect occurred in three successive generations, genetic tests would be necessary.

  20. Optimising clinical practice in cancer genetics with cultural competence: lessons to be learned from ethnographic research with Chinese-Australians.

    PubMed

    Eisenbruch, Maurice; Yeo, Soo See; Meiser, Bettina; Goldstein, David; Tucker, Kathy; Barlow-Stewart, Kristine

    2004-07-01

    Hereditary cancer is about families, and clinicians and genetic counsellors need to understand the cultural beliefs of patients and families about cancer and inheritance. In the light of their kinship patterns Chinese-Australians were chosen for the present study, which aims to determine the explanatory models of inheritance, cancer, and inherited cancer, with a view to identifying the relationship between these culture-specific lay attributions and help-seeking behaviour, and to identify possible barriers to genetic counselling and testing. Qualitative ethnographically informed methodology involving semi-structured interview was used as a method to uncover latent beliefs held by the families who are represented by the subjects. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 informants of Chinese ethnicity, who had been recruited through two major Sydney familial cancer clinics. We report the attributions of cancer in general, then on inheritance, kinship, genes and genetics and then focus on the way in which these beliefs come together around hereditary cancer. The majority of informants, despite high acculturation and belief in biomedical explanations about hereditary cancer, also acknowledged the influence of traditional family Chinese beliefs, where 'inheritance' and 'genetics' were related to retribution for ancestral misdeeds and offending ancestors. Extensive mismatch of attributes and beliefs were identified in those who attended the clinic and senior family members, creating barriers to optimal service utilisation. Three traditional patterns of beliefs were identified: (a) father and mother contributed in equal share to one's genetic makeup, linked to the ying-yang theory; (b) the dominance of life force (yang chi) and the shaping of genes were transmitted through the paternal line; and (c) natural and supernatural forces operated in the cause of hereditary cancer. The study provided guidance for clinical practice. Exploration and acknowledgement of family beliefs, regardless of cultural background and therefore avoiding stereotyping, can enable the clinician to work with the whole family-those who hold Western attributions, those who maintain traditional notions of genetics and inheritance, and those who incorporate both into their belief systems-and provide effective clinical services. Further ethnographic studies are needed, focusing on the Chinese groups who do not attend the clinic and those with lower acculturation and educational levels.

  1. Molecular mechanisms of fragile X syndrome: a twenty-year perspective.

    PubMed

    Santoro, Michael R; Bray, Steven M; Warren, Stephen T

    2012-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common form of inherited intellectual disability and is one of the leading known causes of autism. The mutation responsible for FXS is a large expansion of the trinucleotide CGG repeat in the 5' untranslated region of the X-linked gene FMR1. This expansion leads to DNA methylation of FMR1 and to transcriptional silencing, which results in the absence of the gene product, FMRP, a selective messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein that regulates the translation of a subset of dendritic mRNAs. FMRP is critical for mGluR (metabotropic glutamate receptor)-dependent long-term depression, as well as for other forms of synaptic plasticity; its absence causes excessive and persistent protein synthesis in postsynaptic dendrites and dysregulated synaptic function. Studies continue to refine our understanding of FMRP's role in synaptic plasticity and to uncover new functions of this protein, which have illuminated therapeutic approaches for FXS.

  2. Expression pattern of X-linked genes in sex chromosome aneuploid bovine cells.

    PubMed

    Basrur, Parvathi K; Farazmand, Ali; Stranzinger, Gerald; Graphodatskaya, Daria; Reyes, Ed R; King, W Allan

    2004-01-01

    Expression of the X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) gene is a prerequisite step for dosage compensation in mammals, accomplished by silencing one of the two X chromosomes in normal female diploid cells or all X chromosomes in excess of one in sex chromosome aneuploids. Our previous studies showing that XIST expression does not eventuate the inactivation of X-linked genes in fetal bovine testis had suggested that XIST expression may not be an indicator of X inactivation in this species. In this study, we used a semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach on cultures of bovine cells with varying sex chromosome constitution (XY, XX, XXY and XXX) to test whether the levels of XIST expressed conform to the number of late replicating (inactive) X chromosomes displayed by proliferating cells in these cultures. Expression patterns of four X-linked genes, including hypoxanthine phosphorybosyl transferase (HPRT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), zinc finger protein locus on the X (ZFX). and 'selected mouse cDNA on the X' (SMCX), in all these cells were also tested. Results showed that XIST expression was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in XXX cells compared to XX and XXY cells and that G6PD. HPRT, and SMCX loci are subject to X inactivation. The significantly higher levels of ZFX expressed in XXX cells compared to XX and XXY cells (p < 0.05) confirmed that this bovine locus, as human ZFX, escapes X inactivation. However, the levels of XIST and ZFX expressed were not proportional to the X chromosome load in these cells suggesting that X-linked loci escaping inactivation may be regulated at transcription (or post-transcription) level by mechanisms that prevent gene-specific product accumulation beyond certain levels in sex chromosome aneuploids.

  3. Genetics Home Reference: HIVEP2-related intellectual disability

    MedlinePlus

    ... to have difficulty with this activity; their walking style (gait) is often unbalanced and wide-based. Speech ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources General Information from MedlinePlus (5 links) Diagnostic ...

  4. Genetics Home Reference: Boucher-Neuhäuser syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... the cerebellum ). Affected individuals have an unsteady walking style (gait) and frequent falls. Another key feature of ... be inherited? More about Inheriting Genetic Conditions Diagnosis & Management Resources Genetic Testing (1 link) Genetic Testing Registry: ...

  5. Demonstration of a novel Xp22.2 microdeletion as the cause of familial extreme skewing of X-inactivation utilizing case-parent trio SNP microarray analysis.

    PubMed

    Mason, Jane A; Aung, Hnin T; Nandini, Adayapalam; Woods, Rickie G; Fairbairn, David J; Rowell, John A; Young, David; Susman, Rachel D; Brown, Simon A; Hyland, Valentine J; Robertson, Jeremy D

    2018-05-01

    We report a kindred referred for molecular investigation of severe hemophilia A in a young female in which extremely skewed X-inactivation was observed in both the proband and her clinically normal mother. Bidirectional Sanger sequencing of all F8 gene coding regions and exon/intron boundaries was undertaken. Methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes were utilized to investigate skewed X-inactivation using both a classical human androgen receptor (HUMARA) assay, and a novel method targeting differential methylation patterns in multiple informative X-chromosome SNPs. Illumina Whole-Genome Infinium microarray analysis was performed in the case-parent trio (proband and both parents), and the proband's maternal grandmother. The proband was a cytogenetically normal female with severe hemophilia A resulting from a heterozygous F8 pathogenic variant inherited from her similarly affected father. No F8 mutation was identified in the proband's mother, however, both the proband and her mother both demonstrated completely skewed X-chromosome inactivation (100%) in association with a previously unreported 2.3 Mb deletion at Xp22.2. At least three disease-associated genes (FANCB, AP1S2, and PIGA) were contained within the deleted region. We hypothesize that true "extreme" skewing of X-inactivation (≥95%) is a rare occurrence, but when defined correctly there is a high probability of finding an X-chromosome disease-causing variant or larger deletion resulting in X-inactivation through a survival disadvantage or cell lethal mechanism. We postulate that the 2.3 Mb Xp22.2 deletion identified in our kindred arose de novo in the proband's mother (on the grandfather's homolog), and produced extreme skewing of X-inactivation via a "cell lethal" mechanism. We introduce a novel multitarget approach for X-inactivation analysis using multiple informative differentially methylated SNPs, as an alternative to the classical single locus (HUMARA) method. We propose that for females with unexplained severe phenotypic expression of an X-linked recessive disorder trio-SNP microarray should be undertaken in combination with X-inactivation analysis. © 2018 The Authors. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Fine localization of the locus for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa on chromosome 17p

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Goliath, R.; Janssens, P.; Beighton, P.

    1995-10-01

    The term {open_quotes}retintis pigmentosa{close_quotes} (RP) refers to a group of inherited retinal degenerative disorders. Clinical manifestations include night-blindness, with variable age of onset, followed by constriction of the visual field that may progress to total loss of sight in later life. Previous studies have shown that RP is caused by mutations within different genes and may be inherited as an X-linked recessive (XLRRP), autosomal recessive (ARRP), or autosomal dominant (ADRP) trait. The AD form of this group of conditions has been found to be caused by mutations within the rhodopsin gene in some families and the peripherin/RDS gene in others.more » In addition, some ADRP families have been found to be linked to anonymous markers on 8cen, 7p, 7q,19q, and, more recently, 17p. The ADRP gene locus on the short arm of chromosome 17 was identified in a large South African family (ADRP-SA) of British origin. The phenotypic expression of the disorder, which has been described elsewhere is consistent in the pedigree with an early onset of disease symptoms. In all affected subjects in the family, onset of symptoms commenced before the age of 10 years. 16 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

  7. Familial skewed X inactivation: a molecular trait associated with high spontaneous-abortion rate maps to Xq28.

    PubMed Central

    Pegoraro, E; Whitaker, J; Mowery-Rushton, P; Surti, U; Lanasa, M; Hoffman, E P

    1997-01-01

    We report a family ascertained for molecular diagnosis of muscular dystrophy in a young girl, in which preferential activation (> or = 95% of cells) of the paternal X chromosome was seen in both the proband and her mother. To determine the molecular basis for skewed X inactivation, we studied X-inactivation patterns in peripheral blood and/or oral mucosal cells from 50 members of this family and from a cohort of normal females. We found excellent concordance between X-inactivation patterns in blood and oral mucosal cell nuclei in all females. Of the 50 female pedigree members studied, 16 showed preferential use (> or = 95% cells) of the paternal X chromosome; none of 62 randomly selected females showed similarly skewed X inactivation was maternally inherited in this family. A linkage study using the molecular trait of skewed X inactivation as the scored phenotype localized this trait to Xq28 (DXS1108; maximum LOD score [Zmax] = 4.34, recombination fraction [theta] = 0). Both genotyping of additional markers and FISH of a YAC probe in Xq28 showed a deletion spanning from intron 22 of the factor VIII gene to DXS115-3. This deletion completely cosegregated with the trait (Zmax = 6.92, theta = 0). Comparison of clinical findings between affected and unaffected females in the 50-member pedigree showed a statistically significant increase in spontaneous-abortion rate in the females carrying the trait (P < .02). To our knowledge, this is the first gene-mapping study of abnormalities of X-inactivation patterns and is the first association of a specific locus for recurrent spontaneous abortion in a cytogenetically normal family. The involvement of this locus in cell lethality, cell-growth disadvantage, developmental abnormalities, or the X-inactivation process is discussed. Images Figure 4 Figure 7 PMID:9245997

  8. Familial bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia mimics tuberous sclerosis.

    PubMed Central

    Jardine, P E; Clarke, M A; Super, M

    1996-01-01

    A mother and daughter with an initial diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis are described. The daughter presented with partial seizures at the age of 8 months. Computed tomography showed uncalcified periventricular nodules which on magnetic resonance imaging were ovoid, almost contiguous, of grey matter density, and did not enhance with gadolinium. Brain imaging of her asymptomatic mother was similar. Absence of severe mental retardation, extracranial hamartomas, and depigmented patches distinguishes familial bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia (FNH) from tuberous sclerosis. FNH is probably inherited as an X linked dominant with lethality in males. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:8787433

  9. Juvenile Macular Degenerations.

    PubMed

    Altschwager, Pablo; Ambrosio, Lucia; Swanson, Emily A; Moskowitz, Anne; Fulton, Anne B

    2017-05-01

    In this article, we review the following 3 common juvenile macular degenerations: Stargardt disease, X-linked retinoschisis, and Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. These are inherited disorders that typically present during childhood, when vision is still developing. They are sufficiently common that they should be included in the differential diagnosis of visual loss in pediatric patients. Diagnosis is secured by a combination of clinical findings, optical coherence tomography imaging, and genetic testing. Early diagnosis promotes optimal management. Although there is currently no definitive cure for these conditions, therapeutic modalities under investigation include pharmacologic treatment, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. A novel mutation causing complete thyroxine-binding globulin deficiency (TBG-CD-Negev) among the Bedouins in southern Israel.

    PubMed

    Miura, Y; Hershkovitz, E; Inagaki, A; Parvari, R; Oiso, Y; Phillip, M

    2000-10-01

    T4-binding globulin (TBG) is the major thyroid hormone transport protein in human serum. Inherited TBG abnormalities do not usually alter the metabolic status and are transmitted in X-linked inheritance. A high prevalence of complete TBG deficiency (TBG-CD) has been reported among the Bedouin population in the Negev (southern Israel). In this study we report a novel single mutation causing complete TBG deficiency due to a deletion of the last base of codon 38 (exon 1), which led to a frame shift resulting in a premature stop at codon 51 and a presumed truncated peptide of 50 residues. This new variant of TBG (TBG-CD-Negev) was found among all of the patients studied. We conclude that a single mutation may account for TBG deficiency among the Bedouins in the Negev. This report is the first to describe a mutation in a population with an unusually high prevalence of TBG-CD.

  11. Ammonia toxicity and its prevention in inherited defects of the urea cycle.

    PubMed

    Walker, V

    2009-09-01

    The urea cycle is the final pathway for removal of surplus nitrogen from the body, and the major route in humans for detoxification of ammonia. The full complement of enzymes is expressed only in liver. Inherited deficiencies of urea cycle enzymes lead to hyperammonaemia, which causes brain damage. Severe defects present with hyperammonaemic crises in neonates. Equally devastating episodes may occur in previously asymptomatic adults with mild defects, most often X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. Several mechanisms probably contribute to pathogenesis. Treatment aims to reduce plasma ammonia quickly, reduce production of waste nitrogen, dispose of waste nitrogen using alternative pathways to the urea cycle and replace arginine. These therapies have increased survival and probably improve the neurological outcome. Arginine, sodium benzoate, sodium phenylbutyrate and, less often, sodium phenylacetate are used. Long-term correction is achieved by liver transplantation. Gene therapy for OTC deficiency is effective in animals, and work is ongoing to improve persistence and safety.

  12. Joubert syndrome: congenital cerebellar ataxia with the “molar tooth”

    PubMed Central

    Romani, Marta; Micalizzi, Alessia; Valente, Enza Maria

    2013-01-01

    Joubert syndrome (JS) is a congenital cerebellar ataxia with autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance, which diagnostic hallmark is a unique cerebellar and brainstem malformation recognizable on brain imaging, the “molar tooth sign”. Neurological signs are present from neonatal age and include hypotonia evolving into ataxia, global developmental delay, ocular motor apraxia and breathing dysregulation. These are variably associated with multiorgan involvement, mainly of the retina, kidneys, skeleton and liver. To date, 21 causative genes have been identified, all encoding for proteins of the primary cilium or its apparatus. This is a subcellular organelle that plays key roles in development and in many cellular functions, making JS part of the expanding family of ciliopathies. There is marked clinical and genetic overlap among distinct ciliopathies, which may co-occur even within families. Such variability is likely explained by an oligogenic model of inheritance, in which mutations, rare variants and polymorphisms at distinct loci interplay to modulate the expressivity of the ciliary phenotype. PMID:23870701

  13. Observations and controls on the occurrence of inherited zircon in Concord-type granitoids, New Hampshire

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harrison, T.M.; Aleinikoff, J.N.; Compston, W.

    1987-01-01

    U-Pb analyses of zircons separated from two Concord-type plutons near Sunapee and Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, reveal differences in the pattern and magnitude of zircon inheritance which are related to differences in melt chemistry. The Sunapee pluton contains only slightly more Zr than required to saturate the melt at the peak temperature of 700 ?? 30??C. Traces of inherited zircon in this separate are inferred to be present as small, largely resorbed grains. In contrast, the Long Mountain pluton, near Dixville Notch, contains about 240% more Zr than required to saturate the melt. Thus, more than half of the Zr existed as stable, inherited zircon crystals during the partial fusion event, consistent with the observation of substantial inheritance in all grain size fractions. Ion probe intra-grain analyses of zircon from the Long Mountain pluton indicate a complex pattern of inheritance with contributions from at least two Proterozoic terrenes and caution against simple interpretations of upper and lower intercepts of chords containing an inherited component. Ion probe analyses of zircons from the Sunapee pluton reveal clear evidence of U loss which results in incorrect apparent conventional U-Pb ages. Ages of crystallization for the Long Mountain and Sunapee pluton are ~350 and 354 ?? 5 Ma, respectively. A Sm/Nd measurement for the Long Mountain pluton yields a depleted mantle model age of 1.5 Ga, consistent with the observed inheritance pattern. In contrast, a Sm/Nd model age for the Sunapee pluton is improbably old due to minor monazite fractionation. ?? 1987.

  14. Temporal retinal thinning and the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and Thin basement membrane nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yan; Colville, Deb; Ierino, Francesco; Symons, Andrew; Savige, Judy

    2018-04-01

    Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities, including temporal retinal thinning. This study compared retinal thinning in Alport syndrome and other renal diseases. Alport syndrome was diagnosed on renal biopsy and genetic testing. Subjects underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Spectralis OCT, Heidelberg Instruments). Retinal thinning was determined from horizontal macular OCT scans through the foveal center using the formula: Temporal thickness index (TTI) = (nasal - temporal thickness) ÷ nasal thickness × 100%, and compared with the normal range for each age group. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ROC analysis (SPPS, IBM). The mean temporal retinal thickness index was 12.4 ± 5.2% in men (n = 19) and 7.4 ± 1.4% in women (n = 28) with X-linked Alport syndrome; 13.1 ± 4.5% (n = 4) in recessive disease; 6.4 ± 2.2% (n = 5) in Thin basement membrane nephropathy; and 6.3 ± 3.3% (n = 14) in other renal diseases. Thinning was worse in men than women with X-linked disease (p < 0.01), and worse in men who developed early onset renal failure (R 2  = 0.75). Temporal retinal thinning was 84% sensitive for men with X-linked Alport syndrome and 67% specific (AUC = 0.83) compared with other renal diseases. Retinal temporal thinning is diagnostic for X-linked Alport syndrome in men and distinguishes them this condition from Thin basement membrane nephropathy, but only in men (p = 0.002). Temporal retinal thinning may also identify men and women with the rarer autosomal recessive disease.

  15. Antibody targeting KIT as pretransplantation conditioning in immunocompetent mice.

    PubMed

    Xue, Xingkui; Pech, Nancy K; Shelley, W Christopher; Srour, Edward F; Yoder, Mervin C; Dinauer, Mary C

    2010-12-09

    Inherited hematologic defects that lack an in vivo selective advantage following gene correction may benefit from effective yet minimally toxic cytoreduction of endogenous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) prior to transplantation of gene-modified HSCs. We studied the efficacy of administering a novel sequential treatment of parenteral ACK2, an antibody that blocks KIT, followed by low-dose irradiation (LD-IR) for conditioning of wild-type and X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) mice. In wild-type mice, combining ACK2 and LD-IR profoundly decreased endogenous competitive long-term HSC repopulating activity, and permitted efficient and durable donor-derived HSC engraftment after congenic transplantation. ACK2 alone was ineffective. The combination of ACK2 and LD-IR was also effective conditioning in X-CGD mice for engraftment of X-CGD donor HSCs transduced ex vivo with a lentiviral vector. We conclude that combining ACK2 with LD-IR is a promising approach to effectively deplete endogenous HSCs and facilitate engraftment of transplanted donor HSCs.

  16. Fragile X syndrome: loss of local mRNA regulation alters synaptic development and function.

    PubMed

    Bassell, Gary J; Warren, Stephen T

    2008-10-23

    Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of cognitive deficiency in humans and perhaps the best-understood single cause of autism. A trinucleotide repeat expansion, inactivating the X-linked FMR1 gene, leads to the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein. FMRP is a selective RNA-binding protein that regulates the local translation of a subset of mRNAs at synapses in response to activation of Gp1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and possibly other receptors. In the absence of FMRP, excess and dysregulated mRNA translation leads to altered synaptic function and loss of protein synthesis-dependent plasticity. Recent evidence indicates the role of FMRP in regulated mRNA transport in dendrites. New studies also suggest a possible local function of FMRP in axons that may be important for guidance, synaptic development, and formation of neural circuits. The understanding of FMRP function at synapses has led to rationale therapeutic approaches.

  17. Familial cutaneous amyloidosis with systemic manifestations in males.

    PubMed

    Partington, M W; Marriott, P J; Prentice, R S; Cavaglia, A; Simpson, N E

    1981-01-01

    We describe a family in which two males and seven females have brown pigmentation of the skin. In the females, the type and distribution of the pigmentation mimicked incontinentia pigmenti; in the males, the pattern was reticulate. The histological appearance was the same in both sexes with amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis, melanin in the basal layer, and slight hyperkeratosis. The females were otherwise normal. Both males had thrived poorly as infants but had survived. One had severe gastroenteritis with blood in the stools starting at the age of three weeks followed by seizures, hemiplegia, and developmental delay; the other had recurrent pneumonia throughout life, a urethral stricture, inguinal herniae, and near-blindness from amyloid deposition in the cornea. Five other males in the family had had severe illnesses. Two died of pneumonia by three months. One died at three months from colitis. Both remaining boys had colitis as infants, failed to thrive, and developed recurrent pneumonia from which one died at three years. We think all of these relatives had the same disease carried by a single gene with pleiotropic effects. The most likely form of inheritance is X-linked.

  18. Two novel DNA variants associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency found in Argentine pediatric patients.

    PubMed

    Chaves, Alejandro; Eberle, Silvia Eandi; Defelipe, Lucas; Pepe, Carolina; Milanesio, Berenice; Aguirre, Fernando; Fernandez, Diego; Turjanski, Adrian; Feliú-Torres, Aurora

    2016-07-01

    The enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) catalyses the first step in the pentose phosphate pathway, producing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). NADPH plays a crucial role in preventing oxidative damage to proteins and other molecules in cells, mostly red blood cells. G6PD deficiency has an x-linked pattern of inheritance in which hemizygous males are deficient, while females may or may not be deficient depending on the number of affected alleles. We report two novel DNA variants in the G6PD gene detected in two male probands with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (CNSHA), who were referred for hematological evaluation. Probands and their relatives underwent clinical, biochemical, and molecular assessment. Two novel DNA variants, c.995C>T and c.1226C>A, were found in this study. At the protein level, they produce the substitution of Ser332Phe and Pro409Gln, respectively. These DNA variants were analyzed in the female relatives of probands for genetic counseling. The novel DNA variants were classified as class I based on the clinical, biochemical, and molecular evaluations performed. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

    PubMed

    Eriksson, Urban; Larsson, Eva; Holmström, Gerd

    2004-04-01

    To describe the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis. We report three boys aged between 8 and 17 years, diagnosed with X-linked retinoschisis. During investigations they were examined with OCT (Zeiss Humphrey OCT 1, upgraded version). Single scans of the central posterior pole and the region around the vascular arcades were obtained. Two of the boys underwent full-field ERG according to ISCEV standards. Genetic analysis was performed in all three boys, with sequencing of the XLRS gene. The OCT results revealed a pattern with a cleavage of the retina in two distinct planes, one deep (outer retina) and one superficial. This was very obvious in one patient and a similar but not as pronounced pattern was seen in the other two cases. The two layers were superficially connected with thin-walled, vertical palisades, separated by low reflective, cystoid spaces, confluent and most prominent in the foveal region. Full-field ERG and/or DNA analysis are well known methods used for diagnosis of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. In this paper, we suggest that OCT can also be a helpful diagnostic tool.

  20. Unravelling the genetic basis of simplex Retinitis Pigmentosa cases

    PubMed Central

    Bravo-Gil, Nereida; González-del Pozo, María; Martín-Sánchez, Marta; Méndez-Vidal, Cristina; Rodríguez-de la Rúa, Enrique; Borrego, Salud; Antiñolo, Guillermo

    2017-01-01

    Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is the most common form of inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) characterized ultimately by photoreceptors degeneration. Exhibiting great clinical and genetic heterogeneity, RP can be inherited as an autosomal dominant (ad), autosomal recessive (ar) and X-linked (xl) disorder. Although the relative prevalence of each form varies somewhat between populations, a major proportion (41% in Spain) of patients represent simplex cases (sRP) in which the mode of inheritance is unknown. Molecular genetic diagnostic is crucial, but also challenging, for sRP patients because any of the 81 RP genes identified to date may be causative. Herein, we report the use of a customized targeted gene panel consisting of 68 IRD genes for the molecular characterization of 106 sRP cases. The diagnostic rate was 62.26% (66 of 106) with a proportion of clinical refinements of 30.3%, demonstrating the high efficiency of this genomic approach even for clinically ambiguous cases. The high number of patients diagnosed here has allowed us to study in detail the genetic basis of the sRP. The solved sRP cohort is composed of 62.1% of arRP cases, 24.2% of adRP and 13.6% of xlRP, which implies consequences for counselling of patients and families. PMID:28157192

  1. The mantle lithosphere and the Wilson Cycle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heron, Philip; Pysklywec, Russell; Stephenson, Randell

    2017-04-01

    In the view of the conventional theory of plate tectonics (e.g., the Wilson Cycle), crustal inheritance is often considered important in tectonic evolution. However, the role of the mantle lithosphere is usually overlooked due to its difficulty to image and uncertainty in rheological makeup. Deep seismic imaging has shown potential scarring in continental mantle lithosphere to be ubiquitous. Recent studies have interpreted mantle lithosphere heterogeneities to be pre-existing structures, and as such linked to the Wilson Cycle and inheritance. In our study, we analyze intraplate deformation driven by mantle lithosphere heterogeneities from ancient Wilson Cycle processes and compare this to crustal inheritance deformation. We present 2-D numerical experiments of continental convergence to generate intraplate deformation, exploring the limits of continental rheology to understand the dominant lithosphere layer across a broad range of geological settings. By implementing a "jelly sandwich" rheology, characteristic of stable continental lithosphere, we find that during compression the strength of the mantle lithosphere is integral in controlling deformation from a structural anomaly. We posit that if the continental mantle is the strongest layer within the lithosphere, then such inheritance may have important implications for the Wilson Cycle. Furthermore, our models show that deformation driven by mantle lithosphere scarring can produce tectonic patterns related to intraplate orogenesis originating from crustal sources, highlighting the need for a more formal discussion of the role of the mantle lithosphere in plate tectonics. We outline the difficulty in unravelling the causes of tectonic deformation, alongside discussing the role of deep lithosphere processes in plate tectonics.

  2. Parental effects in ecology and evolution: mechanisms, processes and implications

    PubMed Central

    Badyaev, Alexander V.; Uller, Tobias

    2009-01-01

    As is the case with any metaphor, parental effects mean different things to different biologists—from developmental induction of novel phenotypic variation to an evolved adaptation, and from epigenetic transference of essential developmental resources to a stage of inheritance and ecological succession. Such a diversity of perspectives illustrates the composite nature of parental effects that, depending on the stage of their expression and whether they are considered a pattern or a process, combine the elements of developmental induction, homeostasis, natural selection, epigenetic inheritance and historical persistence. Here, we suggest that by emphasizing the complexity of causes and influences in developmental systems and by making explicit the links between development, natural selection and inheritance, the study of parental effects enables deeper understanding of developmental dynamics of life cycles and provides a unique opportunity to explicitly integrate development and evolution. We highlight these perspectives by placing parental effects in a wider evolutionary framework and suggest that far from being only an evolved static outcome of natural selection, a distinct channel of transmission between parents and offspring, or a statistical abstraction, parental effects on development enable evolution by natural selection by reliably transferring developmental resources needed to reconstruct, maintain and modify genetically inherited components of the phenotype. The view of parental effects as an essential and dynamic part of an evolutionary continuum unifies mechanisms behind the origination, modification and historical persistence of organismal form and function, and thus brings us closer to a more realistic understanding of life's complexity and diversity. PMID:19324619

  3. Opposing patterns of intraspecific and interspecific differentiation in sex chromosomes and autosomes.

    PubMed

    Moran, Peter A; Pascoal, Sonia; Cezard, Timothee; Risse, Judith E; Ritchie, Michael G; Bailey, Nathan W

    2018-05-22

    Linking intraspecific and interspecific divergence is an important challenge in speciation research. X chromosomes are expected to evolve faster than autosomes and disproportionately contribute to reproductive barriers, and comparing genetic variation on X and autosomal markers within and between species can elucidate evolutionary processes that shape genome variation. We performed RADseq on a 16 population transect of two closely related Australian cricket species, Teleogryllus commodus and T. oceanicus, covering allopatry and sympatry. This classic study system for sexual selection provides a rare exception to Haldane's rule, as hybrid females are sterile. We found no evidence of recent introgression, despite the fact that the species coexist in overlapping habitats in the wild and interbreed in the laboratory. Putative X-linked loci showed greater differentiation between species compared with autosomal loci. However, population differentiation within species was unexpectedly lower on X-linked markers than autosomal markers, and relative X-to-autosomal genetic diversity was inflated above neutral expectations. Populations of both species showed genomic signatures of recent population expansions, but these were not strong enough to account for the inflated X/A diversity. Instead, most of the excess polymorphism on the X could better be explained by sex-biased processes that increase the relative effective population size of the X, such as interspecific variation in the strength of sexual selection among males. Taken together, the opposing patterns of diversity and differentiation at X versus autosomal loci implicate a greater role for sex-linked genes in maintaining species boundaries in this system. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Duplication of the EFNB1 Gene in Familial Hypertelorism: Imbalance in Ephrin-B1 Expression and Abnormal Phenotypes in Humans and Mice

    PubMed Central

    Babbs, Christian; Stewart, Helen S; Williams, Louise J; Connell, Lyndsey; Goriely, Anne; Twigg, Stephen RF; Smith, Kim; Lester, Tracy; Wilkie, Andrew OM

    2011-01-01

    Familial hypertelorism, characterized by widely spaced eyes, classically shows autosomal dominant inheritance (Teebi type), but some pedigrees are compatible with X-linkage. No mechanism has been described previously, but clinical similarity has been noted to craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS), which is caused by mutations in the X-linked EFNB1 gene. Here we report a family in which females in three generations presented with hypertelorism, but lacked either craniosynostosis or a grooved nasal tip, excluding CFNS. DNA sequencing of EFNB1 was normal, but further analysis revealed a duplication of 937 kb including EFNB1 and two flanking genes: PJA1 and STARD8. We found that the X chromosome bearing the duplication produces ∼1.6-fold more EFNB1 transcript than the normal X chromosome and propose that, in the context of X-inactivation, this difference in expression level of EFNB1 results in abnormal cell sorting leading to hypertelorism. To support this hypothesis, we provide evidence from a mouse model carrying a targeted human EFNB1 cDNA, that abnormal cell sorting occurs in the cranial region. Hence, we propose that X-linked cases resembling Teebi hypertelorism may have a similar mechanism to CFNS, and that cellular mosaicism for different levels of ephrin-B1 (as well as simple presence/absence) leads to craniofacial abnormalities. Hum Mutat 32:1–9, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. PMID:21542058

  5. FRAXA Research Foundation

    MedlinePlus

    ... X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism. In Their Own Words: Reports from the International ... syndrome is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. It affects 1 in 4000 ...

  6. X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa 2 Is a Novel Maternal-Effect Gene Required for Left-Right Asymmetry in Zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Desvignes, Thomas; Nguyen, Thaovi; Chesnel, Franck; Bouleau, Aurélien; Fauvel, Christian; Bobe, Julien

    2015-08-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa 2 (RP2) gene is responsible for up to 20% of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, a severe heterogeneous genetic disorder resulting in progressive retinal degeneration in humans. In vertebrates, several bodies of evidence have clearly established the role of Rp2 protein in cilia genesis and/or function. Unexpectedly, some observations in zebrafish have suggested the oocyte-predominant expression of the rp2 gene, a typical feature of maternal-effect genes. In the present study, we investigate the maternal inheritance of rp2 gene products in zebrafish eggs in order to address whether rp2 could be a novel maternal-effect gene required for normal development. Although both rp2 mRNA and corresponding protein are expressed during oogenesis, rp2 mRNA is maternally inherited, in contrast to Rp2 protein. A knockdown of the protein transcribed from both rp2 maternal and zygotic mRNA results in delayed epiboly and severe developmental defects, including eye malformations, that were not observed when only the protein from zygotic origin was knocked down. Moreover, the knockdown of maternal and zygotic Rp2 revealed a high incidence of left-right asymmetry establishment defects compared to only zygotic knockdown. Here we show that rp2 is a novel maternal-effect gene exclusively expressed in oocytes within the zebrafish ovary and demonstrate that maternal rp2 mRNA is essential for successful embryonic development and thus contributes to egg developmental competence. Our observations also reveal that Rp2 protein translated from maternal mRNA is important to allow normal heart loop formation, thus providing evidence of a direct maternal contribution to left-right asymmetry establishment. © 2015 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

  7. Genetics of Hearing and Deafness

    PubMed Central

    ANGELI, SIMON; LIN, XI; LIU, XUE ZHONG

    2015-01-01

    This article is a review of the genes and genetic disorders that affect hearing in humans and a few selected mouse models of deafness. Genetics is playing an increasingly critical role in the practice of medicine. This is not only in part to the importance that genetic knowledge has on traditional genetic diseases but also in part to the fact that genetic knowledge provides an understanding of the fundamental biological process of most diseases. The proteins coded by the genes related to hearing loss (HL) are involved in many functions in the ear, such as cochlear fluid homeostasis, ionic channels, stereocilia morphology and function, synaptic transmission, gene regulation, and others. Mouse models play a crucial role in understanding of the pathogenesis associated with these genes. Different types of familial HL have been recognized for years; however, in the last two decades, there has been tremendous progress in the discovery of gene mutations that cause deafness. Most of the cases of genetic deafness recognized today are monogenic disorders that can be broadly classified by the mode of inheritance (i.e., autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial inheritance) and by the presence of associated phenotypic features (i.e., syndromic; and nonsyndromic). In terms of nonsyndromic HL, the chromosomal locations are currently known for ~ 125 loci (54 for dominant and 71 for recessive deafness), 64 genes have been identified (24 for dominant and 40 for recessive deafness), and there are many more loci for syndromic deafness and X-linked and mitochondrial DNA disorders (http://hereditaryhearingloss.org). Thus, today’s clinician must understand the science of medical genetics as this knowledge can lead to more effective disease diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and prevention. PMID:23044516

  8. Novel C12orf65 mutations in patients with axonal neuropathy and optic atrophy.

    PubMed

    Tucci, Arianna; Liu, Yo-Tsen; Preza, Elisabeth; Pitceathly, Robert D S; Chalasani, Annapurna; Plagnol, Vincent; Land, John M; Trabzuni, Daniah; Ryten, Mina; Jaunmuktane, Zane; Reilly, Mary M; Brandner, Sebastian; Hargreaves, Iain; Hardy, John; Singleton, Andrew B; Abramov, Andrey Y; Houlden, Henry

    2014-05-01

    Charcot-Marie Tooth disease (CMT) forms a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Although a number of disease genes have been identified for CMT, the gene discovery for some complex form of CMT has lagged behind. The association of neuropathy and optic atrophy (also known as CMT type 6) has been described with autosomaldominant, recessive and X-linked modes of inheritance. Mutations in Mitofusin 2 have been found to cause dominant forms of CMT6. Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase-I mutations cause X-linked CMT6, but until now, mutations in the recessive forms of disease have never been identified. We here describe a family with three affected individuals who inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion a childhood onset neuropathy and optic atrophy. Using homozygosity mapping in the family and exome sequencing in two affected individuals we identified a novel protein-truncating mutation in the C12orf65 gene, which encodes for a protein involved in mitochondrial translation. Using a variety of methods we investigated the possibility of mitochondrial impairment in the patients cell lines. We described a large consanguineous family with neuropathy and optic atrophy carrying a loss of function mutation in the C12orf65 gene. We report mitochondrial impairment in the patients cell lines, followed by multiple lines of evidence which include decrease of complex V activity and stability (blue native gel assay), decrease in mitochondrial respiration rate and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. This work describes a mutation in the C12orf65 gene that causes recessive form of CMT6 and confirms the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in this complex axonal neuropathy.

  9. Identification of novel genetic causes of Rett syndrome-like phenotypes.

    PubMed

    Lopes, Fátima; Barbosa, Mafalda; Ameur, Adam; Soares, Gabriela; de Sá, Joaquim; Dias, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, Guiomar; Cabral, Pedro; Temudo, Teresa; Calado, Eulália; Cruz, Isabel Fineza; Vieira, José Pedro; Oliveira, Renata; Esteves, Sofia; Sauer, Sascha; Jonasson, Inger; Syvänen, Ann-Christine; Gyllensten, Ulf; Pinto, Dalila; Maciel, Patrícia

    2016-03-01

    The aim of this work was to identify new genetic causes of Rett-like phenotypes using array comparative genomic hybridisation and a whole exome sequencing approach. We studied a cohort of 19 Portuguese patients (16 girls, 3 boys) with a clinical presentation significantly overlapping Rett syndrome (RTT). Genetic analysis included filtering of the single nucleotide variants and indels with preference for de novo, homozygous/compound heterozygous, or maternally inherited X linked variants. Examination by MRI and muscle biopsies was also performed. Pathogenic genomic imbalances were found in two patients (10.5%): an 18q21.2 deletion encompassing four exons of the TCF4 gene and a mosaic UPD of chromosome 3. Variants in genes previously implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) were identified in six patients (32%): de novo variants in EEF1A2, STXBP1 and ZNF238 were found in three patients, maternally inherited X linked variants in SLC35A2, ZFX and SHROOM4 were detected in two male patients and one homozygous variant in EIF2B2 was detected in one patient. Variants were also detected in five novel NDD candidate genes (26%): we identified de novo variants in the RHOBTB2, SMARCA1 and GABBR2 genes; a homozygous variant in EIF4G1; compound heterozygous variant in HTT. Network analysis reveals that these genes interact by means of protein interactions with each other and with the known RTT genes. These findings expand the phenotypical spectrum of previously known NDD genes to encompass RTT-like clinical presentations and identify new candidate genes for RTT-like phenotypes. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  10. Fractional populations in sex-linked inheritance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pyo Lee, Seung; Chung, Myung-Hoon; Koo Kim, Chul; Nahm, Kyun

    2001-03-01

    We study the fractional populations in chromosome inherited diseases. The governing equations for the fractional populations are found and solved in the presence of mutation and selection. The physical fixed points obtained are used to discuss the cases of color blindness and hemophilia.

  11. [A family with creatine transporter deficiency diagnosed with urinary creatine/creatinine ratio and the family history: the third Japanese familial case].

    PubMed

    Nozaki, Fumihito; Kumada, Tomohiro; Shibata, Minoru; Fujii, Tatsuya; Wada, Takahito; Osaka, Hitoshi

    2015-01-01

    Creatine transporter deficiency (CRTR-D) is an X-linked disorder characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay, and seizures. We report the third Japanese family with CRTR-D. The proband was an 8-year-old boy who presented with hypotonia, severe intellectual disability and two episodes of seizures associated with/without fever. Among 7 siblings (4 males, 3 females), the eldest brother had severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, and sudden death at 17 years of age, while 18-year-old third elder brother had severe intellectual disability, autism, and drug-resistant epilepsy. The proband's urinary creatine/creatinine ratio was increased. A reduced creatine peak on brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a known pathogenic mutation in the SLC6A8 gene (c.1661 C > T;p.Pro554Leu) confirmed the diagnosis of CRTR-D. The same mutation was found in the third elder brother. Their mother was a heterozygote. Symptoms of CRTR-D are non-specific. Urinary creatine/creatinine ratio should be measured in patients with hypotonia, developmental delay, seizure and autism whose family history indicates an X-linked inheritance.

  12. TAF1 Variants Are Associated with Dysmorphic Features, Intellectual Disability, and Neurological Manifestations.

    PubMed

    O'Rawe, Jason A; Wu, Yiyang; Dörfel, Max J; Rope, Alan F; Au, P Y Billie; Parboosingh, Jillian S; Moon, Sungjin; Kousi, Maria; Kosma, Konstantina; Smith, Christopher S; Tzetis, Maria; Schuette, Jane L; Hufnagel, Robert B; Prada, Carlos E; Martinez, Francisco; Orellana, Carmen; Crain, Jonathan; Caro-Llopis, Alfonso; Oltra, Silvestre; Monfort, Sandra; Jiménez-Barrón, Laura T; Swensen, Jeffrey; Ellingwood, Sara; Smith, Rosemarie; Fang, Han; Ospina, Sandra; Stegmann, Sander; Den Hollander, Nicolette; Mittelman, David; Highnam, Gareth; Robison, Reid; Yang, Edward; Faivre, Laurence; Roubertie, Agathe; Rivière, Jean-Baptiste; Monaghan, Kristin G; Wang, Kai; Davis, Erica E; Katsanis, Nicholas; Kalscheuer, Vera M; Wang, Edith H; Metcalfe, Kay; Kleefstra, Tjitske; Innes, A Micheil; Kitsiou-Tzeli, Sophia; Rosello, Monica; Keegan, Catherine E; Lyon, Gholson J

    2015-12-03

    We describe an X-linked genetic syndrome associated with mutations in TAF1 and manifesting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability (ID), characteristic facial dysmorphology, generalized hypotonia, and variable neurologic features, all in male individuals. Simultaneous studies using diverse strategies led to the identification of nine families with overlapping clinical presentations and affected by de novo or maternally inherited single-nucleotide changes. Two additional families harboring large duplications involving TAF1 were also found to share phenotypic overlap with the probands harboring single-nucleotide changes, but they also demonstrated a severe neurodegeneration phenotype. Functional analysis with RNA-seq for one of the families suggested that the phenotype is associated with downregulation of a set of genes notably enriched with genes regulated by E-box proteins. In addition, knockdown and mutant studies of this gene in zebrafish have shown a quantifiable, albeit small, effect on a neuronal phenotype. Our results suggest that mutations in TAF1 play a critical role in the development of this X-linked ID syndrome. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of PHEX in rabbit recapitulates human X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).

    PubMed

    Sui, Tingting; Yuan, Lin; Liu, Huan; Chen, Mao; Deng, Jichao; Wang, Yong; Li, Zhanjun; Lai, Liangxue

    2016-07-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common cause of inheritable rickets, with an incidence of 1/20 000 in humans. Inactivation or mutation of the gene PHEX, a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase, leads to hypophosphatemia and defective bone mineralization in XLH patients. Presently, there is no adequate animal model for safety assessments of physiotherapies and drug screening for XLH rickets. In this study, an XLH model was generated via PHEX gene knockout (KO) through coinjection of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9)/sgRNA mRNA into rabbit zygotes. The typical phenotypes of growth retardation, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum FGF23 and bone mineralization were observed in the PHEX KO rabbits but not in normal controls. In summary, for the first time, we have successfully obtained PHEX KO rabbits and recapitulated human XLH using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This novel XLH rabbit model could be utilized as a drug screening model for XLH prevention and preclinical therapy. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Clinical and molecular characterization of females affected by X-linked retinoschisis.

    PubMed

    Staffieri, Sandra E; Rose, Loreto; Chang, Andrew; De Roach, John N; McLaren, Terri L; Mackey, David A; Hewitt, Alex W; Lamey, Tina M

    2015-01-01

    X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration associated with mutations in the RS1 gene. XLRS has a variable expressivity in males and shows no clinical phenotype in carrier females. Clinical and molecular characterization of male and female individuals affected with XLRS in a consanguineous family. Consanguineous Eastern European-Australian family Four clinically affected and nine unaffected family members were genetically and clinically characterized. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis was conducted by the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Register and DNA Bank. Clinical and molecular characterization of the causative mutation in a consanguineous family with XLRS. By direct sequencing of the RS1 gene, one pathogenic variant, NM_000330.3: c.304C > T, p. R102W, was identified in all clinically diagnosed individuals analysed. The two females were homozygous for the variant, and the males were hemizygous. Clinical and genetic characterization of affected homozygous females in XLRS affords the rare opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms of XLRS and the manifestation of these mutations as disease in humans. © 2015 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  15. Prenatal diagnosis for a novel splice mutation of PHEX gene in a large Han Chinese family affected with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Guangrong; Liu, Caixia; Zhou, Jingyi; Liu, Peiyan; Wang, Jun; Jiang, Hongkun; Hou, Zhiyan; Zhao, Yanyan; Sun, Kailai; Li-Ling, Jesse

    2010-06-01

    X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common form of heritable rickets characterized by X-linked dominant inheritance, renal phosphate wasting, hypophosphatemia, and defective bone mineralization. Inactivating mutations of the PHEX gene located at Xp22.1 have been linked with this disease. Ethnic distribution of such mutations seems widespread but only a few mutations in the Chinese population have been reported to date. We report on a large Han Chinese family affected with XLH rickets, which included 13 patients from four generations. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing were performed for all exons and intron-exon boundaries of the PHEX gene. The effect of nucleotide changes was analyzed using bioinformatic software. Prenatal diagnosis was performed on umbilical cord blood at the 20th gestational week. A novel G-->A splice mutation in intron 7 (c.849+1G>A) was identified in all patients from the family. As confirmed by reverse-transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the mutation has rendered loss of a normal splice donor site (c.849+1G) while activating a cryptic one at c.849+519G, which resulted in addition of 518 nucleotides to the mature RNA. Prenatal diagnosis had excluded the fetus for carrying the same mutation. A healthy boy was born later. A novel splice mutation c.849+1G>A in the PHEX gene is responsible for XLH in the studied family. Further studies may enhance our understanding of the role of this mutation in the pathogenesis of XLH.

  16. Inheritance patterns of enzymes and serum proteins of mallard-black duck hybrids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Morgan, R.P.; Meritt, D.W.; Block, S.B.; Cole, M.

    1984-01-01

    From 1974 to 1976, a breeding program was used to produce hybrids of black ducks and mallards for the evaluation of inheritance patterns of serum proteins and serum, liver and muscle enzymes. In addition to the crosses designed to produce hybrids, a series of matings in 1975 and 1976 were designed to evaluate inheritance patterns of a hybrid with either a black duck or mallard. At the F1 level, hybrids were easily distinguished using serum proteins. However, once a hybrid was crossed back to either a mallard or black duck, only 12-23% of the progeny were distinguishable from black ducks or mallards using serum proteins and 23-39% using esterases. Muscle, serum and liver enzymes were similar between the two species.

  17. Inheritance patterns of enzymes and serum proteins of mallard-black duck hybrids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Morgan, R.P.; Meritt, D.W.; Block, S.B.; Cole, M.A.; Sulkin, S.T.; Lee, F.B.; Henny, C.J.

    1984-01-01

    From 1974 to 1976, a breeding program was used to produce hybrids of black ducks and mallards for the evaluation of inheritance patterns of serum proteins and serum, liver and muscle enzymes. In addition to the crosses designed to produce hybrids, a series of matings in 1975 and 1976 were designed to evaluate inheritance patterns of a hybrid with either a black duck or mallard. At the F1 level, hybrids were easily distinguished using serum proteins. However, once a hybrid was crossed back to either a mallard or black duck, only 12?23% of the progeny were distinguishable from black ducks or mallards using serum proteins and 23?39% using esterases. Muscle, serum and liver enzymes were similar between the two species.

  18. The Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 Gene (FMR1): Historical Perspective, Phenotypes, Mechanism, Pathology, and Epidemiology

    PubMed Central

    Grigsby, Jim

    2016-01-01

    Objectives To provide an historical perspective and overview of the phenotypes, mechanism, pathology, and epidemiology of the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) for neuropsychologists. Methods Selective review of the literature on FXTAS. Results FXTAS is an X-linked neurodegenerative disorder of late onset. One of several phenotypes associated with different mutations of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1), FXTAS involves progressive action tremor, gait ataxia, and impaired executive functioning, among other features. It affects carriers of the FMR1 premutation, which may expand when passed from a mother to her children, in which case it is likely to cause fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited developmental disability. Conclusion This review briefly summarizes current knowledge of the mechanisms, epidemiology, and mode of transmission of FXTAS and FXS, as well as the neuropsychological, neurologic, neuropsychiatric, neuropathologic, and neuroradiologic phenotypes of FXTAS. Because it was only recently identified, FXTAS is not well known to most practitioners, and it remains largely misdiagnosed, despite the fact that its prevalence may be relatively high. PMID:27356167

  19. The fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1): historical perspective, phenotypes, mechanism, pathology, and epidemiology.

    PubMed

    Grigsby, Jim

    2016-08-01

    To provide an historical perspective and overview of the phenotypes, mechanism, pathology, and epidemiology of the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) for neuropsychologists. Selective review of the literature on FXTAS. FXTAS is an X-linked neurodegenerative disorder of late onset. One of several phenotypes associated with different mutations of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1), FXTAS involves progressive action tremor, gait ataxia, and impaired executive functioning, among other features. It affects carriers of the FMR1 premutation, which may expand when passed from a mother to her children, in which case it is likely to cause fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited developmental disability. This review briefly summarizes current knowledge of the mechanisms, epidemiology, and mode of transmission of FXTAS and FXS, as well as the neuropsychological, neurologic, neuropsychiatric, neuropathologic, and neuroradiologic phenotypes of FXTAS. Because it was only recently identified, FXTAS is not well known to most practitioners, and it remains largely misdiagnosed, despite the fact that its prevalence may be relatively high.

  20. Identification, inheritance, and linkage of B-G-like and MHC class I genes in cranes

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jarvi, S.I.; Goto, R.M.; Gee, G.F.; Briles, W.E.; Miller, M.M.

    1999-01-01

    We identified B-G-like genes in the whooping and Florida sandhill cranes and linked them to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We evaluated the inheritance of B-G-like genes in families of whooping and Florida sandhill cranes using restriction fragment patterns (RFPs). Two B-G-like genes, designated wcbgl and wcbg2, were located within 8 kb of one another. The fully sequenced wcbg2 gene encodes a B-G IgV-like domain, an additional Ig-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and a single heptad domain typical of '-helical coiled coils. Patterns of restriction fragments in DNA from the whooping crane and from a number of other species indicate that the B-G-like gene families of cranes are large with diverse sequences. Segregation of RFPs in families of Florida sandhill cranes provide evidence for genetic polymorphism in the B-G-like genes. The restriction fragments generally segregated in concert with MHC haplotypes assigned by serological typing and by single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) assays based in the second exon of the crane MHC class I genes. This study supports the concept of a long-term association of polymorphic B-G-like genes with the MHC. It also establishes SSCP as a means for evaluating MHC genetic variability in cranes.

  1. Identification, inheritance, and linkage of B-G-like and MHC class I genes in cranes.

    PubMed

    Jarvi, S I; Goto, R M; Gee, G F; Briles, W E; Miller, M M

    1999-01-01

    We identified B-G-like genes in the whooping and Florida sandhill cranes and linked them to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We evaluated the inheritance of B-G-like genes in families of whooping and Florida sandhill cranes using restriction fragment patterns (RFPs). Two B-G-like genes, designated wcbg1 and wcbg2, were located within 8 kb of one another. The fully sequenced wcbg2 gene encodes a B-G IgV-like domain, an additional Ig-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and a single heptad domain typical of alpha-helical coiled coils. Patterns of restriction fragments in DNA from the whooping crane and from a number of other species indicate that the B-G-like gene families of cranes are large with diverse sequences. Segregation of RFPs in families of Florida sandhill cranes provide evidence for genetic polymorphism in the B-G-like genes. The restriction fragments generally segregated in concert with MHC haplotypes assigned by serological typing and by single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) assays based in the second exon of the crane MHC class I genes. This study supports the concept of a long-term association of polymorphic B-G-like genes with the MHC. It also establishes SSCP as a means for evaluating MHC genetic variability in cranes.

  2. The evolutionary processes of mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes differ from those of nuclear genomes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korpelainen, Helena

    2004-11-01

    This paper first introduces our present knowledge of the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts, and the organization and inheritance patterns of their genomes, and then carries on to review the evolutionary processes influencing mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. The differences in evolutionary phenomena between the nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes are highlighted. It is emphasized that varying inheritance patterns and copy numbers among different types of genomes, and the potential advantage achieved through the transfer of many cytoplasmic genes to the nucleus, have important implications for the evolution of nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. Cytoplasmic genes transferred to the nucleus have joined the more strictly controlled genetic system of the nuclear genome, including also sexual recombination, while genes retained within the cytoplasmic organelles can be involved in selection and drift processes both within and among individuals. Within-individual processes can be either intra- or intercellular. In the case of heteroplasmy, which is attributed to mutations or biparental inheritance, within-individual selection on cytoplasmic DNA may provide a mechanism by which the organism can adapt rapidly. The inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes is not universally maternal. The presence of a range of inheritance patterns indicates that different strategies have been adopted by different organisms. On the other hand, the variability occasionally observed in the inheritance mechanisms of cytoplasmic genomes reduces heritability and increases environmental components in phenotypic features and, consequently, decreases the potential for adaptive evolution.

  3. Severe X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata in nine new female fetuses.

    PubMed

    Lefebvre, Mathilde; Dufernez, Fabienne; Bruel, Ange-Line; Gonzales, Marie; Aral, Bernard; Saint-Onge, Judith; Gigot, Nadège; Desir, Julie; Daelemans, Caroline; Jossic, Frédérique; Schmitt, Sébastien; Mangione, Raphaele; Pelluard, Fanny; Vincent-Delorme, Catherine; Labaune, Jean-Marc; Bigi, Nicole; D'Olne, Dominique; Delezoide, Anne-Lise; Toutain, Annick; Blesson, Sophie; Cormier-Daire, Valérie; Thevenon, Julien; El Chehadeh, Salima; Masurel-Paulet, Alice; Joyé, Nicole; Vibert-Guigue, Claude; Rigonnot, Luc; Rousseau, Thierry; Vabres, Pierre; Hervé, Philippe; Lamazière, Antonin; Rivière, Jean-Baptiste; Faivre, Laurence; Laurent, Nicole; Thauvin-Robinet, Christel

    2015-07-01

    Conradi-Hünermann-Happle [X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata 2 (CDPX2)] syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant skeletal dysplasia usually lethal in men while affected women show wide clinical heterogeneity. Different EBP mutations have been reported. Severe female cases have rarely been reported, with only six antenatal presentations. To better characterize the phenotype in female fetuses, we included nine antenatally diagnosed cases of women with EBP mutations. All cases were de novo except for two fetuses with an affected mother and one case of germinal mosaicism. The mean age at diagnosis was 22 weeks of gestation. The ultrasound features mainly included bone abnormalities: shortening (8/9 cases) and bowing of the long bones (5/9), punctuate epiphysis (7/9) and an irregular aspect of the spine (5/9). Postnatal X-rays and examination showed ichthyosis (8/9) and epiphyseal stippling (9/9), with frequent asymmetric short and bowed long bones. The X-inactivation pattern of the familial case revealed skewed X-inactivation in the mildly symptomatic mother and random X-inactivation in the severe fetal case. Differently affected skin samples of the same fetus revealed different patterns of X-inactivation. Prenatal detection of asymmetric shortening and bowing of the long bones and cartilage stippling should raise the possibility of CPDX2 in female fetuses, especially because the majority of such cases involve de novo mutations. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF MOSAIC RETINOPATHY IN CARRIERS OF HEREDITARY X-LINKED RECESSIVE DISEASES.

    PubMed

    Wu, An-Lun; Wang, Jung-Pan; Tseng, Yun-Ju; Liu, Laura; Kang, Yu-Chuan; Chen, Kuan-Jen; Chao, An-Ning; Yeh, Lung-Kun; Chen, Tun-Lu; Hwang, Yih-Shiou; Wu, Wei-Chi; Lai, Chi-Chun; Wang, Nan-Kai

    2018-05-01

    To investigate the clinical features in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and choroideremia (CHM) using multimodal imaging and to assess their diagnostic value in these three mosaic retinopathies. We prospectively examined 14 carriers of 3 X-linked recessive disorders (X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM). Details of abnormalities of retinal morphology were evaluated using fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. In six X-linked retinitis pigmentosa carriers, fundus appearance varied from unremarkable to the presence of tapetal-like reflex and pigmentary changes. On FAF imaging, all carriers exhibited a bright radial reflex against a dark background. By spectral domain optical coherence tomography, loss of the ellipsoid zone in the macula was observed in 3 carriers (50%). Regarding the retinal laminar architecture, 4 carriers (66.7%) showed thinning of the outer nuclear layer and a dentate appearance of the outer plexiform layer. All five X-linked ocular albinism carriers showed a characteristic mud-splatter patterned fundus, dark radial streaks against a bright background on FAF imaging, and a normal-appearing retinal structure by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Two of the 3 CHM carriers (66.7%) showed a diffuse moth-eaten appearance of the fundus, and all 3 showed irregular hyper-FAF and hypo-FAF spots throughout the affected area. In the CHM carriers, the structural changes observed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging were variable. Our findings in an Asian cohort suggest that FAF imaging is a practical diagnostic test for differentiating X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM carriers. Wide-field FAF is an easy and helpful adjunct to testing for the correct diagnosis and identification of lyonization in carriers of these three mosaic retinopathies.

  5. Congenital myasthenic syndromes due to mutations in ALG2 and ALG14.

    PubMed

    Cossins, Judith; Belaya, Katsiaryna; Hicks, Debbie; Salih, Mustafa A; Finlayson, Sarah; Carboni, Nicola; Liu, Wei Wei; Maxwell, Susan; Zoltowska, Katarzyna; Farsani, Golara Torabi; Laval, Steven; Seidhamed, Mohammed Zain; Donnelly, Peter; Bentley, David; McGowan, Simon J; Müller, Juliane; Palace, Jacqueline; Lochmüller, Hanns; Beeson, David

    2013-03-01

    Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders that arise from impaired signal transmission at the neuromuscular synapse. They are characterized by fatigable muscle weakness. We performed linkage analysis, whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing to determine the underlying defect in patients with an inherited limb-girdle pattern of myasthenic weakness. We identify ALG14 and ALG2 as novel genes in which mutations cause a congenital myasthenic syndrome. Through analogy with yeast, ALG14 is thought to form a multiglycosyltransferase complex with ALG13 and DPAGT1 that catalyses the first two committed steps of asparagine-linked protein glycosylation. We show that ALG14 is concentrated at the muscle motor endplates and small interfering RNA silencing of ALG14 results in reduced cell-surface expression of muscle acetylcholine receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. ALG2 is an alpha-1,3-mannosyltransferase that also catalyses early steps in the asparagine-linked glycosylation pathway. Mutations were identified in two kinships, with mutation ALG2p.Val68Gly found to severely reduce ALG2 expression both in patient muscle, and in cell cultures. Identification of DPAGT1, ALG14 and ALG2 mutations as a cause of congenital myasthenic syndrome underscores the importance of asparagine-linked protein glycosylation for proper functioning of the neuromuscular junction. These syndromes form part of the wider spectrum of congenital disorders of glycosylation caused by impaired asparagine-linked glycosylation. It is likely that further genes encoding components of this pathway will be associated with congenital myasthenic syndromes or impaired neuromuscular transmission as part of a more severe multisystem disorder. Our findings suggest that treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors may improve muscle function in many of the congenital disorders of glycosylation.

  6. Women's Inheritance Rights and Intergenerational Transmission of Resources in India

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deininger, Klaus; Goyal, Aparajita; Nagarajan, Hari

    2013-01-01

    We use inheritance patterns over three generations of individuals to assess the impact of changes in the Hindu Succession Act that grant daughters equal coparcenary birth rights in joint family property that were denied to daughters in the past. We show that the amendment significantly increased daughters' likelihood to inherit land, but that…

  7. Emulating multiple inheritance in Fortran 2003/2008

    DOE PAGES

    Morris, Karla

    2015-01-24

    Although the high-performance computing (HPC) community increasingly embraces object-oriented programming (OOP), most HPC OOP projects employ the C++ programming language. Until recently, Fortran programmers interested in mining the benefits of OOP had to emulate OOP in Fortran 90/95. The advent of widespread compiler support for Fortran 2003 now facilitates explicitly constructing object-oriented class hierarchies via inheritance and leveraging related class behaviors such as dynamic polymorphism. Although C++ allows a class to inherit from multiple parent classes, Fortran and several other OOP languages restrict or prohibit explicit multiple inheritance relationships in order to circumvent several pitfalls associated with them. Nonetheless, whatmore » appears as an intrinsic feature in one language can be modeled as a user-constructed design pattern in another language. The present paper demonstrates how to apply the facade structural design pattern to support a multiple inheritance class relationship in Fortran 2003. As a result, the design unleashes the power of the associated class relationships for modeling complicated data structures yet avoids the ambiguities that plague some multiple inheritance scenarios.« less

  8. Inheritance patterns of morphological laterality in mouth opening of zebrafish, Danio rerio.

    PubMed

    Hata, Hiroki; Hori, Michio

    2012-01-01

    The inheritance patterns of asymmetry in mouth opening in zebrafish were investigated using crossing experiments. Zebrafish exhibit asymmetric laterality in mouth opening, with each individual having either a leftward (righty) or rightward (lefty) bias. All righty incrosses produced only righty F(1), whereas all lefty incrosses resulted in an F(1) L:R ratio of 2:1. All test crosses between lefty and righty individuals resulted in an F(1) L:R=1:1. These results were consistent with the hereditary pattern for Japanese medaka, three Tanganyikan cichlids, and a Japanese riverine goby. The pattern suggests a one-locus two-allele Mendelian model of inheritance, with the lefty allele being dominant over righty and the dominant homozygote being lethal. To determine the reason for the absence of lefty homozygotes, the survival rates of the offspring were examined according to developmental stage. Survival did not differ among combinations of parent laterality. Thus the mechanism underlying the lethality of the dominant homozygote remains unclear. This study showed that the mouth-opening laterality of zebrafish is genetically determined and that the direction follows a Mendelian inheritance pattern that is shared among cypriniform zebrafish, beloniform medaka, perciform cichlids, and a goby, suggesting a common genetic background in mouth-opening laterality among these species.

  9. Developmental origins of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance

    PubMed Central

    Hanson, Mark A.; Skinner, Michael K.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Environmental factors can induce epigenetic alterations in the germ cells that can potentially be transmitted transgenerationally. This non-genetic form of inheritance is termed epigenetic transgenerational inheritance and has been shown in a variety of species including plants, flies, worms, fish, rodents, pigs, and humans. This phenomenon operates during specific critical windows of exposure, linked to the developmental biology of the germ cells (sperm and eggs). Therefore, concepts of the developmental origins of transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic variation and subsequent disease risk need to include epigenetic processes affecting the developmental biology of the germ cell. These developmental impacts on epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, in contrast to multigenerational exposures, are the focus of this Perspective. PMID:27390622

  10. Patterns of linkage disequilibrium in mitochondrial DNA of 16 ruminant populations.

    PubMed

    Slate, J; Phua, S H

    2003-03-01

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a widely employed molecular tool in phylogeography, in the inference of human evolutionary history, in dating the domestication of livestock and in forensic science. In humans and other vertebrates the popularity of mtDNA can be partially attributed to an assumption of strict maternal inheritance, such that there is no recombination between mitochondrial lineages. The recent demonstration that linkage disequilibrium (LD) declines as a function of distance between polymorphic sites in hominid mitochondrial genomes has been interpreted as evidence of recombination between mtDNA haplotypes, and hence nonclonal inheritance. However, critics of mtDNA recombination have suggested that this association is an artefact of an inappropriate measure of LD or of sequencing error, and subsequent studies of other populations have failed to replicate the initial finding. Here we report the analysis of 16 ruminant populations and present evidence that LD significantly declines with distance in five of them. A meta-analysis of the data indicates a nonsignificant trend of LD declining with distance. Most of the earlier criticisms of patterns between LD and distance in hominid mtDNA are not applicable to this data set. Our results suggest that either ruminant mtDNA is not strictly clonal or that compensatory selection has influenced patterns of variation at closely linked sites within the mitochondrial control region. The potential impact of these processes should be considered when using mtDNA as a tool in vertebrate population genetic, phylogenetic and forensic studies.

  11. Formation of unreduced megaspores (diplospory) in apomictic dandelions (Taraxacum officinale, s.l.) is controlled by a sex-specific dominant locus.

    PubMed Central

    van Dijk, Peter J; Bakx-Schotman, J M Tanja

    2004-01-01

    In apomictic dandelions, Taraxacum officinale, unreduced megaspores are formed via a modified meiotic division (diplospory). The genetic basis of diplospory was investigated in a triploid (3x = 24) mapping population of 61 individuals that segregated approximately 1:1 for diplospory and meiotic reduction. This population was created by crossing a sexual diploid (2x = 16) with a tetraploid diplosporous pollen donor (4x = 32) that was derived from a triploid apomict. Six different inheritance models for diplospory were tested. The segregation ratio and the tight association with specific alleles at the microsatellite loci MSTA53 and MSTA78 strongly suggest that diplospory is controlled by a dominant allele D on a locus, which we have named DIPLOSPOROUS (DIP). Diplosporous plants have a simplex genotype, Ddd or Dddd. MSTA53 and MSTA78 were weakly linked to the 18S-25S rDNA locus. The D-linked allele of MSTA78 was absent in a hypotriploid (2n = 3x - 1) that also lacked one of the satellite chromosomes. Together these results suggest that DIP is located on the satellite chromosome. DIP is female specific, as unreduced gametes are not formed during male meiosis. Furthermore, DIP does not affect parthenogenesis, implying that several independently segregating genes control apomixis in dandelions. PMID:15020437

  12. Skewed X-inactivation in a tumor tissue from a female patient with leiomyomatosis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kishino, T.; Jinno, Y.; Niikawa, N.

    1995-07-17

    Leiomyomatosis (multiple leiomyomas) is characterized by benign smooth muscle cell proliferations in the esophagus, tracheobronchial tree, and female genital tract. At least 3 genetically different hereditary leiomyomatoses have been identified. Among them, an X-linked leiomyomatosis is often associated with an Alport syndrome-like nephropathy. It has remained obscure whether the leiomyomata occur monoclonally or polyclonally. The clonality of various malignancies has been examined by analysis of X-inactivation patterns in female patients heterozygous for polymorphic alleles of X-linked genes. We examined the clonality of a leiomyoma in a female patient by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based X-inactivation assay. 6 refs., 1 fig.

  13. Contrasting Patterns of Genomic Diversity Reveal Accelerated Genetic Drift but Reduced Directional Selection on X-Chromosome in Wild and Domestic Sheep Species.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ze-Hui; Zhang, Min; Lv, Feng-Hua; Ren, Xue; Li, Wen-Rong; Liu, Ming-Jun; Nam, Kiwoong; Bruford, Michael W; Li, Meng-Hua

    2018-04-01

    Analyses of genomic diversity along the X chromosome and of its correlation with autosomal diversity can facilitate understanding of evolutionary forces in shaping sex-linked genomic architecture. Strong selective sweeps and accelerated genetic drift on the X-chromosome have been inferred in primates and other model species, but no such insight has yet been gained in domestic animals compared with their wild relatives. Here, we analyzed X-chromosome variability in a large ovine data set, including a BeadChip array for 943 ewes from the world's sheep populations and 110 whole genomes of wild and domestic sheep. Analyzing whole-genome sequences, we observed a substantially reduced X-to-autosome diversity ratio (∼0.6) compared with the value expected under a neutral model (0.75). In particular, one large X-linked segment (43.05-79.25 Mb) was found to show extremely low diversity, most likely due to a high density of coding genes, featuring highly conserved regions. In general, we observed higher nucleotide diversity on the autosomes, but a flat diversity gradient in X-linked segments, as a function of increasing distance from the nearest genes, leading to a decreased X: autosome (X/A) diversity ratio and contrasting to the positive correlation detected in primates and other model animals. Our evidence suggests that accelerated genetic drift but reduced directional selection on X chromosome, as well as sex-biased demographic events, explain low X-chromosome diversity in sheep species. The distinct patterns of X-linked and X/A diversity we observed between Middle Eastern and non-Middle Eastern sheep populations can be explained by multiple migrations, selection, and admixture during the domestic sheep's recent postdomestication demographic expansion, coupled with natural selection for adaptation to new environments. In addition, we identify important novel genes involved in abnormal behavioral phenotypes, metabolism, and immunity, under selection on the sheep X-chromosome.

  14. Contrasting Patterns of Genomic Diversity Reveal Accelerated Genetic Drift but Reduced Directional Selection on X-Chromosome in Wild and Domestic Sheep Species

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ze-Hui; Zhang, Min; Lv, Feng-Hua; Ren, Xue; Li, Wen-Rong; Liu, Ming-Jun; Nam, Kiwoong; Bruford, Michael W; Li, Meng-Hua

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Analyses of genomic diversity along the X chromosome and of its correlation with autosomal diversity can facilitate understanding of evolutionary forces in shaping sex-linked genomic architecture. Strong selective sweeps and accelerated genetic drift on the X-chromosome have been inferred in primates and other model species, but no such insight has yet been gained in domestic animals compared with their wild relatives. Here, we analyzed X-chromosome variability in a large ovine data set, including a BeadChip array for 943 ewes from the world’s sheep populations and 110 whole genomes of wild and domestic sheep. Analyzing whole-genome sequences, we observed a substantially reduced X-to-autosome diversity ratio (∼0.6) compared with the value expected under a neutral model (0.75). In particular, one large X-linked segment (43.05–79.25 Mb) was found to show extremely low diversity, most likely due to a high density of coding genes, featuring highly conserved regions. In general, we observed higher nucleotide diversity on the autosomes, but a flat diversity gradient in X-linked segments, as a function of increasing distance from the nearest genes, leading to a decreased X: autosome (X/A) diversity ratio and contrasting to the positive correlation detected in primates and other model animals. Our evidence suggests that accelerated genetic drift but reduced directional selection on X chromosome, as well as sex-biased demographic events, explain low X-chromosome diversity in sheep species. The distinct patterns of X-linked and X/A diversity we observed between Middle Eastern and non-Middle Eastern sheep populations can be explained by multiple migrations, selection, and admixture during the domestic sheep’s recent postdomestication demographic expansion, coupled with natural selection for adaptation to new environments. In addition, we identify important novel genes involved in abnormal behavioral phenotypes, metabolism, and immunity, under selection on the sheep X-chromosome. PMID:29790980

  15. The Viking Orbiter and its Mariner inheritance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wolfe, A. E.; Norris, H. W.

    1975-01-01

    The orbiter system of the Viking spacecraft performs the functions of transporting the lander into orbit around Mars, surveying the proposed landing sites, relaying lander data to earth, and conducting independent scientific observations of Mars. The orbiter system is a semiautomatic, solar-powered, triaxially stabilized platform capable of making trajectory corrections and communicating with earth on S-band. Its instruments for visual imaging, detecting water vapor, and thermal mapping are mounted on a separate two-degree-of-freedom scan platform. Radio science is conducted at three frequencies, using the main S-band system, a separate X-band derived from the S-band, and the UHF one-way link with the lander.

  16. Gene scene: Earlier, eventually more specific, prenatal genetic diagnosis in realm of possibility

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Randall, T.

    1990-12-26

    A new genetic technique that can amplify the DNA of a single cell has flung open the window of opportunity for prenatal genetic diagnosis to just 3 days after conception, and even to the unfertilized egg. In vitro fertilization (IVF) specialists at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology at London's Postgraduate medical School, Hammersmith Hospital have determined the sex of human embryos at the eight-cell stage of development from five couples at risk for X chromosome-linked diseases. The female embryos, which do not risk inheriting the disease, were then successfully implanted in the uterus and carried to full term.

  17. Superior Educational Attainment and Strategies of Land Inheritance in Post-Famine Ireland: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hillas, Sarah

    2018-01-01

    To date no major study exists on the impact of the Great Famine on patterns of participation in superior education in Ireland, or on the impact of superior education on the life courses and inheritance potential of boys from small farming families. This paper provides a historical analysis and interpretation of patterns of participation in…

  18. Small RNA-Mediated trans-Nuclear and trans-Element Communications in Tetrahymena DNA Elimination.

    PubMed

    Noto, Tomoko; Mochizuki, Kazufumi

    2018-06-18

    Epigenetic inheritance of acquired traits is widespread among eukaryotes, but how and to what extent such information is transgenerationally inherited is still unclear. The patterns of programmed DNA elimination in ciliates are epigenetically and transgenerationally inherited, and it has been proposed that small RNAs, which shuttle between the germline and the soma, regulate this epigenetic inheritance. In this study, we test the existence and role of such small-RNA-mediated communication by epigenetically disturbing the pattern of DNA elimination in Tetrahymena. We show that the pattern of DNA elimination is, indeed, determined by the selective turnover of small RNAs, which is induced by the interaction between germline-derived small RNAs and the somatic genome. In addition, we show that DNA elimination of an element is regulated by small-RNA-mediated communication with other eliminated elements. By contrast, no evidence obtained thus far supports the notion that transfer of epigenetic information from the soma to the germline, if any, regulates DNA elimination. Our results indicate that small-RNA-mediated trans-nuclear and trans-element communication, in addition to unknown information in the germline genome, contributes to determining the pattern of DNA elimination. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Brown and polar bear Y chromosomes reveal extensive male-biased gene flow within brother lineages.

    PubMed

    Bidon, Tobias; Janke, Axel; Fain, Steven R; Eiken, Hans Geir; Hagen, Snorre B; Saarma, Urmas; Hallström, Björn M; Lecomte, Nicolas; Hailer, Frank

    2014-06-01

    Brown and polar bears have become prominent examples in phylogeography, but previous phylogeographic studies relied largely on maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or were geographically restricted. The male-specific Y chromosome, a natural counterpart to mtDNA, has remained underexplored. Although this paternally inherited chromosome is indispensable for comprehensive analyses of phylogeographic patterns, technical difficulties and low variability have hampered its application in most mammals. We developed 13 novel Y-chromosomal sequence and microsatellite markers from the polar bear genome and screened these in a broad geographic sample of 130 brown and polar bears. We also analyzed a 390-kb-long Y-chromosomal scaffold using sequencing data from published male ursine genomes. Y chromosome evidence support the emerging understanding that brown and polar bears started to diverge no later than the Middle Pleistocene. Contrary to mtDNA patterns, we found 1) brown and polar bears to be reciprocally monophyletic sister (or rather brother) lineages, without signals of introgression, 2) male-biased gene flow across continents and on phylogeographic time scales, and 3) male dispersal that links the Alaskan ABC islands population to mainland brown bears. Due to female philopatry, mtDNA provides a highly structured estimate of population differentiation, while male-biased gene flow is a homogenizing force for nuclear genetic variation. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing both maternally and paternally inherited loci for a comprehensive view of phylogeographic history, and that mtDNA-based phylogeographic studies of many mammals should be reevaluated. Recent advances in sequencing technology render the analysis of Y-chromosomal variation feasible, even in nonmodel organisms. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. How the knowledge of genetic "makeup" and cellular data can affect the analysis of repolarization in surface electrocardiogram.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Wataru

    2010-01-01

    This review article sought to describe patterns of repolarization on the surface electrocardiogram in inherited cardiac arrhythmias and to discuss how the knowledge of genetic makeup and cellular data can affect the analysis based on the data derived from the experimental studies using arterially perfused canine ventricular wedge preparations. Molecular genetic studies have established a link between a number of inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndromes and mutations in genes encoding cardiac ion channels or membrane components during the past 2 decades. Twelve forms of congenital long QT syndrome have been so far identified, and genotype-phenotype correlations have been investigated especially in the 3 major genotypes-LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3. Abnormal T waves are reported in the LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3, and the differences in the time course of repolarization of the epicardial, midmyocardial, and endocardial cells give rise to voltage gradients responsible for the manifestation of phenotypic appearance of abnormal T waves. Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 and an episode of ventricular fibrillation, in which 7 genotypes have been reported. An intrinsically prominent transient outward current (I(to))-mediated action potential notch and a subsequent loss of action potential dome in the epicardium, but not in the endocardium of the right ventricular outflow tract, give rise to a transmural voltage gradient, resulting in ST-segment elevation, and a subsequent phase 2 reentry-induced ventricular fibrillation. In conclusion, transmural electrical heterogeneity of repolarization across the ventricular wall profoundly affects the phenotypic manifestation of repolarization patterns on the surface electrocardiogram in inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Misdiagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in a choroideremia patient with heavily pigmented fundi.

    PubMed

    Nanda, A; Salvetti, A P; Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara, C; MacLaren, R E

    2018-06-01

    Inherited retinal diseases are thought to be the leading cause of sight loss in the working age population. Mutations found in the RPGR and CHM genes cause retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and choroideremia, respectively. In the first instance, an X-linked family history of visual field loss commonly raises the suspicion of one of these two genes. In choroideremia, the classic description of a white fundal reflex secondary to the widespread chorioretinal degeneration was made over a hundred years ago in Caucasians. But, it is not so obvious in heavily pigmented fundi. Hence, the clinical diagnosis of CHM in non-Caucasian patients may be challenging in the first stages of the disease. Here we report a case of a Southeast Asian gentleman who has a family history of X-linked retinal degeneration and was found to have a confirmed in-frame deletion of 12 DNA nucleotides in exon 15 of the RPGR gene. Later in life, however, his fundal appearance showed unusual areas of circular pigment hypertrophy and clumping. He was therefore tested for carrying a disease-causing mutation in the CHM gene and a null mutation was found. Since gene therapy trials are ongoing for both of these conditions, it has now become critically important to establish the correct genetic diagnosis in order to recruit suitable candidates. Moreover, this case demonstrates the necessity to remain vigilant in the interpretation of genetic results which are inconsistent with clinical features.

  2. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with HLA matching.

    PubMed

    Rechitsky, Svetlana; Kuliev, Anver; Tur-Kaspa, Illan; Morris, Randy; Verlinsky, Yury

    2004-08-01

    Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has recently been offered in combination with HLA typing, which allowed a successful haematopoietic reconstitution in affected siblings with Fanconi anaemia by transplantation of stem cells obtained from the HLA-matched offspring resulting from PGD. This study presents the results of the first PGD practical experience performed in a group of couples at risk for producing children with genetic disorders. These parents also requested preimplantation HLA typing for treating the affected children in the family, who required HLA-matched stem cell transplantation. Using a standard IVF procedure, oocytes or embryos were tested for causative gene mutations simultaneously with HLA alleles, selecting and transferring only those unaffected embryos, which were HLA matched to the affected siblings. The procedure was performed for patients with children affected by Fanconi anaemia (FANC) A and C, different thalassaemia mutations, Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, X-linked hyperimmunoglobulin M syndrome and X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal displasia with immune deficiency. Overall, 46 PGD cycles were performed for 26 couples, resulting in selection and transfer of 50 unaffected HLA-matched embryos in 33 cycles, yielding six HLA-matched clinical pregnancies and the birth of five unaffected HLA-matched children. Despite the controversy of PGD use for HLA typing, the data demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for at-risk couples, not only to avoid the birth of affected children with an inherited disease, but also for having unaffected children who may also be potential HLA-matched donors of stem cells for treatment of affected siblings.

  3. Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome with a Neuroactive Steroid

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-08-01

    common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism . The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA...FXS) is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation, and the most common single gene mutation associated with autism (Demark et al. 2003...profile of impairments, with the most interesting being comorbidity with autism . From the most recent studies, the prevalence of autism spectrum

  4. Data Mining and Pattern Recognition Models for Identifying Inherited Diseases: Challenges and Implications.

    PubMed

    Iddamalgoda, Lahiru; Das, Partha S; Aponso, Achala; Sundararajan, Vijayaraghava S; Suravajhala, Prashanth; Valadi, Jayaraman K

    2016-01-01

    Data mining and pattern recognition methods reveal interesting findings in genetic studies, especially on how the genetic makeup is associated with inherited diseases. Although researchers have proposed various data mining models for biomedical approaches, there remains a challenge in accurately prioritizing the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with the disease. In this commentary, we review the state-of-art data mining and pattern recognition models for identifying inherited diseases and deliberate the need of binary classification- and scoring-based prioritization methods in determining causal variants. While we discuss the pros and cons associated with these methods known, we argue that the gene prioritization methods and the protein interaction (PPI) methods in conjunction with the K nearest neighbors' could be used in accurately categorizing the genetic factors in disease causation.

  5. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Morris, Karla

    Although the high-performance computing (HPC) community increasingly embraces object-oriented programming (OOP), most HPC OOP projects employ the C++ programming language. Until recently, Fortran programmers interested in mining the benefits of OOP had to emulate OOP in Fortran 90/95. The advent of widespread compiler support for Fortran 2003 now facilitates explicitly constructing object-oriented class hierarchies via inheritance and leveraging related class behaviors such as dynamic polymorphism. Although C++ allows a class to inherit from multiple parent classes, Fortran and several other OOP languages restrict or prohibit explicit multiple inheritance relationships in order to circumvent several pitfalls associated with them. Nonetheless, whatmore » appears as an intrinsic feature in one language can be modeled as a user-constructed design pattern in another language. The present paper demonstrates how to apply the facade structural design pattern to support a multiple inheritance class relationship in Fortran 2003. As a result, the design unleashes the power of the associated class relationships for modeling complicated data structures yet avoids the ambiguities that plague some multiple inheritance scenarios.« less

  6. Are There Inherited Behavioral Traits that Predispose to Substance Abuse?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tarter, Ralph E.

    1988-01-01

    Research suggests predisposition toward alcoholism and drug abuse by inherited behavioral propensities or temperaments which, through interaction with the physical and social environments, shape the development of the personality. Certain personality characteristics, specifically antisocial and neurotic traits, are also linked with the risk for…

  7. Inheritance of evolved clethodim resistance in Lolium rigidum populations from Australia.

    PubMed

    Saini, Rupinder Kaur; Malone, Jenna; Gill, Gurjeet; Preston, Christopher

    2017-08-01

    In Australia, the extensive use of clethodim for the control of Lolium rigidum has resulted in the evolution of many clethodim-resistant L. rigidum populations. Five clethodim-resistant populations of L. rigidum were analysed for the inheritance of clethodim resistance. Reciprocal crosses were made between resistant (R) and susceptible (S) populations. Within crosses, dose-responses of reciprocal F 1 families of all populations except A61 were similar to each other, indicating that clethodim resistance in these populations is encoded on the nuclear genome. The level of dominance observed in the dose-response experiments ranged from partial to complete within the herbicide rate used. In the A61 population, within each cross, the response of F 1 from the maternal and paternal parent was different, indicating that resistance is inherited through the female parent. All backcross populations segregated in a different manner. Only one population, FP, fitted a single-gene model (1:1). Two populations fitted two-gene models: a 3:1 inheritance model for F4 and a 1:3 inheritance model for A91. For population E2, no clear pattern of inheritance was determined, suggesting more complex inheritance. The results of this study indicate that different patterns of clethodim resistance in L. rigidum exist. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

  8. Inheritance pattern of lip prints among Malay population: A pilot study.

    PubMed

    George, Renjith; Nora Afandi, Nurulain Syafinaz Binti; Zainal Abidin, Siti Nur Hayati Binti; Binti Ishak, Nur Ismawani; Soe, Htoo Htoo Kyaw; Ismail, Abdul Rashid Hj

    2016-04-01

    We assessed the resemblance of lip print patterns between parents and biological offspring in families of 31 Malay students as well as the distribution of different types of lip print in the study group. Only a few studies have successfully established the inheritance pattern of lip prints. Such studies can be population specific and need to be conducted in various populations. No such study have been conducted in Malay population in Malaysia, according to our knowledge. Present study was carried out to ascertain whether there is any inherence pattern in lip prints and thereby to investigate the potential role of lip prints in personal identification. We found 58.06% resemblance of lip print patterns between the parents and their biological offspring in our study. The influence of heredity in lip print pattern is still a new concept and there is lack of concrete evidence. The data from our study shows that there is potential influence of inheritance in the lip print patterns among the family members. Further researches involving larger samples size are suggested to derive more reliable and accurate results. The most common lip print pattern among the study group is type I (29.84%) followed by type II (23.12%), type III (22.45%), type I' (13.44%), type IV (9.54%) and type V (1.61%). Racial variations in lip print patterns and their prevalence may serve as an aid in forensic identification and crime scene investigation. The results of this pilot study will help in establishing guidelines for future researches on lip print analysis in Malaysia. Lip print patterns are unique and individualistic. However, there are some similarities in basic patterns of lip prints between family members which may be attributed to influence of inheritance. 1. To determine the inheritance pattern of lip prints among Malay family members of the student. 2. To identify the distribution of different types of lip prints among Malay population. and Observational pilot study. Lip prints of 124 individuals from 31 families consisting of father, mother and two children were recorded and classified based on Tsuchihashi Classification (1974). Statistical analysis was performed for resemblance pattern among family members (Karl-Pearson Correlation Coefficient) and inter-observer variability (Kappa test). 58.06% positive resemblance was found between parents and biological offspring. The highest lip print pattern in the study group was type I (29.84%) and the least was type V (1.61%). There is positive resemblance in lip print patterns among family members which may be attributed to influence of inheritance. However, further studies with larger sample sizes need to be conducted to confirm the results. Type I lip print was the most prevalent pattern among the study subjects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

  9. Assignment of the Nance-Horan syndrome to the distal short arm of the X chromosome.

    PubMed

    Zhu, D; Alcorn, D M; Antonarakis, S E; Levin, L S; Huang, P C; Mitchell, T N; Warren, A C; Maumenee, I H

    1990-11-01

    There are three types of X-linked cataracts recorded in Mendelian Inheritance in Man (McKusick 1988): congenital total, with posterior sutural opacities in heterozygotes; congenital, with microcornea or slight microphthalmia; and the cataract-dental syndrome or Nance-Horan (NH) syndrome. To identify a DNA marker close to the gene responsible for the NH syndrome, linkage analysis on 36 members in a three-generation pedigree including seven affected males and nine carrier females was performed using 31 DNA markers. A LOD score of 1.662 at theta = 0.16 was obtained with probe 782 from locus DXS85 on Xp22.2-p22.3. Negative LOD scores were found at six loci on the short arm, one distal to DXS85, five proximal, and six probes spanning the long arm were highly negative. These results make the assignment of the locus for NH to the distal end of the short arm of the X chromosome likely.

  10. Incidental findings on array comparative genomic hybridization: detection of carrier females of dystrophinopathy without any family history.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, K; Putoux, A; Busa, T; Cordier, M P; Sigaudy, S; Till, M; Chabrol, B; Michel-Calemard, L; Bernard, R; Julia, S; Malzac, P; Labalme, A; Missirian, C; Edery, P; Popovici, C; Philip, N; Sanlaville, D

    2015-05-01

    Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has progressively replaced conventional karyotype in the diagnostic strategy of intellectual disability (ID) and congenital malformations. This technique increases not only the diagnostic rate but also the possibility of finding unexpected variants unrelated to the indication of referral, namely incidental findings. The incidental finding of copy number variants (CNVs) located in X-linked genes in girls addresses the crucial question of genetic counseling in the family. We report here five cases of CNVs involving the dystrophin gene detected by aCGH in girls referred for developmental delay, without any family history of dystrophinopathy. The rearrangements included three in-frame deletions; one maternally and two paternally inherited, and two frameshift duplications: one de novo and one from undetermined inheritance. In two cases, the deletion identified in a girl was transmitted by the asymptomatic father. In the case of the maternally inherited deletion, prenatal diagnosis of dystrophinopathy was proposed for an ongoing pregnancy, whereas the cause of developmental delay in the index case remained unknown. Through these cases, we discussed the challenges of genetic counseling in the family, regarding the predictive issues for male individuals at risk for a muscular dystrophy without precise knowledge of the clinical consequences of some CNVs in the DMD gene. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Evaluation of amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique for quick and accurate prenatal gene diagnosis of CHM variant in choroideremia.

    PubMed

    Yang, Lisha; Ijaz, Iqra; Cheng, Jingliang; Wei, Chunli; Tan, Xiaojun; Khan, Md Asaduzzaman; Fu, Xiaodong; Fu, Junjiang

    2018-01-01

    Choroideremia is a rare X-linked recessive inherited disorder that causes chorioretinal dystrophy leading to visual impairment in its early stages which finally causes total blindness in the affected person. It is caused due to mutations in the CHM gene. In this study, we have recruited a pedigree with choroideremia and detected a nonsense variant (c.C799T:p.R267X) in CHM of the proband (I:1). Different primer sets for amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) were designed and PCR conditions were optimized. Then, we evaluated the sequence variant in the patient, carrier, and a fetus by using ARMS technique to identify if they inherited the pathogenic gene from parental generation; we used amniotic fluid DNA for the diagnosis of the gene in the fetus. The primer pairs, WT2+C and MT+C, amplified high specific products in different DNAs which were verified by Sanger sequencing. Based on our results, ARMS technique is fast, accurate, and reliable prenatal gene diagnostic tool to assess CHM variants. Taken together, our study indicates that ARMS technique can be used as a potential molecular tool in the diagnosis of prenatal mutation for choroideremia as well as other genetic diseases in undeveloped and developing countries, where there might be shortage of medical resources and supplies.

  12. Inherited crustal features and tectonic blocks of the Transantarctic Mountains: An aeromagnetic perspective (Victoria Land, Antarctica)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferraccioli, F.; Bozzo, E.

    1999-11-01

    Aeromagnetic images covering a sector of the Transantarctic Mountains in Victoria Land as well as the adjacent Ross Sea are used to study possible relationships between tectonic blocks along the Cenozoic and Mesozoic West Antarctic rift shoulder and prerift features inherited mainly from the Paleozoic terranes involved in the Ross Orogen. The segmentation between the Prince Albert Mountains block and the Deep Freeze Range-Terra Nova Bay region is related to an inherited NW to NNW ice-covered boundary, which we name the "central Victoria Land boundary." It is interpreted to be the unexposed, southern continuation of the Ross age back arc Exiles thrust system recognized at the Pacific coast. The regional magnetic high to the west of the central Victoria Land boundary is attributed to Ross age calc-alkaline back arc intrusives forming the in-board Wilson "Terrane," thus shifting the previously interpreted Precambrian "shield" at least 100 km farther to the west. The high-frequency anomalies of the Prince Albert Mountains and beneath the Polar Plateau show that this region was extensively effected by Jurassic tholeiitic magmatism; NE to NNE trending magnetic lineations within this pattern could reflect Cretaceous and/or Cenozoic faulting. The western and eastern edges of the Deep Freeze Range block, which flanks the Mesozoic Rennick Graben, are marked by two NW magnetic lineaments following the Priestley and Campbell Faults. The Campbell Fault is interpreted to be the reactivated Wilson thrust fault zone and is the site of a major isotopic discontinuity in the basement. To the east of the Campbell Fault, much higher amplitude magnetic anomalies reveal mafic-ultramafic intrusives associated with the alkaline Meander Intrusive Group (Eocene-Miocene). These intrusives are likely genetically linked to the highly uplifted Southern Cross Mountains block. The NW-SE trends crossing the previously recognized ENE trending Polar 3 Anomaly offshore of the Southern Cross Mountains are probably linked to Cenozoic reactivation of the Paleozoic Wilson-Bowers suture zone as proposed from recent seismic interpretations. The ENE trend of the anomaly may also be structural, and if so, it could reflect an inherited fault zone of the cratonal margin.

  13. Gene therapy for inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations.

    PubMed

    Moore, Nicholas A; Morral, Nuria; Ciulla, Thomas A; Bracha, Peter

    2018-01-01

    The eye is a target for investigational gene therapy due to the monogenic nature of many inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations (IRD), its accessibility, tight blood-ocular barrier, the ability to non-invasively monitor for functional and anatomic outcomes, as well as its relative immune privileged state.Vectors currently used in IRD clinical trials include adeno-associated virus (AAV), small single-stranded DNA viruses, and lentivirus, RNA viruses of the retrovirus family. Both can transduce non-dividing cells, but AAV are non-integrating, while lentivirus integrate into the host cell genome, and have a larger transgene capacity. Areas covered: This review covers Leber's congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, Achromatopsia, and X-linked retinoschisis. Expert opinion: Despite great potential, gene therapy for IRD raises many questions, including the potential for less invasive intravitreal versus subretinal delivery, efficacy, safety, and longevity of response, as well as acceptance of novel study endpoints by regulatory bodies, patients, clinicians, and payers. Also, ultimate adoption of gene therapy for IRD will require widespread genetic screening to identify and diagnose patients based on genotype instead of phenotype.

  14. [Gene Therapy for Inherited RETINAL AND OPTIC NERVE Disorders: Current Knowledge].

    PubMed

    Ďuďáková, Ľ; Kousal, B; Kolářová, H; Hlavatá, L; Lišková, P

    The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of current gene therapy clinical trials for monogenic and optic nerve disorders.The number of genes for which gene-based therapies are being developed is growing. At the time of writing this review gene-based clinical trials have been registered for Leber congenital amaurosis 2 (LCA2), retinitis pigmentosa 38, Usher syndrome 1B, Stargardt disease, choroideremia, achromatopsia, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and X-linked retinoschisis. Apart from RPE65 gene therapy for LCA2 and MT-ND4 for LHON which has reached phase III, all other trials are in investigation phase I and II, i.e. testing the efficacy and safety.Because of the relatively easy accessibility of the retina and its ease of visualization which allows monitoring of efficacy, gene-based therapies for inherited retinal disorders represent a very promising treatment option. With the development of novel therapeutic approaches, the importance of establishing not only clinical but also molecular genetic diagnosis is obvious.Key words: gene therapy, monogenic retinal diseases, optic nerve atrophy, mitochondrial disease.

  15. Evaluation of the X-Linked High-Grade Myopia Locus (MYP1) with Cone Dysfunction and Color Vision Deficiencies

    PubMed Central

    Metlapally, Ravikanth; Michaelides, Michel; Bulusu, Anuradha; Li, Yi-Ju; Schwartz, Marianne; Rosenberg, Thomas; Hunt, David M.; Moore, Anthony T.; Züchner, Stephan; Rickman, Catherine Bowes; Young, Terri L.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose X-linked high myopia with mild cone dysfunction and color vision defects has been mapped to chromosome Xq28 (MYP1 locus). CXorf2/TEX28 is a nested, intercalated gene within the red-green opsin cone pigment gene tandem array on Xq28. The authors investigated whether TEX28 gene alterations were associated with the Xq28-linked myopia phenotype. Genomic DNA from five pedigrees (with high myopia and either protanopia or deuteranopia) that mapped to Xq28 were screened for TEX28 copy number variations (CNVs) and sequence variants. Methods To examine for CNVs, ultra-high resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) assays were performed comparing the subject genomic DNA with control samples (two pairs from two pedigrees). Opsin or TEX28 gene-targeted quantitative real-time gene expression assays (comparative CT method) were performed to validate the array-CGH findings. All exons of TEX28, including intron/exon boundaries, were amplified and sequenced using standard techniques. Results Array-CGH findings revealed predicted duplications in affected patient samples. Although only three copies of TEX28 were previously reported within the opsin array, quantitative real-time analysis of the TEX28 targeted assay of affected male or carrier female individuals in these pedigrees revealed either fewer (one) or more (four or five) copies than did related and control unaffected individuals. Sequence analysis of TEX28 did not reveal any variants associated with the disease status. Conclusions CNVs have been proposed to play a role in disease inheritance and susceptibility as they affect gene dosage. TEX28 gene CNVs appear to be associated with the MYP1 X-linked myopia phenotypes. PMID:19098318

  16. Juvenile retinoschisis: a model for molecular diagnostic testing of X-linked ophthalmic disease.

    PubMed

    Sieving, P A; Yashar, B M; Ayyagari, R

    1999-01-01

    X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (RS) provides a starting point to define clinical paradigms and understand the limitations of diagnostic molecular testing. The RS phenotype is specific, but the broad severity range is clinically confusing. Molecular diagnostic testing obviates unnecessary examinations for boys at-risk and identifies carrier females who otherwise show no clinical signs. The XLRS1 gene has 6 exons of 26-196 base-pair size. Each exon is amplified by a single polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced, starting with exons 4 through 6, which contain mutation "hot spots." The 6 XLRS1 exons are sequenced serially. If alterations are found, they are compared with mutations in our > 120 XLRS families and with the > 300 mutations reported worldwide. Point mutations, small deletions, or rearrangements are identified in nearly 90% of males with a clinical diagnosis of RS. XLRS1 has very few sequence polymorphisms. Carrier-state testing produces 1 of 3 results: (1) positive, in which the woman has the same mutation as an affected male relative or known in other RS families; (2) negative, in which she lacks the mutation of her affected male relative; and (3) uninformative, in which no known mutation is identified or no information exists about the familial mutation. Molecular RS screening is an effective diagnostic tool that complements the clinician's skills for early detection of at-risk males. Useful outcomes of carrier testing depend on several factors: (1) a male relative with a clear clinical diagnosis; (2) a well-defined inheritance pattern; (3) high disease penetrance; (4) size and organization of the gene; and (5) the types of disease-associated mutations. Ethical questions include molecular diagnostic testing of young at-risk females before the age of consent, the impact of this information on the emotional health of the patient and family, and issues of employability and insurance coverage.

  17. Juvenile retinoschisis: a model for molecular diagnostic testing of X-linked ophthalmic disease.

    PubMed Central

    Sieving, P A; Yashar, B M; Ayyagari, R

    1999-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (RS) provides a starting point to define clinical paradigms and understand the limitations of diagnostic molecular testing. The RS phenotype is specific, but the broad severity range is clinically confusing. Molecular diagnostic testing obviates unnecessary examinations for boys at-risk and identifies carrier females who otherwise show no clinical signs. METHODS: The XLRS1 gene has 6 exons of 26-196 base-pair size. Each exon is amplified by a single polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced, starting with exons 4 through 6, which contain mutation "hot spots." RESULTS: The 6 XLRS1 exons are sequenced serially. If alterations are found, they are compared with mutations in our > 120 XLRS families and with the > 300 mutations reported worldwide. Point mutations, small deletions, or rearrangements are identified in nearly 90% of males with a clinical diagnosis of RS. XLRS1 has very few sequence polymorphisms. Carrier-state testing produces 1 of 3 results: (1) positive, in which the woman has the same mutation as an affected male relative or known in other RS families; (2) negative, in which she lacks the mutation of her affected male relative; and (3) uninformative, in which no known mutation is identified or no information exists about the familial mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular RS screening is an effective diagnostic tool that complements the clinician's skills for early detection of at-risk males. Useful outcomes of carrier testing depend on several factors: (1) a male relative with a clear clinical diagnosis; (2) a well-defined inheritance pattern; (3) high disease penetrance; (4) size and organization of the gene; and (5) the types of disease-associated mutations. Ethical questions include molecular diagnostic testing of young at-risk females before the age of consent, the impact of this information on the emotional health of the patient and family, and issues of employability and insurance coverage. Images FIGURE 2A FIGURE 2B PMID:10703138

  18. Extent of field change in colorectal cancers with BRAF mutation

    PubMed Central

    Poh, Aaron; Chang, Heidi Sian Ying; Tan, Kok Yang; Sam, Xin Xiu; Khoo, Avery; Choo, Shoa Nian; Nga, Min En; Wan, Wei Keat

    2018-01-01

    INTRODUCTION Sporadic colorectal cancers with BRAF mutations constitute two distinct subgroups of colorectal cancers. Recent studies have linked the presence of the BRAF mutation to a familial inheritance pattern. This was a proof-of-concept study that aimed to examine: (a) the extent of field change in sporadic colorectal cancers with BRAF mutation; and (b) the extent of resection margins required and the pattern of DNA mismatch repair protein loss in these tumours. METHODS Eight microsatellite instability-high tumours with positive BRAF mutation from an existing histopathological database were selected for BRAF mutation and mismatch repair protein analysis. RESULTS All the resection margins were negative for BRAF mutation. Three tumours had loss of MLH1 and PMS2 expressions, and five tumours had no protein loss. Six peritumoral tissues were negative and one was positive for BRAF mutation. CONCLUSION The results suggest that any early field change effect is restricted to the immediate vicinity of the tumour and is not a pan-colonic phenomenon. Current guidelines on resection margins are adequate for BRAF mutation-positive colorectal cancers. Any suggestion of a hereditary link to these tumours is likely not related to germline BRAF gene mutations. The pattern of protein loss reinforces previous findings for the two subgroups of BRAF mutation-positive colorectal cancers. PMID:28210747

  19. X-linked Alport syndrome caused by splicing mutations in COL4A5.

    PubMed

    Nozu, Kandai; Vorechovsky, Igor; Kaito, Hiroshi; Fu, Xue Jun; Nakanishi, Koichi; Hashimura, Yuya; Hashimoto, Fusako; Kamei, Koichi; Ito, Shuichi; Kaku, Yoshitsugu; Imasawa, Toshiyuki; Ushijima, Katsumi; Shimizu, Junya; Makita, Yoshio; Konomoto, Takao; Yoshikawa, Norishige; Iijima, Kazumoto

    2014-11-07

    X-linked Alport syndrome is caused by mutations in the COL4A5 gene. Although many COL4A5 mutations have been detected, the mutation detection rate has been unsatisfactory. Some men with X-linked Alport syndrome show a relatively mild phenotype, but molecular basis investigations have rarely been conducted to clarify the underlying mechanism. In total, 152 patients with X-linked Alport syndrome who were suspected of having Alport syndrome through clinical and pathologic investigations and referred to the hospital for mutational analysis between January of 2006 and January of 2013 were genetically diagnosed. Among those patients, 22 patients had suspected splice site mutations. Transcripts are routinely examined when suspected splice site mutations for abnormal transcripts are detected; 11 of them showed expected exon skipping, but others showed aberrant splicing patterns. The mutation detection strategy had two steps: (1) genomic DNA analysis using PCR and direct sequencing and (2) mRNA analysis using RT-PCR to detect RNA processing abnormalities. Six splicing consensus site mutations resulting in aberrant splicing patterns, one exonic mutation leading to exon skipping, and four deep intronic mutations producing cryptic splice site activation were identified. Interestingly, one case produced a cryptic splice site with a single nucleotide substitution in the deep intron that led to intronic exonization containing a stop codon; however, the patient showed a clearly milder phenotype for X-linked Alport syndrome in men with a truncating mutation. mRNA extracted from the kidney showed both normal and abnormal transcripts, with the normal transcript resulting in the milder phenotype. This novel mechanism leads to mild clinical characteristics. This report highlights the importance of analyzing transcripts to enhance the mutation detection rate and provides insight into genotype-phenotype correlations. This approach can clarify the cause of atypically mild phenotypes in X-linked Alport syndrome. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  20. Honey bee aggression supports a link between gene regulation and behavioral evolution.

    PubMed

    Alaux, Cédric; Sinha, Saurabh; Hasadsri, Linda; Hunt, Greg J; Guzmán-Novoa, Ernesto; DeGrandi-Hoffman, Gloria; Uribe-Rubio, José Luis; Southey, Bruce R; Rodriguez-Zas, Sandra; Robinson, Gene E

    2009-09-08

    A prominent theory states that animal phenotypes arise by evolutionary changes in gene regulation, but the extent to which this theory holds true for behavioral evolution is not known. Because "nature and nurture" are now understood to involve hereditary and environmental influences on gene expression, we studied whether environmental influences on a behavioral phenotype, i.e., aggression, could have evolved into inherited differences via changes in gene expression. Here, with microarray analysis of honey bees, we show that aggression-related genes with inherited patterns of brain expression are also environmentally regulated. There were expression differences in the brain for hundreds of genes between the highly aggressive Africanized honey bee compared with European honey bee (EHB) subspecies. Similar results were obtained for EHB in response to exposure to alarm pheromone (which provokes aggression) and when comparing old and young bees (aggressive tendencies increase with age). There was significant overlap of the gene lists generated from these three microarray experiments. Moreover, there was statistical enrichment of several of the same cis regulatory motifs in promoters of genes on all three gene lists. Aggression shows a remarkably robust brain molecular signature regardless of whether it occurs because of inherited, age-related, or environmental (social) factors. It appears that one element in the evolution of different degrees of aggressive behavior in honey bees involved changes in regulation of genes that mediate the response to alarm pheromone.

  1. Utilization of gene mapping and candidate gene mutation screening for diagnosing clinically equivocal conditions: a Norrie disease case study.

    PubMed

    Chini, Vasiliki; Stambouli, Danai; Nedelea, Florina Mihaela; Filipescu, George Alexandru; Mina, Diana; Kambouris, Marios; El-Shantil, Hatem

    2014-06-01

    Prenatal diagnosis was requested for an undiagnosed eye disease showing X-linked inheritance in a family. No medical records existed for the affected family members. Mapping of the X chromosome and candidate gene mutation screening identified a c.C267A[p.F89L] mutation in NPD previously described as possibly causing Norrie disease. The detection of the c.C267A[p.F89L] variant in another unrelated family confirms the pathogenic nature of the mutation for the Norrie disease phenotype. Gene mapping, haplotype analysis, and candidate gene screening have been previously utilized in research applications but were applied here in a diagnostic setting due to the scarcity of available clinical information. The clinical diagnosis and mutation identification were critical for providing proper genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family.

  2. Genomic imprinting and dermatological disease.

    PubMed

    Millington, G W M

    2006-09-01

    Imprinting is the process whereby genetic alleles responsible for a phenotype are derived from one parent only. It is an epigenetic phenomenon resulting from DNA methylation or modification of protruding histones. When imprinted genes are disrupted, syndromes with characteristic patterns of inheritance and multisystem phenotype occur. Those detailed in this article have some quite characteristic cutaneous features and patterns of inheritance. These diseases include Beckwith-Wiedmann, Silver-Russell, Prader-Willi, McCune-Albright and Angelman syndromes, Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, and progressive osseous heteroplasia. In the case of Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, hypomelanosis of Ito and dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis, imprinting may play a part in the inheritance. With neurofibromatosis type 1, a nonimprinted condition, the expression of the phenotype could be affected by interaction with imprinted gene loci. Imprinted genes could also play a part in the polygenetic inheritance of more common diseases also, as atopic eczema and psoriasis may have predominantly maternal and paternal modes of transmission, respectively.

  3. Transmission ratio distortion in the human body louse, Pediculus humanus (Insecta: Phthiraptera).

    PubMed

    McMeniman, C J; Barker, S C

    2006-01-01

    We studied inheritance at three microsatellite loci in eight F, and two F2 families of the body (clothes) louse of humans, Pediculus humanus. The alleles of heterozygous female-parents were always inherited in a Mendelian fashion in these families. Alleles from heterozygous male-parents, however, were inherited in two different ways: (i) in a Mendelian fashion and (ii) in a non-Mendelian fashion, where males passed to their offspring only one of their two alleles, that is, 100% nonrandom transmission. In male body lice, where there was non-Mendelian inheritance, the paternally inherited set of alleles was eliminated. We interpret this pattern of inheritance as evidence for extreme transmission ratio distortion of paternal alleles in this species.

  4. A close insight to factor VIII inhibitor in the congenital hemophilia A.

    PubMed

    Tabriznia-Tabrizi, Shamsoreza; Gholampour, Marzie; Mansouritorghabeh, Hassan

    2016-09-01

    Hemophilia A (HA) has an X-linked pattern of inheritance and is the most common of the hemorrhagic disorders. HA is caused by a decreased or deficiency of the functional clotting factor VIII (FVIII) and effects 1 in 5000-10,000 male births. The common treatment for hemophilia is replacement therapy by plasma-derived or recombinant FVIII. Approximately 20-30% of people with a severe type of HA develop an inhibitor and this phenomenon is the main challenge in the management of these patients. Genetic factors and environmental determinants contribute to inhibitor development. Here, the roles of various genetic and environmental factors such as the type of FVIII concentrate used, the number of exposure days, and peak treatment time will be discussed in detail. It seems this information is helpful for hematologists. A literature review was done in January 2016 on PubMed and Scopus using the following keywords:' h(a)emophilia A & factor VIII inhibitor', 'h(a)emophilia A & factor VIII alloantibody', 'h(a)emophilia A & inhibitor'. There was no time limitation; however, there was an English language limitation placed on the articles selected. Expert commentary: Influential genetic and environmental factors in developing inhibitors have been discussed. Most of the risk factors are related to previously untreated patients with hemophili.

  5. Bacterial community dynamics are linked to patterns of coral heat tolerance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ziegler, Maren; Seneca, Francois O.; Yum, Lauren K.; Palumbi, Stephen R.; Voolstra, Christian R.

    2017-02-01

    Ocean warming threatens corals and the coral reef ecosystem. Nevertheless, corals can be adapted to their thermal environment and inherit heat tolerance across generations. In addition, the diverse microbes that associate with corals have the capacity for more rapid change, potentially aiding the adaptation of long-lived corals. Here, we show that the microbiome of reef corals is different across thermally variable habitats and changes over time when corals are reciprocally transplanted. Exposing these corals to thermal bleaching conditions changes the microbiome for heat-sensitive corals, but not for heat-tolerant corals growing in habitats with natural high heat extremes. Importantly, particular bacterial taxa predict the coral host response in a short-term heat stress experiment. Such associations could result from parallel responses of the coral and the microbial community to living at high natural temperatures. A competing hypothesis is that the microbial community and coral heat tolerance are causally linked.

  6. Heteroduplex analysis can increase the informativeness of PCR-amplified VNTR markers: Application using a marker tightly linked to the COL2A1 gene

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wilkin, D.J.; Cohn, D.H.; Koprivnikar, K.E.

    1993-02-01

    Variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism provide a high degree of informativeness in linkage studies. Whether performed by standard methods or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), analysis of these markers involves assessment of the length of each allele. VNTR alleles usually differ in the number of tandem repeats. During PCR amplification of a VNTR closely linked to the type II collagen gene (COL2A1), we identified allelic microheterogeneity through the analysis of unique heteroduplexes between amplified strands of the two alleles. In one large pedigree, heteroduplex analysis identified only three distinct alleles. The identification of these heteroduplexes allowed the determinationmore » of the COL2A1 inheritance pattern in the family, which otherwise would have been noninformative. 26 refs., 3 figs.« less

  7. Surgical correction of congenital entropion in related Boer goat kids using a combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure.

    PubMed

    Donnelly, Kevin S; Pearce, Jacqueline W; Giuliano, Elizabeth A; Fry, Pamela R; Middleton, John R

    2014-11-01

    Five related Boer goat kids (≤4 months of age) were presented to the University of Missouri, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MU-VMTH) with epiphora and blepharospasm of several weeks duration and commencing prior to 1 month of age in all animals. Clinical examination confirmed euryblepharon and entropion bilaterally in two females and one male and unilaterally in two female kids. Deep stromal corneal ulceration was present in two eyes, and corneal granulation tissue and fibrosis were present in half (5/10) the affected eyes. A combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure was performed on all affected eyelids. Recheck examinations and long-term follow-up confirmed resolution of the entropion, preservation of normal eyelid conformation, and restoration of ocular comfort. Pedigree analysis ruled out sex-linked and autosomal dominant inheritance patterns; a specific mode of inheritance could not be determined. The Boer goat breed may be at increased risk for the development of entropion. This cases series represents the first report of entropion in the caprine species. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

  8. Integrated analysis of whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome profiling in males with autism spectrum disorders.

    PubMed

    Codina-Solà, Marta; Rodríguez-Santiago, Benjamín; Homs, Aïda; Santoyo, Javier; Rigau, Maria; Aznar-Laín, Gemma; Del Campo, Miguel; Gener, Blanca; Gabau, Elisabeth; Botella, María Pilar; Gutiérrez-Arumí, Armand; Antiñolo, Guillermo; Pérez-Jurado, Luis Alberto; Cuscó, Ivon

    2015-01-01

    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability. Recent findings support a highly heterogeneous and complex genetic etiology including rare de novo and inherited mutations or chromosomal rearrangements as well as double or multiple hits. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and blood cell transcriptome by RNAseq in a subset of male patients with idiopathic ASD (n = 36) in order to identify causative genes, transcriptomic alterations, and susceptibility variants. We detected likely monogenic causes in seven cases: five de novo (SCN2A, MED13L, KCNV1, CUL3, and PTEN) and two inherited X-linked variants (MAOA and CDKL5). Transcriptomic analyses allowed the identification of intronic causative mutations missed by the usual filtering of WES and revealed functional consequences of some rare mutations. These included aberrant transcripts (PTEN, POLR3C), deregulated expression in 1.7% of mutated genes (that is, SEMA6B, MECP2, ANK3, CREBBP), allele-specific expression (FUS, MTOR, TAF1C), and non-sense-mediated decay (RIT1, ALG9). The analysis of rare inherited variants showed enrichment in relevant pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling and the axon guidance. Integrative analysis of WES and blood RNAseq data has proven to be an efficient strategy to identify likely monogenic forms of ASD (19% in our cohort), as well as additional rare inherited mutations that can contribute to ASD risk in a multifactorial manner. Blood transcriptomic data, besides validating 88% of expressed variants, allowed the identification of missed intronic mutations and revealed functional correlations of genetic variants, including changes in splicing, expression levels, and allelic expression.

  9. Characterization of early follicular cDNA library suggests evidence for genetic polymorphisms in the inbred strain C108 of Bombyx mori.

    PubMed

    Mills, D R; Goldsmith, M R

    2000-04-01

    Recent work towards the completion of a saturated molecular genetic linkage map for the lepidopteran silkworm, Bombyx mori (n = 28), has provided evidence for existing polymorphisms in the inbred strain C108. Two inbred parental strains, p50 and C108, were crossed to produce the F1 (P/C) hybrid offspring. The populations used in this project were comprised of a combination of 29 F2 (F1 x F1) and 31 reciprocal backcross (P/C x C/C, P/C x P/P) progeny. All restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for the initial analysis were hybridized with anonymous probes derived from a random early follicular cDNA (Rcf) library from Bombyx. A total of 19 Rcf probes were selected as showing scorable codominant polymorphic patterns when screened against F2 and backcross DNAs digested with the restriction enzymes EcoRI, HindIII, or PstI, and Southern blotted to nylon membranes for hybridization. Of the newly reported Rcf probes, 7 (37%) were characterized as producing 'simple' polymorphic patterns, while 12 (63%) were characterized as producing 'complex' polymorphic patterns. Further characterization of the complex patterns subdivided this group into two general classes: polymorphisms that contained an additional allele, and multiple bands that contained an easily scored two banded polymorphism. Because the extra allele class was limited to the (P/C x C/C) backcross progeny, it is suggested that the inbred parental strain C108 harbors polymorphic loci that are inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. A genetic analysis discussing plausible origins and maintenance of these polymorphisms is presented.

  10. Convergence of Genes and Cellular Pathways Dysregulated in Autism Spectrum Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Pinto, Dalila; Delaby, Elsa; Merico, Daniele; Barbosa, Mafalda; Merikangas, Alison; Klei, Lambertus; Thiruvahindrapuram, Bhooma; Xu, Xiao; Ziman, Robert; Wang, Zhuozhi; Vorstman, Jacob A.S.; Thompson, Ann; Regan, Regina; Pilorge, Marion; Pellecchia, Giovanna; Pagnamenta, Alistair T.; Oliveira, Bárbara; Marshall, Christian R.; Magalhaes, Tiago R.; Lowe, Jennifer K.; Howe, Jennifer L.; Griswold, Anthony J.; Gilbert, John; Duketis, Eftichia; Dombroski, Beth A.; De Jonge, Maretha V.; Cuccaro, Michael; Crawford, Emily L.; Correia, Catarina T.; Conroy, Judith; Conceição, Inês C.; Chiocchetti, Andreas G.; Casey, Jillian P.; Cai, Guiqing; Cabrol, Christelle; Bolshakova, Nadia; Bacchelli, Elena; Anney, Richard; Gallinger, Steven; Cotterchio, Michelle; Casey, Graham; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie; Wittemeyer, Kerstin; Wing, Kirsty; Wallace, Simon; van Engeland, Herman; Tryfon, Ana; Thomson, Susanne; Soorya, Latha; Rogé, Bernadette; Roberts, Wendy; Poustka, Fritz; Mouga, Susana; Minshew, Nancy; McInnes, L. Alison; McGrew, Susan G.; Lord, Catherine; Leboyer, Marion; Le Couteur, Ann S.; Kolevzon, Alexander; Jiménez González, Patricia; Jacob, Suma; Holt, Richard; Guter, Stephen; Green, Jonathan; Green, Andrew; Gillberg, Christopher; Fernandez, Bridget A.; Duque, Frederico; Delorme, Richard; Dawson, Geraldine; Chaste, Pauline; Café, Cátia; Brennan, Sean; Bourgeron, Thomas; Bolton, Patrick F.; Bölte, Sven; Bernier, Raphael; Baird, Gillian; Bailey, Anthony J.; Anagnostou, Evdokia; Almeida, Joana; Wijsman, Ellen M.; Vieland, Veronica J.; Vicente, Astrid M.; Schellenberg, Gerard D.; Pericak-Vance, Margaret; Paterson, Andrew D.; Parr, Jeremy R.; Oliveira, Guiomar; Nurnberger, John I.; Monaco, Anthony P.; Maestrini, Elena; Klauck, Sabine M.; Hakonarson, Hakon; Haines, Jonathan L.; Geschwind, Daniel H.; Freitag, Christine M.; Folstein, Susan E.; Ennis, Sean; Coon, Hilary; Battaglia, Agatino; Szatmari, Peter; Sutcliffe, James S.; Hallmayer, Joachim; Gill, Michael; Cook, Edwin H.; Buxbaum, Joseph D.; Devlin, Bernie; Gallagher, Louise; Betancur, Catalina; Scherer, Stephen W.

    2014-01-01

    Rare copy-number variation (CNV) is an important source of risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We analyzed 2,446 ASD-affected families and confirmed an excess of genic deletions and duplications in affected versus control groups (1.41-fold, p = 1.0 × 10−5) and an increase in affected subjects carrying exonic pathogenic CNVs overlapping known loci associated with dominant or X-linked ASD and intellectual disability (odds ratio = 12.62, p = 2.7 × 10−15, ∼3% of ASD subjects). Pathogenic CNVs, often showing variable expressivity, included rare de novo and inherited events at 36 loci, implicating ASD-associated genes (CHD2, HDAC4, and GDI1) previously linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as other genes such as SETD5, MIR137, and HDAC9. Consistent with hypothesized gender-specific modulators, females with ASD were more likely to have highly penetrant CNVs (p = 0.017) and were also overrepresented among subjects with fragile X syndrome protein targets (p = 0.02). Genes affected by de novo CNVs and/or loss-of-function single-nucleotide variants converged on networks related to neuronal signaling and development, synapse function, and chromatin regulation. PMID:24768552

  11. Labor and delivery in a patient with hemophilia B.

    PubMed

    Przkora, R; Euliano, T Y; Roussos-Ross, K; Zumberg, M; Robicsek, S A

    2011-07-01

    Hemophilia B is a rare X-linked disorder that may cause dramatic bleeding. Women account for only 3.2% of those clinically affected. The X-linked inheritance frequently delays the diagnosis in women and may expose the patient to an increased risk of adverse events. There is limited experience with these patients during labor and delivery. A 28-year-old primiparous woman with hemophilia B (bleeding phenotype) delivered a male infant by an unplanned cesarean delivery under general anesthesia following treatment with factor IX and normalization of her coagulation parameters, guided by thromboelastography. Postpartum vaginal bleeding required transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells. Factor IX supplementation continued for one week. Once diagnosed with hemophilia B, a multidisciplinary approach and advanced antenatal planning can increase the likelihood of a safe delivery. Neuraxial approaches and cesarean delivery are recommended only after normalization of the coagulation profile. The male fetus of a hemophilia A or B patient requires special attention. Operative vaginal delivery and invasive fetal monitoring should be avoided. Thromboelastography is an excellent technique to assess parturients with bleeding disorders or peripartum hemorrhage and may be underused. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Fragile X Syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited developmental disability. A problem with a specific gene causes ... the protein. This causes the symptoms of Fragile X. People with only a small change in the ...

  13. X-Linked Retinoschisis: Phenotypic Variability in a Chinese Family

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Yangyan; Liu, Xiao; Tang, Luosheng; Wang, Xia; Coursy, Terry; Guo, Xiaojian; Li, Zhuo

    2016-01-01

    X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration, is characterized by a spoke-wheel pattern in the macular region of the retina and splitting of the neurosensory retina. Our study is to describe the clinical characteristics of a four generations of this family (a total of 18 members)with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and detected a novel mutations of c.3G > A (p.M1?) in the initiation codon of the RS1 gene. by direct sequencing.Identification of this mutation in this family provides evidence about potential genetic or environmental factors on its phenotypic variance, as patients presented with different phenotypes regardless of having the same mutation. Importantly, OCT has proven vital for XLRS diagnosis in children. PMID:26823236

  14. X-Linked Retinoschisis: Phenotypic Variability in a Chinese Family.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Yangyan; Liu, Xiao; Tang, Luosheng; Wang, Xia; Coursey, Terry G; Coursy, Terry; Guo, Xiaojian; Li, Zhuo

    2016-01-29

    X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration, is characterized by a spoke-wheel pattern in the macular region of the retina and splitting of the neurosensory retina. Our study is to describe the clinical characteristics of a four generations of this family (a total of 18 members)with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and detected a novel mutations of c.3G > A (p.M1?) in the initiation codon of the RS1 gene. by direct sequencing.Identification of this mutation in this family provides evidence about potential genetic or environmental factors on its phenotypic variance, as patients presented with different phenotypes regardless of having the same mutation. Importantly, OCT has proven vital for XLRS diagnosis in children.

  15. Contrasting patterns of X/Y polymorphism distinguish Carica papaya from other sex chromosome systems.

    PubMed

    Weingartner, Laura A; Moore, Richard C

    2012-12-01

    The sex chromosomes of the tropical crop papaya (Carica papaya) are evolutionarily young and consequently allow for the examination of evolutionary mechanisms that drive early sex chromosome divergence. We conducted a molecular population genetic analysis of four X/Y gene pairs from a collection of 45 wild papaya accessions. These population genetic analyses reveal striking differences in the patterns of polymorphism between the X and Y chromosomes that distinguish them from other sex chromosome systems. In most sex chromosome systems, the Y chromosome displays significantly reduced polymorphism levels, whereas the X chromosome maintains a level of polymorphism that is comparable to autosomal loci. However, the four papaya sex-linked loci that we examined display diversity patterns that are opposite this trend: the papaya X alleles exhibit significantly reduced polymorphism levels, whereas the papaya Y alleles maintain greater than expected levels of diversity. Our analyses suggest that selective sweeps in the regions of the X have contributed to this pattern while also revealing geographically restricted haplogroups on the Y. We discuss the possible role sexual selection and/or genomic conflict have played in shaping the contrasting patterns of polymorphism found for the papaya X and Y chromosomes.

  16. Novel syndrome of cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, late onset deafness and sperm abnormalities: a new Usher syndrome subtype with X-linked inheritance?

    PubMed

    Malekpour, Mahdi; Shahidi, Arash; Khorsandi Ashtiani, Mohammad Taghi; Motasaddi Zarandy, Masoud

    2007-07-15

    Tissues of the auditory, ocular and reproductive systems have some similarities in their protein families and structures. Consequently, syndromes comprising these systems are described. Hearing loss alone is a component of more than 400 known syndromes and is a common nonsyndromic congenital disorder. Here we describe a syndrome in five brothers with the distinctive presentation of late-onset progressive hearing loss, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, sperm motility and shape problems in a family from the Kurdish population in Iran. The clinical findings of these patients are presented in detail and compared to the classical Usher syndromes. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc

  17. Gene therapy for hemophilia

    PubMed Central

    Rogers, Geoffrey L.; Herzog, Roland W.

    2015-01-01

    Hemophilia is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder consisting of two classifications, hemophilia A and hemophilia B, depending on the underlying mutation. Although the disease is currently treatable with intravenous delivery of replacement recombinant clotting factor, this approach represents a significant cost both monetarily and in terms of quality of life. Gene therapy is an attractive alternative approach to the treatment of hemophilia that would ideally provide life-long correction of clotting activity with a single injection. In this review, we will discuss the multitude of approaches that have been explored for the treatment of both hemophilia A and B, including both in vivo and ex vivo approaches with viral and nonviral delivery vectors. PMID:25553466

  18. Local texture and strongly linked conduction in spray-pyrolyzed TlBa2Ca2Cu3O(8+x) deposits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kroeger, D. M.; Goyal, A.; Specht, E. D.; Wang, Z. L.; Tkaczyk, J. E.; Sutliff, J. A.; Deluca, J. A.

    Local texture in polycrystalline TlBa2Ca2 Cu3O(8+x) deposits has been determined from transmission electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction patterns and x-ray diffraction. The small-grained deposits had excellent c-axis alignment and contained colonies of grains with similar but not identical a-axis orientations. Most grain boundaries within a colony have small misorientation angles and should not be weak links. It is proposed that long range conduction utilizes a percolative network of small angle grain boundaries at colony intersections.

  19. Co-Inheritance Analysis within the Domains of Life Substantially Improves Network Inference by Phylogenetic Profiling

    PubMed Central

    Shin, Junha; Lee, Insuk

    2015-01-01

    Phylogenetic profiling, a network inference method based on gene inheritance profiles, has been widely used to construct functional gene networks in microbes. However, its utility for network inference in higher eukaryotes has been limited. An improved algorithm with an in-depth understanding of pathway evolution may overcome this limitation. In this study, we investigated the effects of taxonomic structures on co-inheritance analysis using 2,144 reference species in four query species: Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Homo sapiens. We observed three clusters of reference species based on a principal component analysis of the phylogenetic profiles, which correspond to the three domains of life—Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota—suggesting that pathways inherit primarily within specific domains or lower-ranked taxonomic groups during speciation. Hence, the co-inheritance pattern within a taxonomic group may be eroded by confounding inheritance patterns from irrelevant taxonomic groups. We demonstrated that co-inheritance analysis within domains substantially improved network inference not only in microbe species but also in the higher eukaryotes, including humans. Although we observed two sub-domain clusters of reference species within Eukaryota, co-inheritance analysis within these sub-domain taxonomic groups only marginally improved network inference. Therefore, we conclude that co-inheritance analysis within domains is the optimal approach to network inference with the given reference species. The construction of a series of human gene networks with increasing sample sizes of the reference species for each domain revealed that the size of the high-accuracy networks increased as additional reference species genomes were included, suggesting that within-domain co-inheritance analysis will continue to expand human gene networks as genomes of additional species are sequenced. Taken together, we propose that co-inheritance analysis within the domains of life will greatly potentiate the use of the expected onslaught of sequenced genomes in the study of molecular pathways in higher eukaryotes. PMID:26394049

  20. ABCC6 Gene Analysis in 20 Japanese Patients with Angioid Streaks Revealing Four Frequent and Two Novel Variants and Pseudodominant Inheritance

    PubMed Central

    Negishi, Yuya; Mizobuchi, Kei; Urashima, Mitsuyoshi; Nakano, Tadashi

    2017-01-01

    Purpose To report the spectrum of ABCC6 variants in Japanese patients with angioid streaks (AS). Patients and Methods This was a single-center cohort study. The medical records of 20 patients with AS from 18 unrelated Japanese families were retrospectively reviewed. Screening of the ABCC6 gene (exons 1 to 31) was performed using PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Results Eight ABCC6 variants were identified as candidate disease-causing variants. These eight variants included five known variants (p.Q378X, p.R419Q, p.V848CfsX83, p.R1114C, and p.R1357W), one previously reported variant (p.N428S) of unknown significance, and two novel variants (c.1939C>T [p.H647Y] and c.3374C>T [p.S1125F]); the three latter variants were determined to be variants of significance. The following four variants were frequently identified: p.V848CfsX83 (14/40 alleles, 35.0%), p.Q378X (7/40 alleles, 17.5%), p.R1357W (6/40 alleles, 15.0%), and p.R419Q (4/40 alleles, 10.0%). The ABCC6 variants were identified in compound heterozygous or homozygous states in 13 of 18 probands. Two families showed a pseudodominant inheritance pattern. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum was seen in 15 of 17 patients (88.2%) who underwent dermatological examination. Conclusions We identified disease-causing ABCC6 variants that were in homozygous or compound heterozygous states in 13 of 18 families (72.2%). Our results indicated that ABCC6 variants play a significant role in patients with AS in the Japanese population. PMID:28912966

  1. Hairless Streaks in Cattle Implicate TSR2 in Early Hair Follicle Formation

    PubMed Central

    Murgiano, Leonardo; Shirokova, Vera; Welle, Monika Maria; Jagannathan, Vidhya; Plattet, Philippe; Oevermann, Anna; Pienkowska-Schelling, Aldona; Gallo, Daniele; Gentile, Arcangelo; Mikkola, Marja; Drögemüller, Cord

    2015-01-01

    Four related cows showed hairless streaks on various parts of the body with no correlation to the pigmentation pattern. The stripes occurred in a consistent pattern resembling the lines of Blaschko. The non-syndromic hairlessness phenotype observed occurred across three generations of a single family and was compatible with an X-linked mode of inheritance. Linkage analysis and subsequent whole genome sequencing of one affected female identified two perfectly associated non-synonymous sequence variants in the critical interval on bovine chromosome X. Both variants occurred in complete linkage disequilibrium and were absent in more than 3900 controls. An ERCC6L missense mutation was predicted to cause an amino acid substitution of a non-conserved residue. Analysis in mice showed no specific Ercc6l expression pattern related to hair follicle development and therefore ERCC6L was not considered as causative gene. A point mutation at the 5'-splice junction of exon 5 of the TSR2, 20S rRNA accumulation, homolog (S. cerevisiae), gene led to the production of two mutant transcripts, both of which contain a frameshift and generate a premature stop codon predicted to truncate approximately 25% of the protein. Interestingly, in addition to the presence of both physiological TSR2 transcripts, the two mutant transcripts were predominantly detected in the hairless skin of the affected cows. Immunohistochemistry, using an antibody against the N-terminal part of the bovine protein demonstrated the specific expression of the TSR2 protein in the skin and the hair of the affected and the control cows as well as in bovine fetal skin and hair. The RNA hybridization in situ showed that Tsr2 was expressed in pre- and post-natal phases of hair follicle development in mice. Mammalian TSR2 proteins are highly conserved and are known to be broadly expressed, but their precise in vivo functions are poorly understood. Thus, by dissecting a naturally occurring mutation in a domestic animal species, we identified TSR2 as a regulator of hair follicle development. PMID:26203908

  2. Determining the transgene containment level provided by chloroplast transformation.

    PubMed

    Ruf, Stephanie; Karcher, Daniel; Bock, Ralph

    2007-04-24

    Plastids (chloroplasts) are maternally inherited in most crops. Maternal inheritance excludes plastid genes and transgenes from pollen transmission. Therefore, plastid transformation is considered a superb tool for ensuring transgene containment and improving the biosafety of transgenic plants. Here, we have assessed the strictness of maternal inheritance and the extent to which plastid transformation technology confers an increase in transgene confinement. We describe an experimental system facilitating stringent selection for occasional paternal plastid transmission. In a large screen, we detected low-level paternal inheritance of transgenic plastids in tobacco. Whereas the frequency of transmission into the cotyledons of F(1) seedlings was approximately 1.58 x 10(-5) (on 100% cross-fertilization), transmission into the shoot apical meristem was significantly lower (2.86 x 10(-6)). Our data demonstrate that plastid transformation provides an effective tool to increase the biosafety of transgenic plants. However, in cases where pollen transmission must be prevented altogether, stacking with other containment methods will be necessary to eliminate the residual outcrossing risk.

  3. Xq28 duplication overlapping the int22h-1/int22h-2 region and including RAB39B and CLIC2 in a family with intellectual and developmental disability.

    PubMed

    Andersen, Erica F; Baldwin, Erin E; Ellingwood, Sara; Smith, Rosemarie; Lamb, Allen N

    2014-07-01

    Duplications involving terminal Xq28 are a known cause of intellectual disability (ID) in males and in females with unfavorable X-inactivation patterns. Within Xq28, functional disomy of MECP2 causes a severe ID syndrome, however the dosage sensitivity of other Xq28 duplicated genes is less certain. Duplications involving the int22h-1/int22h-2 LCR-flanked region in distal Xq28 have recently been linked to a novel ID-associated phenotype. While evidence for the dosage sensitivity of this region is emerging, the phenotypic contribution of individual genes within the int22h-1/int22h-2-flanked region has yet to be determined. We report a familial case of a novel 774 kb Xq28-qter duplication, detected by cytogenomic microarray analysis, that partially overlaps the int22h-1/int22h-2-flanked region. This duplication and a 570 kb Xpter-p22.33 loss within the pseudoautosomal region were identified in three siblings, one female and two males, who presented with developmental delays/intellectual disability, mild dysmorphic features and short stature. Although unconfirmed, these results are suggestive of maternal inheritance of a recombinant X. We compare our clinical findings to patients with int22h-1/int22h-2-mediated duplications and discuss the potential pathogenicity of genes within the duplicated region, including those within the shared region of overlap, RAB39B and CLIC2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Incontinentia pigmenti (IP2): familiar case report with affected men. Literature review.

    PubMed

    Arenas-Sordo, María de la Luz; Vallejo-Vega, Bárbara; Hernández-Zamora, Edgar; Gálvez-Rosas, Arturo; Montoya-Pérez, Luis Alberto

    2005-07-01

    Incontinentia pigmenti is a genodermatosis described by Garrod and in 1920 by Bloch, Sulzberger, Siemens y Bardach. It is an ectodermic disorder that affects skin, teeth, eyes and may also have neurological problems. The IP2 name describes the histological characteristics, the incontinence of melanin into the melanocytes cells in the epidermal basal layer and its presence in superficial dermis. IP2 is an x-linked dominant condition but genetic heterogeneity may exist. The patient was 4 yrs 5 months old when she came for the first time. In a physical exploration she presented sparse and thin hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, beaked nose, labial protrusion, the four central teeth have a conic crown and there was also a delayed eruption of other teeth, right eye strabismus, hipoacusia, language defects and a trunk, legs, feet, and face dermatosis characterized by grouped vesicles, hyperkeratotic and warty lesions and brownish-gray lesions in a lineal pattern. The patient s father had hypopigmented lesions in the posterior regions of both legs. The oral clinical and radiographic exams showed diverse anomalies. Both the patient's and the father's chromosomal studies were normal. In the present case we can see that the father has IP2 without supernumeraries X, with the antecedent that his mother had something similar. It is possible that the inheritance was autosomic dominant or it is a different mutation of NEMO (NF-kappa-B essential modulator) gene to a classical one, which was found in some affected men. It is necessary to carry out a molecular study of these patients.

  5. Mutational analysis of the RB1 gene and the inheritance patterns of retinoblastoma in Jordan.

    PubMed

    Yousef, Yacoub A; Tbakhi, Abdelghani; Al-Hussaini, Maysa; AlNawaiseh, Ibrahim; Saab, Ala; Afifi, Amal; Naji, Maysa; Mohammad, Mona; Deebajah, Rasha; Jaradat, Imad; Sultan, Iyad; Mehyar, Mustafa

    2018-04-01

    Retinoblastoma (RB) is a childhood cancer developing in the retina due to RB1 pathologic variant. Herein we are evaluating the oncogenic mutations in the RB1 gene and the inheritance patterns of RB in the Jordanian patients. In this prospective study, the peripheral blood of 50 retinoblastoma patients was collected, genomic DNA was extracted, mutations were identified using Quantitative multiplex PCR (QM-PCR), Allele-specific PCR, Next Generation Sequencing analysis, and Sanger sequencing. In this cohort of 50 patients, 20(40%) patients had unilateral RB and 30(60%) were males. Overall, 36(72%) patients had germline disease, 17(47%) of whom had the same RB1 pathologic variant detected in one of the parents (inherited disease). In the bilateral group, all (100%) patients had germline disease; 13(43%) of them had inherited mutation. In the unilateral group, 6(30%) had germline disease, 4(20%) of them had inherited mutation. Nonsense mutation generating a stop codon and producing a truncated non-functional protein was the most frequent detected type of mutations (n = 15/36, 42%). Only one (2%) of the patients had mosaic mutation, and of the 17 inherited cases, 16(94%) had an unaffected carrier parent. In conclusion, in addition to all bilateral RB patients in our cohort, 30% of unilateral cases showed germline mutation. Almost half (47%) of germline cases had inherited disease from affected (6%) parent or unaffected carrier (94%). Therefore molecular screening is critical for the genetic counseling regarding the risk for inherited RB in both unilateral and bilateral cases including those with no family history.

  6. Inherited Congenital Cataract: A Guide to Suspect the Genetic Etiology in the Cataract Genesis

    PubMed Central

    Messina-Baas, Olga; Cuevas-Covarrubias, Sergio A.

    2017-01-01

    Cataracts are the principal cause of treatable blindness worldwide. Inherited congenital cataract (CC) shows all types of inheritance patterns in a syndromic and nonsyndromic form. There are more than 100 genes associated with cataract with a predominance of autosomal dominant inheritance. A cataract is defined as an opacity of the lens producing a variation of the refractive index of the lens. This variation derives from modifications in the lens structure resulting in light scattering, frequently a consequence of a significant concentration of high-molecular-weight protein aggregates. The aim of this review is to introduce a guide to identify the gene involved in inherited CC. Due to the manifold clinical and genetic heterogeneity, we discarded the cataract phenotype as a cardinal sign; a 4-group classification with the genes implicated in inherited CC is proposed. We consider that this classification will assist in identifying the probable gene involved in inherited CC. PMID:28611546

  7. Medical genetics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jorde, L.B.; Carey, J.C.; White, R.L.

    This book on the subject of medical genetics is a textbook aimed at a very broad audience: principally, medical students, nursing students, graduate, and undergraduate students. The book is actually a primer of general genetics as applied to humans and provides a well-balanced introduction to the scientific and clinical basis of human genetics. The twelve chapters include: Introduction, Basic Cell Biology, Genetic Variation, Autosomal Dominant and Recessive Inheritance, Sex-linked and Mitochondrial Inheritance, Clinical Cytogenetics, Gene Mapping, Immunogenetics, Cancer Genetics, Multifactorial Inheritance and Common Disease, Genetic Screening, Genetic Diagnosis and Gene Therapy, and Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counseling.

  8. Four-Year Placebo-Controlled Trial of Docosahexaenoic Acid in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (DHAX Trial)

    PubMed Central

    Hoffman, Dennis R.; Hughbanks-Wheaton, Dianna K.; Pearson, N. Shirlene; Fish, Gary E.; Spencer, Rand; Takacs, Alison; Klein, Martin; Locke, Kirsten G.; Birch, David G.

    2016-01-01

    IMPORTANCE X-linked retinitis pigmentosa is a severe inherited retinal degenerative disease with a frequency of 1 in 100 000 persons. Because no cure is available for this orphan disease and treatment options are limited, slowing of disease progression would be a meaningful outcome. OBJECTIVE To determine whether high-dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, slows progression of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa measured by cone electroretinography (ERG). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A 4-year, single-site, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked phase 2 clinical trial at a research center specializing in medical retina. Seventy-eight male patients diagnosed as having X-linked retinitis pigmentosa were randomized to DHA or placebo. Data were omitted for 2 patients with non–X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and 16 patients who were unable to follow protocol during the first year. The remaining participants were tested annually and composed a modified intent-to-treat cohort (DHA group, n = 33; placebo group, n = 27). INTERVENTIONS All participants received a multivitamin and were randomly assigned to oral DHA (30 mg/kg/d) or placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the rate of loss of cone ERG function. Secondary outcomes were rod and maximal ERG amplitudes and cone ERG implicit times. Capsule counts and red blood cell DHA levels were assessed to monitor adherence. RESULTS Average (6-month to 4-year) red blood cell DHA levels were 4-fold higher in the DHA group than in the placebo group (P < .001). There was no difference between the DHA and placebo groups in the rate of cone ERG functional loss (0.028 vs 0.022 log µV/y, respectively; P = .30). No group differences were evident for change in rod ERG (P = .27), maximal ERG (P = .65), or cone implicit time (no change over 4 years). The rate of cone loss (ie, event rate) was markedly reduced compared with rates in previous studies. No severe treatment-emergent adverse events were found. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Long-term DHA supplementation was not effective in slowing the loss of cone or rod ERG function associated with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Participant dropout and lower-than-expected disease event rate limited power to detect statistical significance. A larger sample size, longer trial, and attainment of a target blood DHA level (13%) would be desirable. While DHA supplementation at 30 mg/kg/d does not present serious adverse effects, routine monitoring of gastrointestinal tolerance is prudent. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00100230 PMID:24805262

  9. Inheritance of congenital cataracts and microphthalmia in the Miniature Schnauzer.

    PubMed

    Gelatt, K N; Samuelson, D A; Bauer, J E; Das, N D; Wolf, E D; Barrie, K P; Andresen, T L

    1983-06-01

    Congenital cataracts and microphthalmia in the Miniature Schnauzer were inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Eighteen matings of affected X affected Miniature Schnauzers resulted in 87 offspring with congenital cataracts and microphthalmia (49 males/38 females). Two matings of congenital cataractous and microphthalmic Miniature Schnauzers (2 females) X a normal Miniature Schnauzer (1 male) yielded 11 clinically normal Miniature Schnauzers (7 males/4 females). Eighteen matings of congenital cataractous and microphthalmic Miniature Schnauzers (6 males) X carrier Miniature Schnauzers (9 females) produced 81 offspring; 39 exhibited congenital cataracts and microphthalmia (20 males/19 females) and 42 had clinically normal eyes (17 males/25 females).

  10. Inflammatory profile in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients: Understanding disease progression.

    PubMed

    Marchetti, Desirèe Padilha; Donida, Bruna; Jacques, Carlos Eduardo; Deon, Marion; Hauschild, Tatiane Cristina; Koehler-Santos, Patricia; de Moura Coelho, Daniella; Coitinho, Adriana Simon; Jardim, Laura Bannach; Vargas, Carmen Regla

    2018-01-01

    X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive inflammatory demyelization in the brain, adrenal insufficiency, and an abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissue and body fluids. Considering that inflammation might be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD, we aimed to investigate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in plasma from three different male phenotypes (CCER, AMN, and asymptomatic individuals). Our results showed that asymptomatic patients presented increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α and the last one was also higher in AMN phenotype. Besides, asymptomatic patients presented higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. AMN patients presented higher levels of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-4. We might hypothesize that inflammation in X-ALD is related to plasmatic VLCFA concentration, since there were positive correlations between C26:0 plasmatic levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic and AMN patients and negative correlation between anti-inflammatory cytokine and C24:0/C22:0 ratio in AMN patients. The present work yields experimental evidence that there is an inflammatory imbalance associated Th1, (IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10), and macrophages response (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the periphery of asymptomatic and AMN patients, and there is correlation between VLCFA plasmatic levels and inflammatory mediators in X-ALD. Furthermore, we might also speculate that the increase of plasmatic cytokines in asymptomatic patients could be considered an early biomarker of brain damage and maybe also a predictor of disease progression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling in fragile X syndrome.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Ali; Hoeffer, Charles A; Takayasu, Yukihiro; Miyawaki, Takahiro; McBride, Sean M; Klann, Eric; Zukin, R Suzanne

    2010-01-13

    Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation and leading genetic cause of autism, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the Fmr1 gene. The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), the gene product of Fmr1, is an RNA binding protein that negatively regulates translation in neurons. The Fmr1 knock-out mouse, a model of fragile X syndrome, exhibits cognitive deficits and exaggerated metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression at CA1 synapses. However, the molecular mechanisms that link loss of function of FMRP to aberrant synaptic plasticity remain unclear. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade controls initiation of cap-dependent translation and is under control of mGluRs. Here we show that mTOR phosphorylation and activity are elevated in hippocampus of juvenile Fmr1 knock-out mice by four functional readouts: (1) association of mTOR with regulatory associated protein of mTOR; (2) mTOR kinase activity; (3) phosphorylation of mTOR downstream targets S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein; and (4) formation of eukaryotic initiation factor complex 4F, a critical first step in cap-dependent translation. Consistent with this, mGluR long-term depression at CA1 synapses of FMRP-deficient mice is exaggerated and rapamycin insensitive. We further show that the p110 subunit of the upstream kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its upstream activator PI3K enhancer PIKE, predicted targets of FMRP, are upregulated in knock-out mice. Elevated mTOR signaling may provide a functional link between overactivation of group I mGluRs and aberrant synaptic plasticity in the fragile X mouse, mechanisms relevant to impaired cognition in fragile X syndrome.

  12. RAPD inheritance and diversity in pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

    Treesearch

    Hongwen Huang; Desmond R. Layne; Thomas L. Kubisiak

    2000-01-01

    Twelve, 10-base primers amplified a total of 20 intense and easily scorable polymorphic bands in an interspecific cross of PPFl-5 pawpaw (Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal.) x RET (Asimina reticulata Shuttlew.). In this cross, all bands scored were present in, and inherited from, the A. triloba ...

  13. Pediatric genetic macular and choroidal diseases

    PubMed Central

    Bergman, Mica Y.; Nallasamy, Sudha

    2014-01-01

    Genetic diseases of the macula and choroid have various inheritance patterns and varying degrees of impact on vision. Herein, we review the literature including most recent advances in the understanding of the genetics of these diseases. Although many of these disorders have limited treatment options, knowledge of inheritance patterns can aid in early detection and with close monitoring can help the ophthalmologist preserve as much vision as possible (for example with early treatment of choroidal neovascularization). PMID:27625881

  14. Epigenetics and sex-specific fitness: an experimental test using male-limited evolution in Drosophila melanogaster.

    PubMed

    Abbott, Jessica K; Innocenti, Paolo; Chippindale, Adam K; Morrow, Edward H

    2013-01-01

    When males and females have different fitness optima for the same trait but share loci, intralocus sexual conflict is likely to occur. Epigenetic mechanisms such as genomic imprinting (in which expression is altered according to parent-of-origin) and sex-specific maternal effects have been suggested as ways by which this conflict can be resolved. However these ideas have not yet been empirically tested. We designed an experimental evolution protocol in Drosophila melanogaster that enabled us to look for epigenetic effects on the X-chromosome-a hotspot for sexually antagonistic loci. We used special compound-X females to enforce father-to-son transmission of the X-chromosome for many generations, and compared fitness and gene expression levels between Control males, males with a Control X-chromosome that had undergone one generation of father-son transmission, and males with an X-chromosome that had undergone many generations of father-son transmission. Fitness differences were dramatic, with experimentally-evolved males approximately 20% greater than controls, and with males inheriting a non-evolved X from their father about 20% lower than controls. These data are consistent with both strong intralocus sexual conflict and misimprinting of the X-chromosome under paternal inheritance. However, expression differences suggested that reduced fitness under paternal X inheritance was largely due to deleterious maternal effects. Our data confirm the sexually-antagonistic nature of Drosophila's X-chromosome and suggest that the response to male-limited X-chromosome evolution entails compensatory evolution for maternal effects, and perhaps modification of other epigenetic effects via coevolution of the sex chromosomes.

  15. Acquired hyperpigmentations*

    PubMed Central

    Cestari, Tania Ferreira; Dantas, Lia Pinheiro; Boza, Juliana Catucci

    2014-01-01

    Cutaneous hyperpigmentations are frequent complaints, motivating around 8.5% of all dermatological consultations in our country. They can be congenital, with different patterns of inheritance, or acquired in consequence of skin problems, systemic diseases or secondary to environmental factors. The vast majority of them are linked to alterations on the pigment melanin, induced by different mechanisms. This review will focus on the major acquired hyperpigmentations associated with increased melanin, reviewing their mechanisms of action and possible preventive measures. Particularly prominent aspects of diagnosis and therapy will be emphasized, with focus on melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, periorbital pigmentation, dermatosis papulosa nigra, phytophotodermatoses, flagellate dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, cervical poikiloderma (Poikiloderma of Civatte), acanthosis nigricans, cutaneous amyloidosis and reticulated confluent dermatitis PMID:24626644

  16. A dominantly inherited form of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita with unusual dermatoglyphics.

    PubMed

    Sack, G H

    1978-12-01

    A father and daughter with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and similar dermatoglyphic patterns are described. No evidence was found of chromosomal abnormality, neuropathy or myopathy, and there were no other affected family members. The findings are compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance.

  17. The impact of visual layout factors on performance in Web pages: a cross-language study.

    PubMed

    Parush, Avi; Shwarts, Yonit; Shtub, Avy; Chandra, M Jeya

    2005-01-01

    Visual layout has a strong impact on performance and is a critical factor in the design of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and Web pages. Many design guidelines employed in Web page design were inherited from human performance literature and GUI design studies and practices. However, few studies have investigated the more specific patterns of performance with Web pages that may reflect some differences between Web page and GUI design. We investigated interactions among four visual layout factors in Web page design (quantity of links, alignment, grouping indications, and density) in two experiments: one with pages in Hebrew, entailing right-to-left reading, and the other with English pages, entailing left-to-right reading. Some performance patterns (measured by search times and eye movements) were similar between languages. Performance was particularly poor in pages with many links and variable densities, but it improved with the presence of uniform density. Alignment was not shown to be a performance-enhancing factor. The findings are discussed in terms of the similarities and differences in the impact of layout factors between GUIs and Web pages. Actual or potential applications of this research include specific guidelines for Web page design.

  18. A magnitude gauge in modern gouge? The key case of magnetic minerals from active Chelungpu fault, Taiwan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chou, Y. M.; Aubourg, C. T.; Song, S. R.; Lee, T. Q.; Yeh, E. C.

    2017-12-01

    During an earthquake, physical and chemical processes lead to the alteration and formation of magnetic minerals within the gouge layer in a mature fault zone. We performed rock magnetic study and X-ray tomography on 3 gouges from Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project (TCDP), FZB1136 (fault zone at depth of 1,136 m from TCDP borehole B), FZB1194, and FZB1243. FZB1136 gouge hosts the slip zone of 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake (Mw 7.6). Magnetite and goethite are found ubiquitously in the three gouges. The peak concentration of these magnetic minerals are shifted by 1 to 2 cm. Goethite results from the circulation of hot-fluid during or soon after earthquake. Magnetite is either inherited or formed within slip zone during earthquake. The gouge FZB1136 displays the highest concentration of magnetic minerals and none of inherited magnetic minerals of the host rocks are preserved. The highest magnetite concentration is located within the 1999 slip zone. This gouge retains a single co-seismic paleomagnetic record contemporaneous of Mw 7.6 earthquake. The FZB1194 and FZB1243 gouges display contrasting pattern. Two peaks values of magnetite concentration are found in both FZB1194 and FZB1243, which suggest the location of two main seismic events. These events are elsewhere suggested by ancient paleomagnetic records of both normal and reverse polarities. The inherited nano magnetite are preserved in FZB1194 and FZB1243. These results reveal that different seismic physical/chemical alteration processes occurred among the three fault zones. In FZB1136, a strong fluid interaction is suggested resulting in destruction of nano-grains magnetite and preservation of a unique paleomagnetic record. In the two other gouges (FZB1194 and FZB1243), we suggest much less fluid interaction, leading to the preservation of inherited nano magnetite. We suggest that these different patterns are controlled by magnitude of earthquake, high magnitude (Mw 7.6) in FZB1136 and Mw < 7.6 in FZB1194 and FZB1243.

  19. Recognizing the tenascin-X deficient type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a cross-sectional study in 17 patients.

    PubMed

    Demirdas, S; Dulfer, E; Robert, L; Kempers, M; van Beek, D; Micha, D; van Engelen, B G; Hamel, B; Schalkwijk, J; Loeys, B; Maugeri, A; Voermans, N C

    2017-03-01

    The tenascin-X (TNX) deficient type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is similar to the classical type of EDS. Because of the limited awareness among geneticists and the challenge of the molecular analysis of the TNXB gene, the TNX-deficient type EDS is probably to be under diagnosed. We therefore performed an observational, cross-sectional study. History and physical examination were performed. Results of serum TNX measurements were collected and mutation analysis was performed by a combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Included were 17 patients of 11 families with autosomal recessive inheritance and childhood onset. All patients had hyperextensible skin without atrophic scarring. Hypermobility of the joints was observed in 16 of 17 patients. Deformities of the hands and feet were observed frequently. TNX serum level was tested and absent in 11 patients (seven families). Genetic testing was performed in all families; 12 different mutations were detected, most of which are suspected to lead to non-sense mRNA mediated decay. In short, patients with the TNX-deficient type EDS typically have generalized joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and easy bruising. In contrast to the classical type, the inheritance pattern is autosomal recessive and atrophic scarring is absent. Molecular analysis of TNXB in a diagnostic setting is challenging. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. An ultraviolet floral polymorphism associated with life history drives pollinator discrimination in Mimulus guttatus.

    PubMed

    Peterson, Megan L; Miller, Timothy J; Kay, Kathleen M

    2015-03-01

    • Ultraviolet (UV) floral patterns are common in angiosperms and mediate pollinator attraction, efficiency, and constancy. UV patterns may vary within species, yet are cryptic to human observers. Thus, few studies have explicitly described the distribution or ecological significance of intraspecific variation in UV floral patterning. Here, we describe the geographic distribution and pattern of inheritance of a UV polymorphism in the model plant species Mimulus guttatus (Phrymaceae). We then test whether naturally occurring UV phenotypes influence pollinator interactions within M. guttatus.• We document UV patterns in 18 annual and 19 perennial populations and test whether UV pattern is associated with life history. To examine the pattern of inheritance, we conducted crosses within and between UV phenotypes. Finally, we tested whether bee pollinators discriminate among naturally occurring UV phenotypes in two settings: wild bee communities and captive Bombus impatiens.• Within M. guttatus, perennial populations exhibit a small bulls-eye pattern, whereas a bilaterally symmetric runway pattern occurs mainly in annual populations. Inheritance of UV patterning is consistent with a single-locus Mendelian model in which the runway phenotype is dominant. Bee pollinators discriminate against unfamiliar UV patterns in both natural and controlled settings.• We describe a widespread UV polymorphism associated with life history divergence within Mimulus guttatus. UV pattern influences pollinator visitation and should be considered when estimating reproductive barriers between life history ecotypes. This work develops a new system to investigate the ecology and evolution of UV floral patterning in a species with extensive genomic resources. © 2015 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

  1. Fragile X Syndrome: Keys to the Molecular Genetics of Synaptic Plasticity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lombroso, Paul J.; Ogren, Marilee P.

    2008-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation is discussed. The relationship between specific impairments in synaptic plasticity and Fragile X syndrome is investigated as it strengthens synaptic contacts between neurons.

  2. Biparental chloroplast inheritance leads to rescue from cytonuclear incompatibility.

    PubMed

    Barnard-Kubow, Karen B; McCoy, Morgan A; Galloway, Laura F

    2017-02-01

    Although organelle inheritance is predominantly maternal across animals and plants, biparental chloroplast inheritance has arisen multiple times in the angiosperms. Biparental inheritance has the potential to impact the evolutionary dynamics of cytonuclear incompatibility, interactions between nuclear and organelle genomes that are proposed to be among the earliest types of genetic incompatibility to arise in speciation. We examine the interplay between biparental inheritance and cytonuclear incompatibility in Campanulastrum americanum, a plant species exhibiting both traits. We first determine patterns of chloroplast inheritance in genetically similar and divergent crosses, and then associate inheritance with hybrid survival across multiple generations. There is substantial biparental inheritance in C. americanum. The frequency of biparental inheritance is greater in divergent crosses and in the presence of cytonuclear incompatibility. Biparental inheritance helps to mitigate cytonuclear incompatibility, leading to increased fitness of F 1 hybrids and recovery in the F 2 generation. This study demonstrates the potential for biparental chloroplast inheritance to rescue cytonuclear compatibility, reducing cytonuclear incompatibility's contribution to reproductive isolation and potentially slowing speciation. The efficacy of rescue depended upon the strength of incompatibility, with a greater persistence of weak incompatibilities in later generations. These findings suggest that incompatible plastids may lead to selection for biparental inheritance. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

  3. Coalgebraic structure of genetic inheritance.

    PubMed

    Tian, Jianjun; Li, Bai-Lian

    2004-09-01

    Although in the broadly defined genetic algebra, multiplication suggests a forward direction of from parents to progeny, when looking from the reverse direction, it also suggests to us a new algebraic structure-coalge- braic structure, which we call genetic coalgebras. It is not the dual coalgebraic structure and can be used in the construction of phylogenetic trees. Math- ematically, to construct phylogenetic trees means we need to solve equations x([n]) = a, or x([n]) = b. It is generally impossible to solve these equations inalgebras. However, we can solve them in coalgebras in the sense of tracing back for their ancestors. A thorough exploration of coalgebraic structure in genetics is apparently necessary. Here, we develop a theoretical framework of the coalgebraic structure of genetics. From biological viewpoint, we defined various fundamental concepts and examined their elementary properties that contain genetic significance. Mathematically, by genetic coalgebra, we mean any coalgebra that occurs in genetics. They are generally noncoassociative and without counit; and in the case of non-sex-linked inheritance, they are cocommutative. Each coalgebra with genetic realization has a baric property. We have also discussed the methods to construct new genetic coalgebras, including cocommutative duplication, the tensor product, linear combinations and the skew linear map, which allow us to describe complex genetic traits. We also put forward certain theorems that state the relationship between gametic coalgebra and gametic algebra. By Brower's theorem in topology, we prove the existence of equilibrium state for the in-evolution operator.

  4. Epigenetic Inheritance across the Landscape.

    PubMed

    Whipple, Amy V; Holeski, Liza M

    2016-01-01

    The study of epigenomic variation at the landscape-level in plants may add important insight to studies of adaptive variation. A major goal of landscape genomic studies is to identify genomic regions contributing to adaptive variation across the landscape. Heritable variation in epigenetic marks, resulting in transgenerational plasticity, can influence fitness-related traits. Epigenetic marks are influenced by the genome, the environment, and their interaction, and can be inherited independently of the genome. Thus, epigenomic variation likely influences the heritability of many adaptive traits, but the extent of this influence remains largely unknown. Here, we summarize the relevance of epigenetic inheritance to ecological and evolutionary processes, and review the literature on landscape-level patterns of epigenetic variation. Landscape-level patterns of epigenomic variation in plants generally show greater levels of isolation by distance and isolation by environment then is found for the genome, but the causes of these patterns are not yet clear. Linkage between the environment and epigenomic variation has been clearly shown within a single generation, but demonstrating transgenerational inheritance requires more complex breeding and/or experimental designs. Transgenerational epigenetic variation may alter the interpretation of landscape genomic studies that rely upon phenotypic analyses, but should have less influence on landscape genomic approaches that rely upon outlier analyses or genome-environment associations. We suggest that multi-generation common garden experiments conducted across multiple environments will allow researchers to understand which parts of the epigenome are inherited, as well as to parse out the relative contribution of heritable epigenetic variation to the phenotype.

  5. Epigenetic Inheritance across the Landscape

    PubMed Central

    Whipple, Amy V.; Holeski, Liza M.

    2016-01-01

    The study of epigenomic variation at the landscape-level in plants may add important insight to studies of adaptive variation. A major goal of landscape genomic studies is to identify genomic regions contributing to adaptive variation across the landscape. Heritable variation in epigenetic marks, resulting in transgenerational plasticity, can influence fitness-related traits. Epigenetic marks are influenced by the genome, the environment, and their interaction, and can be inherited independently of the genome. Thus, epigenomic variation likely influences the heritability of many adaptive traits, but the extent of this influence remains largely unknown. Here, we summarize the relevance of epigenetic inheritance to ecological and evolutionary processes, and review the literature on landscape-level patterns of epigenetic variation. Landscape-level patterns of epigenomic variation in plants generally show greater levels of isolation by distance and isolation by environment then is found for the genome, but the causes of these patterns are not yet clear. Linkage between the environment and epigenomic variation has been clearly shown within a single generation, but demonstrating transgenerational inheritance requires more complex breeding and/or experimental designs. Transgenerational epigenetic variation may alter the interpretation of landscape genomic studies that rely upon phenotypic analyses, but should have less influence on landscape genomic approaches that rely upon outlier analyses or genome–environment associations. We suggest that multi-generation common garden experiments conducted across multiple environments will allow researchers to understand which parts of the epigenome are inherited, as well as to parse out the relative contribution of heritable epigenetic variation to the phenotype. PMID:27826318

  6. Structure and morphology evolution of silica-modified pseudoboehmite aerogels during heat treatment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pakharukova, V.P., E-mail: verapakh@catalysis.ru; Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street 2, 630090 Novosibirsk; Research and Educational Center for Energy Efficient Catalysis, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090

    Silica-modified pseudoboehmite aerogels (0, 10, 20 at% of Si) were prepared by sol–gel method followed by supercritical drying. The phase transformations, changes in structure and morphology upon calcination were thoroughly investigated by advanced X-Ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Obtained pseudoboehmite samples had specific nanostructure: ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) crystallites were loosely packed. The silica dopant drastically enhanced the crystallite anisotropy. Thus, the aerogel with Al:Si atomic ratio of 9:1 consisted of the pseudoboehmite nanosheets with thickness of one unit cell (average dimensions of 14.0×1.2×14.5 nm). The specific nanostructure caused remarkable features of experimental XRD patterns, includingmore » anisotropic peak broadening and appearance of forbidden reflection. Direct simulation of XRD patterns with using the Debye Scattering Equation allowed the size and morphology of pseudoboehmite crystallites to be determined. The silica addition strongly delayed formation of γ-alumina and further phase transformations upon calcinaton. Thermal stability of alumina was suggested to be affected by the particle morphology inherited from the pseudoboehmite precursor. - Graphical abstract: Pseudoboehmite samples had specific nanostructure: ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) crystallites were loosely packed. - Highlights: • Silica-doped boehmites were prepared by sol–gel method with supercritical drying. • Ultrathin two-dimensional crystallites of pseudoboehmite were obtained. • Changes in structure and morphology upon calcination were studied. • Simulation of XRD patterns was performed with use of the Debye Scattering Equation. • Thermal stability of alumina depended on morphology inherited from pseudoboehmite.« less

  7. Mutation analysis of HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHD/EGLN) in individuals with features of phaeochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma susceptibility.

    PubMed

    Astuti, Dewi; Ricketts, Christopher J; Chowdhury, Rasheduzzaman; McDonough, Michael A; Gentle, Dean; Kirby, Gail; Schlisio, Susanne; Kenchappa, Rajappa S; Carter, Bruce D; Kaelin, William G; Ratcliffe, Peter J; Schofield, Christopher J; Latif, Farida; Maher, Eamonn R

    2011-02-01

    Germline mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) genes can cause inherited phaeochromocytoma and/or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Dysregulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors has been linked to VHL and SDHB-related RCC; both HIF dysregulation and disordered function of a prolyl hydroxylase domain isoform 3 (PHD3/EGLN3)-related pathway of neuronal apoptosis have been linked to the development of phaeochromocytoma. The 2-oxoglutarate-dependent prolyl hydroxylase enzymes PHD1 (EGLN2), PHD2 (EGLN1) and PHD3 (EGLN3) have a key role in regulating the stability of HIF-α subunits (and hence expression of the HIF-α transcription factors). A germline PHD2 mutation has been reported in association with congenital erythrocytosis and recurrent extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma. We undertook mutation analysis of PHD1, PHD2 and PHD3 in two cohorts of patients with features of inherited phaeochromocytoma (n=82) and inherited RCC (n=64) and no evidence of germline mutations in known susceptibility genes. No confirmed pathogenic mutations were detected suggesting that mutations in these genes are not a frequent cause of inherited phaeochromocytoma or RCC.

  8. Burst mode PCS of EPON

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Du, Xiao

    2005-02-01

    Normal GIGA ETHERNET continuously transmits or receives 8B/10B codes including data codes, idle codes or configuration information. In ETHERNET network, one computer links one port of switch through CAT5 and that is OK. But for EPON, it is different. All ONUs share one fiber in upstream, if we inherit the GIGA ETHERNET PHY, then collision will occur. All ONUs always transmit 8B/10B codes, and the optical signal will overlay. The OLT will receive the fault information. So we need a novel EPON PHY instead of ETHERNET PHY. But its major function is compatible with ETHERNET"s. In this article, first, the function of PCS sub layer is discussed and a novel PCS module is given that can be used in not only EPON system but also in GIGA ETHERNET system. The design of PCS is based on 1000BASE-X PCS technology. And the function of 1000BASE-X PCS should be accomplished first. Next we modify the design in order to meet the requirements of EPON system. In the new design, the auto negotiation and synchronization is the same to the 1000 BASE-X technology.

  9. Marker-assisted combination of major genes for pathogen resistance in potato.

    PubMed

    Gebhardt, C; Bellin, D; Henselewski, H; Lehmann, W; Schwarzfischer, J; Valkonen, J P T

    2006-05-01

    Closely linked PCR-based markers facilitate the tracing and combining of resistance factors that have been introgressed previously into cultivated potato from different sources. Crosses were performed to combine the Ry ( adg ) gene for extreme resistance to Potato virus Y (PVY) with the Gro1 gene for resistance to the root cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis and the Rx1 gene for extreme resistance to Potato virus X (PVX), or with resistance to potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum). Marker-assisted selection (MAS) using four PCR-based diagnostic assays was applied to 110 F1 hybrids resulting from four 2x by 4x cross-combinations. Thirty tetraploid plants having the appropriate marker combinations were selected and tested for presence of the corresponding resistance traits. All plants tested showed the expected resistant phenotype. Unexpectedly, the plants segregated for additional resistance to pathotypes 1, 2 and 6 of S. endobioticum, which was subsequently shown to be inherited from the PVY resistant parents of the crosses. The selected plants can be used as sources of multiple resistance traits in pedigree breeding and are available from a potato germplasm bank.

  10. Investigating Environmental Links between Parent Depression and Child Depressive/Anxiety Symptoms Using an Assisted Conception Design

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis, Gemma; Rice, Frances; Harold, Gordon T.; Collishaw, Stephan; Thapar, Anita

    2011-01-01

    Objective: Links between maternal and offspring depression symptoms could arise from inherited factors, direct environmental exposure, or shared adversity. A novel genetically sensitive design was used to test the extent of environmental links between maternal depression symptoms and child depression/anxiety symptoms, accounting for inherited…

  11. Novel OTOF mutations in Brazilian patients with auditory neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Romanos, Jihane; Kimura, Lilian; Fávero, Mariana Lopes; Izarra, Fernanda Attanasio R; de Mello Auricchio, Maria Teresa Balester; Batissoco, Ana Carla; Lezirovitz, Karina; Abreu-Silva, Ronaldo Serafim; Mingroni-Netto, Regina Célia

    2009-07-01

    The OTOF gene encoding otoferlin is associated with auditory neuropathy (AN), a type of non-syndromic deafness. We investigated the contribution of OTOF mutations to AN and to non-syndromic recessive deafness in Brazil. A test for the Q829X mutation was carried out on a sample of 342 unrelated individuals with non-syndromic hearing loss, but none presented this mutation. We selected 48 cases suggestive of autosomal recessive inheritance, plus four familial and seven isolated cases of AN, for genotyping of five microsatellite markers linked to the OTOF gene. The haplotype analysis showed compatibility with linkage in 11 families (including the four families with AN). Samples of the 11 probands from these families and from seven isolated cases of AN were selected for an exon-by-exon screening for mutations in the OTOF gene. Ten different pathogenic variants were detected, among which six are novel. Among the 52 pedigrees with autosomal recessive inheritance (including four familial cases of AN), mutations were identified in 4 (7.7%). Among the 11 probands with AN, seven had at least one pathogenic mutation in the OTOF gene. Mutations in the OTOF gene are frequent causes of AN in Brazil and our results confirm that they are spread worldwide.

  12. Retinitis pigmentosa: genes and disease mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Ferrari, Stefano; Di Iorio, Enzo; Barbaro, Vanessa; Ponzin, Diego; Sorrentino, Francesco S; Parmeggiani, Francesco

    2011-06-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders affecting 1 in 3000-7000 people and characterized by abnormalities of the photoreceptors (rods and cones) or the retinal pigment epithelium of the retina which lead to progressive visual loss. RP can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked manner. While usually limited to the eye, RP may also occur as part of a syndrome as in the Usher syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Over 40 genes have been associated with RP so far, with the majority of them expressed in either the photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium. The tremendous heterogeneity of the disease makes the genetics of RP complicated, thus rendering genotype-phenotype correlations not fully applicable yet. In addition to the multiplicity of mutations, in fact, different mutations in the same gene may cause different diseases. We will here review which genes are involved in the genesis of RP and how mutations can lead to retinal degeneration. In the future, a more thorough analysis of genetic and clinical data together with a better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation might allow to reveal important information with respect to the likelihood of disease development and choices of therapy.

  13. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Genes and Disease Mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    Ferrari, Stefano; Di Iorio, Enzo; Barbaro, Vanessa; Ponzin, Diego; Sorrentino, Francesco S; Parmeggiani, Francesco

    2011-01-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders affecting 1 in 3000-7000 people and characterized by abnormalities of the photoreceptors (rods and cones) or the retinal pigment epithelium of the retina which lead to progressive visual loss. RP can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked manner. While usually limited to the eye, RP may also occur as part of a syndrome as in the Usher syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Over 40 genes have been associated with RP so far, with the majority of them expressed in either the photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium. The tremendous heterogeneity of the disease makes the genetics of RP complicated, thus rendering genotype-phenotype correlations not fully applicable yet. In addition to the multiplicity of mutations, in fact, different mutations in the same gene may cause different diseases. We will here review which genes are involved in the genesis of RP and how mutations can lead to retinal degeneration. In the future, a more thorough analysis of genetic and clinical data together with a better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation might allow to reveal important information with respect to the likelihood of disease development and choices of therapy. PMID:22131869

  14. Biobehavioral Indicators of Social Fear in Young Children with Fragile X Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tonnsen, Bridgette L.; Shinkareva, Svetlana V.; Deal, Sara C.; Hatton, Deborah D.; Roberts, Jane E.

    2013-01-01

    Anxiety is among the most impairing conditions associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and is putatively linked to atypical physiological arousal. However, few studies have examined this association in young children with FXS. The authors examined whether patterns of arousal and behavior during an experimental stranger approach paradigm differ…

  15. [Updates on rickets and osteomalacia. dental diseases in rickets].

    PubMed

    Kubota, Takuo

    2013-10-01

    Rickets is characterized by mineralization defect in bone and cartilage. X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is the most common form of inherited rickets. Mineralization defect is observed in dentin as well as in bone and cartilage in XLH. The dominant feature is the occurrence of infectious periradicular abscesses on deciduous and permanent teeth, not associated with trauma or decay. Dental care including the maintenance of good oral hygiene and periodical examinations should be performed. A preventive sealing of occlusal surfaces can be considered. Endodontic treatment or extraction are carried out in the presence of periradicular abscesses. Further studies are necessary for elucidating mechanisms of dentin mineralization defect and the occurrence of periradicular abscesses and for developing preventive and curative measures in XLH.

  16. An unusual case of ectodermal dysplasia: combating senile features at an early age

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Mudit; Sundaresh, Kumbar Jayadevappa; Batra, Manu; Rathva, Vandana J

    2014-01-01

    Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) refers to a group of inherited diseases that have developmental defects in at least two major structures derived from the ectoderm, that is, hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. Although more than 192 distinct disorders have been described, the most common is X-linked recessive hypohidrotic ED (Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome). Since such patients usually presents with missing teeth, dentists are usually the first person to diagnose such cases. Diagnosis of such cases is important because absence of sweat glands can lead to hyperthermia which can be life-threatening if proper care is not taken. Through this manuscript, we report a case of anhidrotic ED affecting deciduous and permanent dentition, which is rare. PMID:24493109

  17. Familial Idiopathic Cranial Neuropathy in a Chinese Family.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Liang, Jianfeng; Yu, Yanbing

    Cranial neuropathy is usually idiopathic and familial cases are uncommon. We describe a family with 5 members with cranial neuropathy over 3 generations. All affected patients were women, indicating an X-linked dominant or an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Our cases and a review of the literature suggest that familial idiopathic cranial neuropathy is a rare condition which may be related to autosomal dominant vascular disorders (e.g. vascular tortuosity, sclerosis, elongation or extension), small posterior cranial fossas, anatomical variations of the posterior circulation, hypersensitivity of cranial nerves and other abnormalities. Moreover, microvascular decompression is the treatment of choice because vascular compression is the main factor in the pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of familial cranial neuropathy in China.

  18. Pulmonary hypertension and vasculopathy in incontinentia pigmenti: a case report

    PubMed Central

    Alshenqiti, Abduljabbar; Nashabat, Marwan; AlGhoraibi, Hissah; Tamimi, Omar; Alfadhel, Majid

    2017-01-01

    Incontinentia pigmenti (IP; Bloch–Sulzberger syndrome) is a rare, genetic syndrome inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. It primarily affects female infants and is lethal in the majority of males during fetal life. The clinical findings include skin lesions, developmental defects, and defects of the eyes, teeth, skeletal system, and central nervous system. Cardiovascular complications of this disease in general, and pulmonary hypertension in particular, are extremely rare. This report describes the case of a 3-year-old girl with IP complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension. Extensive cardiology workup done to the patient indicates underlying vasculopathy. This report sheds light on the relationship between IP and pulmonary hypertension, reviews the previously reported cases, and compares them with the reported case. PMID:28533687

  19. Pulmonary hypertension and vasculopathy in incontinentia pigmenti: a case report.

    PubMed

    Alshenqiti, Abduljabbar; Nashabat, Marwan; AlGhoraibi, Hissah; Tamimi, Omar; Alfadhel, Majid

    2017-01-01

    Incontinentia pigmenti (IP; Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome) is a rare, genetic syndrome inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. It primarily affects female infants and is lethal in the majority of males during fetal life. The clinical findings include skin lesions, developmental defects, and defects of the eyes, teeth, skeletal system, and central nervous system. Cardiovascular complications of this disease in general, and pulmonary hypertension in particular, are extremely rare. This report describes the case of a 3-year-old girl with IP complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension. Extensive cardiology workup done to the patient indicates underlying vasculopathy. This report sheds light on the relationship between IP and pulmonary hypertension, reviews the previously reported cases, and compares them with the reported case.

  20. Photo-Patterned Ion Gel Electrolyte-Gated Thin Film Transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Jae-Hong; Gu, Yuanyan; Hong, Kihyun; Frisbie, C. Daniel; Lodge, Timothy P.

    2014-03-01

    We have developed a novel fabrication route to pattern electrolyte thin films in electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) using a chemically crosslinkable ABA-triblock copolymer ion gel. In the self-assembly of poly[(styrene-r-vinylbenzylazide)-b-ethylene oxide-b-(styrene-r-vinylbenzylazide)] (SOS-N3) triblock copolymer and the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]), the azide groups of poly(styrene-r-vinylbenzylazide) (PS-N3) end-blocks in the cores can be chemically cross-linked via UV irradiation (λ = 254 nm). Impedance spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering confirmed that ion transport and microstructure of the ion gel are not affected by UV cross-linking. Using this chemical cross-linking strategy, we demonstrate a photo-patterning of ion gels through a patterned mask and the fabricated electrolyte-gated thin film transistors with photo-patterned ion gels as high-capacitance gate insulators exhibited high device performance (low operation voltages and high on/off current ratios).

  1. Evaluation of pharmacological induction of fatty acid beta-oxidation in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

    PubMed

    McGuinness, M C; Zhang, H P; Smith, K D

    2001-01-01

    X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder associated with elevated levels of saturated unbranched very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA; C > 22:0) in plasma and tissues, and reduced VLCFA beta-oxidation in fibroblasts, white blood cells, and amniocytes from X-ALD patients. The X-ALD gene (ABCD1) at Xq28 encodes the adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) that is related to the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette (ABCD) transmembrane half-transporter proteins. The function of ALDP is unknown and its role in VLCFA accumulation unresolved. Previously, our laboratory has shown that sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) treatment of X-ALD fibroblasts results in increased peroxisomal VLCFA beta-oxidation activity and increased expression of the X-ALD-related protein, ALDRP, encoded by the ABCD2 gene. In this study, the effect of various pharmacological agents on VLCFA beta-oxidation in ALD mouse fibroblasts is tested. 4PBA, styrylacetate and benzyloxyacetate (structurally related to 4PBA), and trichostatin A (functionally related to 4PBA) increase both VLCFA (peroxisomal) and long-chain fatty acid [LCFA (peroxisomal and mitochondrial)] beta-oxidation. Isobutyrate, zaprinast, hydroxyurea, and 5-azacytidine had no effect on VLCFA or LCFA beta-oxidation. Lovastatin had no effect on fatty acid beta-oxidation under normal tissue culture conditions but did result in an increase in both VLCFA and LCFA beta-oxidation when ALD mouse fibroblasts were cultured in the absence of cholesterol. The effect of trichostatin A on peroxisomal VLCFA beta-oxidation is shown to be independent of an increase in ALDRP expression, suggesting that correction of the biochemical abnormality in X-ALD is not dependent on pharmacological induction of a redundant gene (ABCD2). These studies contribute to a better understanding of the role of ALDP in VLCFA accumulation and may lead to the development of more effective pharmacological therapies. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  2. Why does biparental plastid inheritance revive in angiosperms?

    PubMed

    Zhang, Quan; Sodmergen

    2010-03-01

    It is widely believed that plastid and mitochondrial genomes are inherited through the maternal parent. In plants, however, paternal transmission of these genomes is frequently observed, especially for the plastid genome. A male gametic trait, called potential biparental plastid inheritance (PBPI), occurs in up to 20% of angiosperm genera, implying a strong tendency for plastid transmission from the male lineage. Why do plants receive organelles from the male parents? Are there clues in plastids that will help to elucidate the evolution of plants? Reconstruction of the ancestral state of plastid inheritance patterns in a phylogenetic context provides insights into these questions. In particular, a recent report demonstrated the unilateral occurrence of PBPI in angiosperms. This result implies that nuclear cytoplasmic conflicts, a basic driving force for altering the mode of organelle inheritance, might have arisen specifically in angiosperms. Based on existing evidence, it is likely that biparental inheritance may have occurred to rescue angiosperm species with defective plastids.

  3. The clinical application of single-sperm-based SNP haplotyping for PGD of osteogenesis imperfecta.

    PubMed

    Chen, Linjun; Diao, Zhenyu; Xu, Zhipeng; Zhou, Jianjun; Yan, Guijun; Sun, Haixiang

    2018-05-15

    Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, presenting either autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance patterns. The majority of OI cases are autosomal dominant and are caused by heterozygous mutations in either the COL1A1 or COL1A2 gene. In these dominant disorders, allele dropout (ADO) can lead to misdiagnosis in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Polymorphic markers linked to the mutated genes have been used to establish haplotypes for identifying ADO and ensuring the accuracy of PGD. However, the haplotype of male patients cannot be determined without data from affected relatives. Here, we developed a method for single-sperm-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotyping via next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the PGD of OI. After NGS, 10 informative polymorphic SNP markers located upstream and downstream of the COL1A1 gene and its pathogenic mutation site were linked to individual alleles in a single sperm from an affected male. After haplotyping, a normal blastocyst was transferred to the uterus for a subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycle. The accuracy of PGD was confirmed by amniocentesis at 19 weeks of gestation. A healthy infant weighing 4,250 g was born via vaginal delivery at the 40th week of gestation. Single-sperm-based SNP haplotyping can be applied for PGD of any monogenic disorders or de novo mutations in males in whom the haplotype of paternal mutations cannot be determined due to a lack of affected relatives. ADO: allele dropout; DI: dentinogenesis imperfect; ESHRE: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology; FET: frozen embryo transfer; gDNA: genomic DNA; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: in vitro fertilization; MDA: multiple displacement amplification; NGS: next-generation sequencing; OI: osteogenesis imperfect; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PGD: preimplantation genetic diagnosis; SNP: single-nucleotide polymorphism; STR: short tandem repeat; TE: trophectoderm; WGA: whole-genome amplification.

  4. Automated Assignment of MS/MS Cleavable Cross-Links in Protein 3D-Structure Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Götze, Michael; Pettelkau, Jens; Fritzsche, Romy; Ihling, Christian H.; Schäfer, Mathias; Sinz, Andrea

    2015-01-01

    CID-MS/MS cleavable cross-linkers hold an enormous potential for an automated analysis of cross-linked products, which is essential for conducting structural proteomics studies. The created characteristic fragment ion patterns can easily be used for an automated assignment and discrimination of cross-linked products. To date, there are only a few software solutions available that make use of these properties, but none allows for an automated analysis of cleavable cross-linked products. The MeroX software fills this gap and presents a powerful tool for protein 3D-structure analysis in combination with MS/MS cleavable cross-linkers. We show that MeroX allows an automatic screening of characteristic fragment ions, considering static and variable peptide modifications, and effectively scores different types of cross-links. No manual input is required for a correct assignment of cross-links and false discovery rates are calculated. The self-explanatory graphical user interface of MeroX provides easy access for an automated cross-link search platform that is compatible with commonly used data file formats, enabling analysis of data originating from different instruments. The combination of an MS/MS cleavable cross-linker with a dedicated software tool for data analysis provides an automated workflow for 3D-structure analysis of proteins. MeroX is available at www.StavroX.com .

  5. Genetic and pharmacological reactivation of the mammalian inactive X chromosome

    PubMed Central

    Bhatnagar, Sanchita; Zhu, Xiaochun; Ou, Jianhong; Lin, Ling; Chamberlain, Lynn; Zhu, Lihua J.; Wajapeyee, Narendra; Green, Michael R.

    2014-01-01

    X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), the random transcriptional silencing of one X chromosome in somatic cells of female mammals, is a mechanism that ensures equal expression of X-linked genes in both sexes. XCI is initiated in cis by the noncoding Xist RNA, which coats the inactive X chromosome (Xi) from which it is produced. However, trans-acting factors that mediate XCI remain largely unknown. Here, we perform a large-scale RNA interference screen to identify trans-acting XCI factors (XCIFs) that comprise regulators of cell signaling and transcription, including the DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1. The expression pattern of the XCIFs explains the selective onset of XCI following differentiation. The XCIFs function, at least in part, by promoting expression and/or localization of Xist to the Xi. Surprisingly, we find that DNMT1, which is generally a transcriptional repressor, is an activator of Xist transcription. Small-molecule inhibitors of two of the XCIFs can reversibly reactivate the Xi, which has implications for treatment of Rett syndrome and other dominant X-linked diseases. A homozygous mouse knockout of one of the XCIFs, stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), has an expected XCI defect but surprisingly is phenotypically normal. Remarkably, X-linked genes are not overexpressed in female Stc1−/− mice, revealing the existence of a mechanism(s) that can compensate for a persistent XCI deficiency to regulate X-linked gene expression. PMID:25136103

  6. Mitochondrial Hsp60 Chaperonopathy Causes an Autosomal-Recessive Neurodegenerative Disorder Linked to Brain Hypomyelination and Leukodystrophy

    PubMed Central

    Magen, Daniella; Georgopoulos, Costa; Bross, Peter; Ang, Debbie; Segev, Yardena; Goldsher, Dorit; Nemirovski, Alexandra; Shahar, Eli; Ravid, Sarit; Luder, Anthony; Heno, Bayan; Gershoni-Baruch, Ruth; Skorecki, Karl; Mandel, Hanna

    2008-01-01

    Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HMLs) are disorders involving aberrant myelin formation. The prototype of primary HMLs is the X-linked Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) caused by mutations in PLP1. Recently, homozygous mutations in GJA12 encoding connexin 47 were found in patients with autosomal-recessive Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease (PMLD). However, many patients of both genders with PMLD carry neither PLP1 nor GJA12 mutations. We report a consanguineous Israeli Bedouin kindred with clinical and radiological findings compatible with PMLD, in which linkage to PLP1 and GJA12 was excluded. Using homozygosity mapping and mutation analysis, we have identified a homozygous missense mutation (D29G) not previously described in HSPD1, encoding the mitochondrial heat-shock protein 60 (Hsp60) in all affected individuals. The D29G mutation completely segregates with the disease-associated phenotype. The pathogenic effect of D29G on Hsp60-chaperonin activity was verified by an in vivo E. coli complementation assay, which demonstrated compromised ability of the D29G-Hsp60 mutant protein to support E. coli survival, especially at high temperatures. The disorder, which we have termed MitCHAP-60 disease, can be distinguished from spastic paraplegia 13 (SPG13), another Hsp60-associated autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder, by its autosomal-recessive inheritance pattern, as well as by its early-onset, profound cerebral involvement and lethality. Our findings suggest that Hsp60 defects can cause neurodegenerative pathologies of varying severity, not previously suspected on the basis of the SPG13 phenotype. These findings should help to clarify the important role of Hsp60 in myelinogenesis and neurodegeneration. PMID:18571143

  7. Creatine deficiency syndromes.

    PubMed

    Schulze, Andreas

    2013-01-01

    The lack of creatine in the central nervous system causes a severe but treatable neurological disease. Three inherited defects, AGAT, GAMT, and CrT deficiency, compromising synthesis and transport of creatine have been discovered recently. Together these so-called creatine deficiency syndromes (CDS) might represent the most frequent metabolic disorders with a primarily neurological phenotype. Patients with CDS present with global developmental delays, mental retardation, speech impairment especially affecting active language, seizures, extrapyramidal movement disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The two defects in the creatine synthesis, AGAT and GAMT, are autosomal recessive disorders. They can be diagnosed by analysis of the creatine, guanidinoacetate, and creatinine in body fluids. Treatment is available and, especially when introduced in infancy, has a good outcome. The defect of creatine transport, CrT, is an X-linked condition and perhaps the most frequent reasons for X-linked mental retardation. Diagnosis is made by an increased ratio of creatine to creatinine in urine, but successful treatment still needs to be explored. CDS are under-diagnosed because easy to miss in standard diagnostic workup. Because CDS represent a frequent cause of cognitive and neurological impairment that is treatable they warrant consideration in the workup for genetic mental retardation syndromes, for intractable seizure disorders, and for neurological diseases with a predominant lack of active speech. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Possible influences on the expression of X chromosome-linked dystrophin abnormalities by heterozygosity for autosomal recessive Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Beggs, A.H.; Neumann, P.E.; Anderson, M.S.

    1992-01-15

    Abnormalities of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein of muscle and nerve, are generally considered specific for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. However, several patients have recently been identified with dystrophin deficiency who, before dystrophin testing, were considered to have Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) on the basis of clinical findings. Epidemiologic data suggest that only 1/3,500 males with autosomal recessive FCMD should have abnormal dystrophin. To explain the observation of 3/23 FCMD males with abnormal dystrophin, the authors propose that dystrophin and the FCMD gene product interact and that the earlier onset and greater severity of these patients' phenotype (relative tomore » Duchenne muscular dystrophy) are due to their being heterozygous for the FCMD mutation in addition to being hemizygous for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genotype that is predicted to occur in 1/175,000 Japanese males. This model may help explain the genetic basis for some of the clinical and pathological variability seen among patients with FCMD, and it has potential implications for understanding the inheritance of other autosomal recessive disorders in general. For example, sex ratios for rare autosomal recessive disorders caused by mutations in proteins that interact with X chromosome-linked gene products may display predictable deviation from 1:1.« less

  9. Molecular genetic analysis of consanguineous Pakistani families with autosomal recessive hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

    PubMed

    Bibi, Nosheen; Ahmad, Saeed; Ahmad, Wasim; Naeem, Muhammad

    2011-02-01

    Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is an inherited disorder characterized by defective development of teeth, hairs and sweat glands. X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is caused by mutations in the EDA gene, and autosomal forms of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia are caused by mutations in either the EDAR or the EDARADD genes. To study the molecular genetic cause of autosomal recessive hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia in three consanguineous Pakistani families (A, B and C), genotyping of 13 individuals was carried out by using polymorphic microsatellite markers that are closely linked to the EDAR gene on chromosome 2q11-q13 and the EDARADD gene on chromosome 1q42.2-q43. The results revealed linkage in the three families to the EDAR locus. Sequence analysis of the coding exons and splice junctions of the EDAR gene revealed two mutations: a novel non-sense mutation (p.E124X) in the probands of families A and B and a missense mutation (p.G382S) in the proband of family C. In addition, two synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified. The finding of mutations in Pakistani families extends the body of evidence that supports the importance of EDAR for the development of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. © 2010 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2010 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

  10. Convergence of genes and cellular pathways dysregulated in autism spectrum disorders.

    PubMed

    Pinto, Dalila; Delaby, Elsa; Merico, Daniele; Barbosa, Mafalda; Merikangas, Alison; Klei, Lambertus; Thiruvahindrapuram, Bhooma; Xu, Xiao; Ziman, Robert; Wang, Zhuozhi; Vorstman, Jacob A S; Thompson, Ann; Regan, Regina; Pilorge, Marion; Pellecchia, Giovanna; Pagnamenta, Alistair T; Oliveira, Bárbara; Marshall, Christian R; Magalhaes, Tiago R; Lowe, Jennifer K; Howe, Jennifer L; Griswold, Anthony J; Gilbert, John; Duketis, Eftichia; Dombroski, Beth A; De Jonge, Maretha V; Cuccaro, Michael; Crawford, Emily L; Correia, Catarina T; Conroy, Judith; Conceição, Inês C; Chiocchetti, Andreas G; Casey, Jillian P; Cai, Guiqing; Cabrol, Christelle; Bolshakova, Nadia; Bacchelli, Elena; Anney, Richard; Gallinger, Steven; Cotterchio, Michelle; Casey, Graham; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie; Wittemeyer, Kerstin; Wing, Kirsty; Wallace, Simon; van Engeland, Herman; Tryfon, Ana; Thomson, Susanne; Soorya, Latha; Rogé, Bernadette; Roberts, Wendy; Poustka, Fritz; Mouga, Susana; Minshew, Nancy; McInnes, L Alison; McGrew, Susan G; Lord, Catherine; Leboyer, Marion; Le Couteur, Ann S; Kolevzon, Alexander; Jiménez González, Patricia; Jacob, Suma; Holt, Richard; Guter, Stephen; Green, Jonathan; Green, Andrew; Gillberg, Christopher; Fernandez, Bridget A; Duque, Frederico; Delorme, Richard; Dawson, Geraldine; Chaste, Pauline; Café, Cátia; Brennan, Sean; Bourgeron, Thomas; Bolton, Patrick F; Bölte, Sven; Bernier, Raphael; Baird, Gillian; Bailey, Anthony J; Anagnostou, Evdokia; Almeida, Joana; Wijsman, Ellen M; Vieland, Veronica J; Vicente, Astrid M; Schellenberg, Gerard D; Pericak-Vance, Margaret; Paterson, Andrew D; Parr, Jeremy R; Oliveira, Guiomar; Nurnberger, John I; Monaco, Anthony P; Maestrini, Elena; Klauck, Sabine M; Hakonarson, Hakon; Haines, Jonathan L; Geschwind, Daniel H; Freitag, Christine M; Folstein, Susan E; Ennis, Sean; Coon, Hilary; Battaglia, Agatino; Szatmari, Peter; Sutcliffe, James S; Hallmayer, Joachim; Gill, Michael; Cook, Edwin H; Buxbaum, Joseph D; Devlin, Bernie; Gallagher, Louise; Betancur, Catalina; Scherer, Stephen W

    2014-05-01

    Rare copy-number variation (CNV) is an important source of risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We analyzed 2,446 ASD-affected families and confirmed an excess of genic deletions and duplications in affected versus control groups (1.41-fold, p = 1.0 × 10(-5)) and an increase in affected subjects carrying exonic pathogenic CNVs overlapping known loci associated with dominant or X-linked ASD and intellectual disability (odds ratio = 12.62, p = 2.7 × 10(-15), ∼3% of ASD subjects). Pathogenic CNVs, often showing variable expressivity, included rare de novo and inherited events at 36 loci, implicating ASD-associated genes (CHD2, HDAC4, and GDI1) previously linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as other genes such as SETD5, MIR137, and HDAC9. Consistent with hypothesized gender-specific modulators, females with ASD were more likely to have highly penetrant CNVs (p = 0.017) and were also overrepresented among subjects with fragile X syndrome protein targets (p = 0.02). Genes affected by de novo CNVs and/or loss-of-function single-nucleotide variants converged on networks related to neuronal signaling and development, synapse function, and chromatin regulation. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Leaky phenotype of X-linked agammaglobulinaemia in a Japanese family

    PubMed Central

    Kaneko, H; Kawamoto, N; Asano, T; Mabuchi, Y; Horikoshi, H; Teramoto, T; JIN-RONG; Matsui, E; Kondo, M; Fukao, T; Kasahara, K; Kondo, N

    2005-01-01

    X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) is an inherited immunodeficiency that is caused by a block in early B-cell differentiation. Whereas early B precursors in the bone marrow are present in substantial numbers, XLA-affected individuals have dramatically reduced numbers of circulating mature B cells, plasma cells and immunoglobulins of all isotypes. We report on a Japanese family with 3 XLA patients, in whom the serum immunoglobulin levels and number of B cells showed a significant difference among them in spite of harbouring the same splice donor site mutation in the BTK gene. We developed concise method for detection of this mutation, which is helpful for discovering the carrier. Patient 2 showed a significant serum immunoglobulin levels of all isotypes, including allergen-specific IgE. Expression of a normal and truncated size BTK gene was detected in patient 2′s peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Expression of BTK protein was also detected in some B cells. These results suggest that the leaky phenotype in patient 2 was caused in part by the expression of a normal BTK gene transcript. The increased frequency of infection with age expanded the number of B cells with normal BTK gene expression and produced the serum immunoglobulin, including IgE. PMID:15932514

  12. Mitochondrial inheritance in budding yeasts: towards an integrated understanding.

    PubMed

    Solieri, Lisa

    2010-11-01

    Recent advances in yeast mitogenomics have significantly contributed to our understanding of the diversity of organization, structure and topology in the mitochondrial genome of budding yeasts. In parallel, new insights on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae highlighted an integrated scenario where recombination, replication and segregation of mtDNA are intricately linked to mitochondrial nucleoid (mt-nucleoid) structure and organelle sorting. In addition to this, recent discoveries of bifunctional roles of some mitochondrial proteins have interesting implications on mito-nuclear genome interactions and the relationship between mtDNA inheritance, yeast fitness and speciation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on yeast mitogenomics, mtDNA inheritance with regard to mt-nucleoid structure and organelle dynamics, and mito-nuclear genome interactions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. A single codon insertion in PICALM is associated with development of familial subvalvular aortic stenosis in Newfoundland dogs.

    PubMed

    Stern, Joshua A; White, Stephen N; Lehmkuhl, Linda B; Reina-Doreste, Yamir; Ferguson, Jordan L; Nascone-Yoder, Nanette M; Meurs, Kathryn M

    2014-09-01

    Familial subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs and is an inherited defect of Newfoundlands, golden retrievers and human children. Although SAS is known to be inherited, specific genes involved in Newfoundlands with SAS have not been defined. We hypothesized that SAS in Newfoundlands is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and caused by a single genetic variant. We studied 93 prospectively recruited Newfoundland dogs, and 180 control dogs of 30 breeds. By providing cardiac screening evaluations for Newfoundlands we conducted a pedigree evaluation, genome-wide association study and RNA sequence analysis to identify a proposed pattern of inheritance and genetic loci associated with the development of SAS. We identified a three-nucleotide exonic insertion in phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM) that is associated with the development of SAS in Newfoundlands. Pedigree evaluation best supported an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and provided evidence that equivocally affected individuals may pass on SAS in their progeny. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of PICALM in the canine myocardium and area of the subvalvular ridge. Additionally, small molecule inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis resulted in developmental abnormalities within the outflow tract (OFT) of Xenopus laevis embryos. The ability to test for presence of this PICALM insertion may impact dog-breeding decisions and facilitate reduction of SAS disease prevalence in Newfoundland dogs. Understanding the role of PICALM in OFT development may aid in future molecular and genetic investigations into other congenital heart defects of various species.

  14. Therapeutic effects of proteoliposomes on X-linked chronic granulomatous disease: proof of concept using macrophages differentiated from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Brault, Julie; Vaganay, Guillaume; Le Roy, Aline; Lenormand, Jean-Luc; Cortes, Sandra; Stasia, Marie José

    2017-01-01

    Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency due to dysfunction of the phagocytic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex leading to severe and recurrent infections in early childhood. The main genetic form is the X-linked CGD leading to the absence of cytochrome b558 composed of NOX2 and p22phox, the membrane partners of the NADPH oxidase complex. The first cause of death of CGD patients is pulmonary infections. Recombinant proteoliposome-based therapy is an emerging and innovative approach for membrane protein delivery, which could be an alternative local, targeted treatment to fight lung infections in CGD patients. We developed an enzyme therapy using recombinant NOX2/p22phox liposomes to supply the NADPH oxidase activity in X0-linked CGD (X0-CGD) macrophages. Using an optimized prokaryotic cell-free protein synthesis system, a recombinant cytochrome b558 containing functional hemes was produced and directly inserted into the lipid bilayer of specific liposomes. The size of the NOX2/p22phox liposomes was estimated to be around 700 nm. These proteoliposomes were able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an activated reconstituted cell-free NADPH oxidase activation assay in the presence of recombinant p47phox, p67phox and Rac, the cytosolic components of the NADPH oxidase complex. Furthermore, using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrated that cytochrome b558 was successfully delivered to the plasma membrane of X0-CGD-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived macrophages. In addition, NADPH oxidase activity was restored in X0-CGD iPSC-derived macrophages treated with NOX2/p22phox liposomes for 8 h without any toxicity. In conclusion, we confirmed that proteoliposomes provide a new promising technology for the delivery of functional proteins to the membrane of targeted cells. This efficient liposomal enzyme replacement therapy will be useful for future treatment of pulmonary infections in CGD patients refractory to conventional anti-infectious treatments. PMID:28356734

  15. A locus for isolated cataract on human Xp

    PubMed Central

    Francis, P; Berry, V; Hardcastle, A; Maher, E; Moore, A; Bhattacharya, S

    2002-01-01

    Purpose: To genetically map the gene causing isolated X linked cataract in a large European pedigree. Methods: Using the patient registers at Birmingham Women's Hospital, UK, we identified and examined 23 members of a four generation family with nuclear cataract. Four of six affected males also had complex congenital heart disease. Pedigree data were collated and leucocyte DNA extracted from venous blood. Linkage analysis by PCR based microsatellite marker genotyping was used to identify the disease locus and mutations within candidate genes screened by direct sequencing. Results: The disease locus was genetically refined to chromosome Xp22, within a 3 cM linkage interval flanked by markers DXS9902 and DXS999 (Zmax=3.64 at θ=0 for marker DXS8036). Conclusions: This is the first report of a locus for isolated inherited cataract on the X chromosome. The disease interval lies within the Nance-Horan locus suggesting allelic heterogeneity. The apparent association with congenital cardiac anomalies suggests a possible new oculocardiac syndrome. PMID:11836358

  16. A locus for isolated cataract on human Xp.

    PubMed

    Francis, P J; Berry, V; Hardcastle, A J; Maher, E R; Moore, A T; Bhattacharya, S S

    2002-02-01

    To genetically map the gene causing isolated X linked cataract in a large European pedigree. Using the patient registers at Birmingham Women's Hospital, UK, we identified and examined 23 members of a four generation family with nuclear cataract. Four of six affected males also had complex congenital heart disease. Pedigree data were collated and leucocyte DNA extracted from venous blood. Linkage analysis by PCR based microsatellite marker genotyping was used to identify the disease locus and mutations within candidate genes screened by direct sequencing. The disease locus was genetically refined to chromosome Xp22, within a 3 cM linkage interval flanked by markers DXS9902 and DXS999 (Zmax=3.64 at theta=0 for marker DXS8036). This is the first report of a locus for isolated inherited cataract on the X chromosome. The disease interval lies within the Nance-Horan locus suggesting allelic heterogeneity. The apparent association with congenital cardiac anomalies suggests a possible new oculocardiac syndrome.

  17. De novo mutation of PHEX in a type 1 diabetes patient.

    PubMed

    Fang, Chen; Li, Hui; Li, Xiaozhen; Xiao, Wenjin; Huang, Yun; Cai, Wu; Yang, Yi; Hu, Ji

    2016-05-01

    A new missense mutation on the X chromosome (PHEX) at exon 4(c.442C>T) in a 4-generation Chinese Han pedigree is reported. The proband and four family members were clinically identified as the X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) which is a dominant inherited disorder characterized by renal phosphate wasting, aberrant vitamin D metabolism, and abnormal bone mineralization. The proband is identified as hemizygous with the four female family members to be heterozygous genotypes. The discovery was made through the complete sequencing of the exons and the intron-exon boundaries of the PHEX gene of this family. The mutation caused the S141 residue to change to Phe from Ser which is perfectly conserved among humans, mice, rats, cows and chickens. PolyPhen-2 software analysis of the mutation indicated it was probably damaging. The proband was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the relationship between XLH and diabetes phenotypes was discussed in the paper.

  18. Early Mesozoic rift basin architecture and sediment routing system in the Moroccan High Atlas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perez, N.; Teixell, A.; Gomez, D.

    2016-12-01

    Late Permian to Triassic extensional systems associated with Pangea breakup governed the structural framework and rift basin architecture that was inherited by Cenozoic High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. U-Pb detrital zircon geochronologic and mapping results from Permo-Triassic deposits now incorporated into the High Atlas Mountains provide new constraints on the geometry and interconnectivity among synextensional depocenters. U-Pb detrital zircon data provide provenance constraints of Permo-Triassic deposits, highlighting temporal changes in sediment sources and revealing the spatial pattern of sediment routing along the rift. We also characterize the U-Pb detrital zircon geochronologic signature of distinctive interfingering fluvial, tidal, and aeolian facies that are preferentially preserved near the controlling normal faults. These results highlight complex local sediment mixing patterns potentially linked to the interplay between fault motion, eustatic, and erosion/transport processes. We compare our U-Pb geochronologic results with existing studies of Gondwanan and Laurentian cratonic blocks to investigate continent scale sediment routing pathways, and with analogous early Mesozoic extensional systems situated in South America (Mitu basin, Peru) and North America (Newark Basin) to assess sediment mixing patterns in rift basins.

  19. Molecular patterns of X chromosome-linked color vision genes among 134 menof European ancestry

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Drummond-Borg, M.; Deeb, S.S.; Motulsky, A.G.

    1989-02-01

    The authors used Southern blot hybridization to study X chromosome-linked color vision genes encoding the apoproteins of red and green visual pigments in 134 unselected Caucasian men. One hundred and thirteen individuals (84.3%) had a normal arrangement of their color vision pigment genes. All had one red pigment gene; the number of green pigment genes ranged from one to five with a mode of two. The frequency of molecular genotypes indicative of normal color vision (84.3%) was significantly lower than had been observed in previous studies of color vision phenotypes. Color vision defects can be due to deletions of redmore » or green pigment genes or due to formation of hybrid genes comprising portions of both red and green pigment genes. Characteristic anomalous patterns were seen in 15 (11.2%) individuals: 7 (5.2%) had patterns characteristic of deuteranomaly, 2 (1.5%) had patterns characteristic of deuteranopia, and 6 (4.5%) had protan patterns. Previously undescribed hybrid gene patterns consisting of both green and red pigment gene fragments in addition to normal red and green genes were observed in another 6 individuals (4.5%). Thus, DNA testing detected anomalous color vision pigment genes at a higher frequency than expected from phenotypic color vision tests.« less

  20. Co-segregation of Norrie disease and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in a family with a microdeletion of the NDP region at Xp11.3-p11.4.

    PubMed

    Staropoli, John F; Xin, Winnie; Sims, Katherine B

    2010-11-01

    Norrie disease is a rare X-linked congenital retinal vasculopathy that may be accompanied by sensorineural deafness, mental retardation, and other neurological deficits. Here we present a family in which Norrie disease co-segregated with either early-onset idiopathic pulmonary hypertension or sudden death preceded by a period of progressive dyspnea. Neither Norrie disease, nor its atypical variants described to date, have been associated with this extended clinical phenotype. Molecular analysis of the Norrie disease gene (NDP) and adjacent loci was performed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and comparative genomic hybridisation. Affected males in this family showed an inherited hemizygous deletion restricted to NDP and two immediately telomeric genes, monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) and monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), which encode closely related enzymes that metabolize biogenic amines including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Sequencing of the deletion junction showed an unusual pattern in which a region of microhomology flanked intervening genomic sequence. Because abnormalities of biogenic amines, particularly serotonin, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, we propose that presumed MAO deficiency in these patients may represent a novel risk factor for pulmonary hypertension, particularly forms with very early onset. Fine-mapping of other microdeletions at this locus may provide insights into additional mechanisms for nonrecurrent genomic rearrangements at this and other chromosomal loci.

  1. Gene localization in the Snyder-Robinson syndrome

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Arena, J.F.; Lubs, H.A.; Schwartz, C.

    1994-07-15

    A family described as non-specific XLMR by Snyder and Robinson was re-evaluated 23 years later. Clinical and DNA studies were conducted on 17 family members; 6 affected males, 3 carrier females, and 8 normal males. All carrier females were clinically normal and the pattern of inheritance was clearly X-linked. Initial localization studies indicated linkage to the region near the DMD locus in Xp21.22. Further analysis focused on this region using (CA)n repeat polymorphisms for the dystrophin gene and for two markers distal to the gene. The dystrophin markers detected recombination across the entire gene, making it unlikely that the DMDmore » locus was involved in the Snyder-Robinson syndrome. Normal dystrophin staining in a muscle biopsy in one affected male confirmed this observation. Multipoint analysis also indicate that the SRS (Snyder-Robinson Syndrome) locus was distal to DMD, and located near locus DXS41 (lod score = 4.00 at theta = 0.00). The presence of mild to moderate mental retardation, asthenic body build, diminished muscle bulk, nasal speech, high narrow/cleft palate, long thin fingers and great toes and mild to severe scoliosis permitted the delineation of a specific syndrome associated with this previously non-specific disorder. It is important, therefore, to recognize that today`s {open_quotes}non-specific{close_quotes} family may be tomorrow`s syndrome.« less

  2. In vitro cross-linking of elastin peptides and molecular characterization of the resultant biomaterials.

    PubMed

    Heinz, Andrea; Ruttkies, Christoph K H; Jahreis, Günther; Schräder, Christoph U; Wichapong, Kanin; Sippl, Wolfgang; Keeley, Fred W; Neubert, Reinhard H H; Schmelzer, Christian E H

    2013-04-01

    Elastin is a vital protein and the major component of elastic fibers which provides resilience to many vertebrate tissues. Elastin's structure and function are influenced by extensive cross-linking, however, the cross-linking pattern is still unknown. Small peptides containing reactive allysine residues based on sequences of cross-linking domains of human elastin were incubated in vitro to form cross-links characteristic of mature elastin. The resultant insoluble polymeric biomaterials were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Both, the supernatants of the samples and the insoluble polymers, after digestion with pancreatic elastase or trypsin, were furthermore comprehensively characterized on the molecular level using MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. MS(2) data was used to develop the software PolyLinX, which is able to sequence not only linear and bifunctionally cross-linked peptides, but for the first time also tri- and tetrafunctionally cross-linked species. Thus, it was possible to identify intra- and intermolecular cross-links including allysine aldols, dehydrolysinonorleucines and dehydromerodesmosines. The formation of the tetrafunctional cross-link desmosine or isodesmosine was unexpected, however, could be confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations. The study demonstrated that it is possible to produce biopolymers containing polyfunctional cross-links characteristic of mature elastin from small elastin peptides. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and the newly developed software PolyLinX proved suitable for sequencing of native cross-links in proteolytic digests of elastin-like biomaterials. The study provides important insight into the formation of native elastin cross-links and represents a considerable step towards the characterization of the complex cross-linking pattern of mature elastin. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. New mutations of DAX-1 genes in two Japanese patients with X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yanase, Toshihiko; Takayanagi, Ryoichi; Oba, Koichi

    Congenital adrenal hypoplasia, an X-linked disorder, is characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency and frequent association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The X-chromosome gene DAX-1 has been most recently identified and shown to be responsible for this disorder. We analyzed the DAX-1 genes of two unrelated Japanese patients with congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by using PCR amplification of genomic DNA and its complete exonic sequencing. In a family containing several affected individuals, the proband male patient had a stop codon (TGA) in place of tryptophan (TGG) at amino acid position 171. As expected, his mother was a heterozygous carrier for themore » mutation, whereas his father and unaffected brother did not carry this mutation. In another male patient with noncontributory family history, sequencing revealed a 1-bp (T) deletion at amino acid position 280, leading to a frame shift and, subsequently a premature stop codon at amino acid position 371. The presence of this mutation in the patients` genome was further confirmed by digestion of genomic PCR product with MspI created by this mutation. Family studies using MspI digestion of genomic PCR products revealed that neither parent of this individual carried the mutation. These results clearly indicate that congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism result from not only inherited but also de novo mutation in the DAX-1 gene. 31 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  4. The cophylogeny of populations and cultures: reconstructing the evolution of Iranian tribal craft traditions using trees and jungles

    PubMed Central

    Tehrani, Jamshid J.; Collard, Mark; Shennan, Stephen J.

    2010-01-01

    Phylogenetic approaches to culture have shed new light on the role played by population dispersals in the spread and diversification of cultural traditions. However, the fact that cultural inheritance is based on separate mechanisms from genetic inheritance means that socially transmitted traditions have the potential to diverge from population histories. Here, we suggest that associations between these two systems can be reconstructed using techniques developed to study cospeciation between hosts and parasites and related problems in biology. Relationships among the latter are patterned by four main processes: co-divergence, intra-host speciation (duplication), intra-host extinction (sorting) and horizontal transfers. We show that patterns of cultural inheritance are structured by analogous processes, and then demonstrate the applicability of the host–parasite model to culture using empirical data on Iranian tribal populations. PMID:21041211

  5. Chronic Granulomatous Disease Presenting as Aspergillus Fumigatus Pneumonia in a Previously Healthy Young Woman.

    PubMed

    Williams, David; Kadaria, Dipen; Sodhi, Amik; Fox, Roy; Williams, Glenn; Threlkeld, Stephen

    2017-04-05

    BACKGROUND Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is a rare immunodeficiency disease caused by a genetic defect in the NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase enzyme, resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. The inheritance can be X-linked or autosomal recessive. Patients usually present with repeated infections early in life. We present an unusual case of a 23-year-old patient diagnosed with CGD. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old white woman with no previous history of recurrent infections presented with complaints of fever, shortness of breath, and diffuse myalgia. She had been treated twice for similar complaints recently, but without resolution. She was febrile, tachypneic, tachycardic, and hypoxic at presentation. Physical examination revealed diffuse inspiratory rales. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis. Her initial chest X-ray and CT chest showed reticular nodular interstitial lung disease pattern. Despite being on broad-spectrum antibiotics for 5 days, she continued to require supplemental oxygen and continued to be tachypneic, with minimal activity. Initial diagnostic tests, including bronchoscopy with biopsy and lavage, did not reveal a diagnosis. She then underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung biopsy. The biopsy slides showed suppurative granulomatous inflammation affecting greater than 50% of the parenchymal lung surface. Fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus were present in those granulomas. A diagnosis of CGD was made and she was started on Voriconazole. She improved with treatment. Her neutrophil burst test showed negative burst on stimulation, indicating phagocytic dysfunction consistent with CGD. Autosomal recessive CGD was confirmed by genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS CGD can present in adulthood without any previous symptoms and signs. Clinicians should consider this disease in patients presenting with recurrent or non-resolving infections. Timely treatment and prophylaxis has been shown to reduce serious infections as well as mortality in these patients.

  6. War: Anthropologists and Sociologists Ask Whether Warfare and Aggression are Inherited or Learned

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trotter, Robert J.

    1973-01-01

    Presents opposing philosophies relating to the nature of aggression in man. One position advocates that human aggression is the product of evolution and is inherited, while the other proposes a cultural pattern model of aggression and uses two empirical tests in an attempt to disprove the genetic model. (JR)

  7. Deciphering the Role of the Barr Body in Malignancy: An insight into head and neck cancer.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Deepti; Koshy, George; Gupta, Shruti; Sharma, Bhushan; Grover, Sonal

    2017-11-01

    X chromosome inactivation is the epitome of epigenetic regulation and long non-coding ribonucleic acid function. The differentiation status of cells has been ascribed to X chromosome activity, with two active X chromosomes generally only observed in undifferentiated or poorly differentiated cells. Recently, several studies have indicated that the reactivation of an inactive X chromosome or X chromosome multiplication correlates with the development of malignancy; however, this concept is still controversial. This review sought to shed light on the role of the X chromosome in cancer development. In particular, there is a need for further exploration of the expression patterns of X-linked genes in cancer cells, especially those in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in order to identify different prognostic subpopulations with distinct clinical implications. This article proposes a functional relationship between the loss of the Barr body and the disproportional expression of X-linked genes in HNSCC development.

  8. X-exome sequencing identifies a HDAC8 variant in a large pedigree with X-linked intellectual disability, truncal obesity, gynaecomastia, hypogonadism and unusual face.

    PubMed

    Harakalova, Magdalena; van den Boogaard, Marie-Jose; Sinke, Richard; van Lieshout, Stef; van Tuil, Marc C; Duran, Karen; Renkens, Ivo; Terhal, Paulien A; de Kovel, Carolien; Nijman, Ies J; van Haelst, Mieke; Knoers, Nine V A M; van Haaften, Gijs; Kloosterman, Wigard; Hennekam, Raoul C M; Cuppen, Edwin; Ploos van Amstel, Hans Kristian

    2012-08-01

    We present a large Dutch family with seven males affected by a novel syndrome of X-linked intellectual disability, hypogonadism, gynaecomastia, truncal obesity, short stature and recognisable craniofacial manifestations resembling but not identical to Wilson-Turner syndrome. Seven female relatives show a much milder expression of the phenotype. We performed X chromosome exome (X-exome) sequencing in five individuals from this family and identified a novel intronic variant in the histone deacetylase 8 gene (HDAC8), c.164+5G>A, which disturbs the normal splicing of exon 2 resulting in exon skipping, and introduces a premature stop at the beginning of the histone deacetylase catalytic domain. The identified variant completely segregates in this family and was absent in 96 Dutch controls and available databases. Affected female carriers showed a notably skewed X-inactivation pattern in lymphocytes in which the mutated X-chromosome was completely inactivated. HDAC8 is a member of the protein family of histone deacetylases that play a major role in epigenetic gene silencing during development. HDAC8 specifically controls the patterning of the skull with the mouse HDAC8 knock-out showing craniofacial deformities of the skull. The present family provides the first evidence for involvement of HDAC8 in a syndromic form of intellectual disability.

  9. The role of genealogy and clinical family histories in documenting possible inheritance patterns for diabetes mellitus in the pre-insulin era: part 1. The clinical case of Josephine Imperato.

    PubMed

    Imperato, Pascal James; Imperato, Gavin H

    2009-10-01

    Establishing the role of heredity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) is challenging. While type 2 DM frequently displays a pattern of familial aggregation, many other risk factors are responsible for the clinical expression of the disease. This paper reviews a number of the early twentieth-century studies of inheritance patterns for type 2 DM and presents in detail the history of Josephine Foniciello Imperato (Maria Giuseppa Foniciello) who died from the disease in New York City at the age of 52 years on 14 November 1921, ten months before commercial insulin became available.

  10. Genetics Home Reference: PPM-X syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... a condition characterized by psychotic disorders (most commonly bipolar disorder ), a pattern of movement abnormalities known as parkinsonism, ... Additional Information & Resources MedlinePlus (4 links) Health Topic: Bipolar Disorder Health Topic: Developmental Disabilities Health Topic: Movement Disorders ...

  11. Fragile X Syndrome--From Genes to Cognition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schneider, A.; Hagerman, R. J.; Hessl, D.

    2009-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a single gene disorder with an expanded CGG allele on the X chromosome, is the most common form of inherited cognitive impairment. The cognitive deficit ranges from mild learning disabilities to severe intellectual disability. The phenotype includes hyperactivity, short attention span, emotional problems including…

  12. Serum Soluble Transferrin Receptor Concentrations Are Elevated in Congolese Children with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Variants, but Not Sickle Cell Variants or α-Thalassemia.

    PubMed

    Barker, Mikaela K; Henderson, Amanda M; Naguib, Karimah; Vercauteren, Suzanne M; Devlin, Angela M; Albert, Arianne Y; Bahizire, Esto; Tugirimana, Pierrot L; Akilimali, Pierre Z; Boy, Erick; Green, Tim J; Karakochuk, Crystal D

    2017-09-01

    Background: Anemia is common in Congolese children, and inherited blood disorders may be a contributing cause. The presence of sickle cell variants, X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and α-thalassemia, has been previously reported. G6PD A- deficiency is characterized by the co-inheritance of G6PD 376 and 202 variants and is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: We aimed to measure the associations between inherited blood disorders and hemoglobin, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations in Congolese children. Methods: Venous blood was collected from 744 children aged 6-59 mo from 2 provinces. We measured biomarkers of nutritional and inflammation status and malaria. Pyrosequencing was used to detect sickle cell variants. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect G6PD variants and α-thalassemia deletions. Results: Overall, 11% of children had a sickle cell variant, 19% of boys were G6PD A- hemizygotes, 12% and 10% of girls were G6PD A- hetero- or homozygotes, respectively, and 12% of children had α-thalassemia. Multivariable linear regression models (adjusted for age, province, altitude, malaria, and biomarkers of nutritional and inflammation status) showed that G6PD A- hemizygous boys and G6PD 376 homozygous girls had higher sTfR concentrations [geometric mean ratios (95% CIs): 1.20 (1.03, 1.39) and 1.25 (1.02, 1.53), respectively] than children with no G6PD variants. Hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations were not independently associated with any of the inherited blood disorder genotypes. Conclusions: We found that 2 G6PD variant genotypes were associated with elevated sTfR concentrations, which limits the accuracy of sTfR as a biomarker of iron status in this population. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

  13. Segregation analysis of prostate cancer in France: evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance and residual brother-brother dependence.

    PubMed

    Valeri, A; Briollais, L; Azzouzi, R; Fournier, G; Mangin, P; Berthon, P; Cussenot, O; Demenais, F

    2003-03-01

    Four segregation analyses concerning prostate cancer (CaP), three conducted in the United States and one in Northern Europe, have shown evidence for a dominant major gene but with different parameter estimates. A recent segregation analysis of Australian pedigrees has found a better fit of a two-locus model than single-locus models. This model included a dominantly inherited increased risk that was greater at younger ages and a recessively inherited or X-linked increased risk that was greater at older ages. Recent linkage analyses have led to the detection of at least 8 CaP predisposing genes, suggesting a complex inheritance and genetic heterogeneity. To assess the nature of familial aggregation of prostate cancer in France, segregation analysis was conducted in 691 families ascertained through 691 CaP patients, recruited from three French hospitals and unselected with respect to age at diagnosis, clinical stage or family history. This mode of family inclusion, without any particular selection of the probands, is unique, as probands from all previous analyses were selected according to various criteria. Segregation analysis was carried out using the logistic hazard regressive model, as incorporated in the REGRESS program, which can accommodate a major gene effect, residual familial dependences of any origin (genetic and/or environmental), and covariates, while including survival analysis concepts. Segregation analysis showed evidence for the segregation of an autosomal dominant gene (allele frequency of 0.03%) with an additional brother-brother dependence. The estimated cumulative risks of prostate cancer by age 85 years, among subjects with the at-risk genotype, were 86% in the fathers' generation and 99% in the probands' generation. This study supports the model of Mendelian transmission of a rare autosomal dominant gene with high penetrance, and demonstrates that additional genetic and/or common sibling environmental factors are involved to account for the familial clustering of CaP.

  14. Modelling the effects of penetrance and family size on rates of sporadic and familial disease.

    PubMed

    Al-Chalabi, Ammar; Lewis, Cathryn M

    2011-01-01

    Many complex diseases show a diversity of inheritance patterns ranging from familial disease, manifesting with autosomal dominant inheritance, through to simplex families in which only one person is affected, manifesting as apparently sporadic disease. The role of ascertainment bias in generating apparent patterns of inheritance is often overlooked. We therefore explored the role of two key parameters that influence ascertainment, penetrance and family size, in rates of observed familiality. We develop a mathematical model of familiality of disease, with parameters for penetrance, mutation frequency and family size, and test this in a complex disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Monogenic, high-penetrance variants can explain patterns of inheritance in complex diseases and account for a large proportion of those with no apparent family history. With current demographic trends, rates of familiality will drop further. For example, a variant with penetrance 0.5 will cause apparently sporadic disease in 12% of families of size 10, but 80% of families of size 1. A variant with penetrance 0.9 has only an 11% chance of appearing sporadic in families of a size similar to those of Ireland in the past, compared with 57% in one-child families like many in China. These findings have implications for genetic counselling, disease classification and the design of gene-hunting studies. The distinction between familial and apparently sporadic disease should be considered artificial. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  15. Untangling cultural inheritance: language diversity and long-house architecture on the Pacific northwest coast

    PubMed Central

    Jordan, Peter; O'Neill, Sean

    2010-01-01

    Many recent studies of cultural inheritance have focused on small-scale craft traditions practised by single individuals, which do not require coordinated participation by larger social collectives. In this paper, we address this gap in the cultural transmission literature by investigating diversity in the vernacular architecture of the Pacific northwest coast, where communities of hunter–fisher–gatherers constructed immense wooden long-houses at their main winter villages. Quantitative analyses of long-house styles along the coastline draw on a range of models and methods from the biological sciences and are employed to test hypotheses relating to basic patterns of macro-scale cultural diversification, and the degree to which the transmission of housing traits has been constrained by the region's numerous linguistic boundaries. The results indicate relatively strong branching patterns of cultural inheritance and also close associations between regional language history and housing styles, pointing to the potentially crucial role played by language boundaries in structuring large-scale patterns of cultural diversification, especially in relation to ‘collective’ cultural traditions like housing that require substantial inputs of coordinated labour. PMID:21041212

  16. The golden retriever model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Kornegay, Joe N

    2017-05-19

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin. The absence of dystrophin leads to myofiber membrane fragility and necrosis, with eventual muscle atrophy and contractures. Affected boys typically die in their second or third decade due to either respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains prednisone, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models, mainly the mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog, have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. Because the GRMD clinical syndrome is more severe than in mice, better aligning with the progressive course of DMD, canine studies may translate better to humans. The original founder dog for all GRMD colonies worldwide was identified in the early 1980s before the discovery of the DMD gene and dystrophin. Accordingly, analogies to DMD were initially drawn based on similar clinical features, ranging from the X-linked pattern of inheritance to overlapping histopathologic lesions. Confirmation of genetic homology between DMD and GRMD came with identification of the underlying GRMD mutation, a single nucleotide change that leads to exon skipping and an out-of-frame DMD transcript. GRMD colonies have subsequently been established to conduct pathogenetic and preclinical treatment studies. Simultaneous with the onset of GRMD treatment trials, phenotypic biomarkers were developed, allowing definitive characterization of treatment effect. Importantly, GRMD studies have not always substantiated findings from mdx mice and have sometimes identified serious treatment side effects. While the GRMD model may be more clinically relevant than the mdx mouse, usage has been limited by practical considerations related to expense and the number of dogs available. This further complicates ongoing broader concerns about the poor rate of translation of animal model preclinical studies to humans with analogous diseases. Accordingly, in performing GRMD trials, special attention must be paid to experimental design to align with the approach used in DMD clinical trials. This review provides context for the GRMD model, beginning with its original description and extending to its use in preclinical trials.

  17. Does cross-generational epigenetic inheritance contribute to cultural continuity?

    PubMed Central

    Pembrey, Marcus E

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Human studies of cross-generational epigenetic inheritance have to consider confounding by social patterning down the generations, often referred to as ‘cultural inheritance’. This raises the question to what extent is ‘cultural inheritance’ itself epigenetically mediated rather than just learnt. Human studies of non-genetic inheritance have demonstrated that, beyond foetal life, experiences occurring in mid-childhood before puberty are the most likely to be associated with cross-generational responses in the next generation(s). It is proposed that cultural continuity is played out along the axis, or ‘payoff’, between responsiveness and stability. During the formative years of childhood a stable family and/or home permits small children to explore and thereby learn. To counter disruptions to this family home ideal, cultural institutions such as local schools, religious centres and market places emerged to provide ongoing stability, holding the received wisdom of the past in an accessible state. This cultural support allows the growing child to freely indulge their responsiveness. Some of these prepubertal experiences induce epigenetic responses that also transfer molecular signals to the gametes through which they contribute to the conception of future offspring. In parallel co-evolution with growing cultural support for increasing responsiveness, ‘runaway’ responsiveness is countered by the positive selection of genetic variants that dampen responsiveness. Testing these ideas within longitudinal multigenerational cohorts will need information on ancestors/parents’ own communities and experiences (Exposome scans) linked to ongoing Phenome scans on grandchildren; coupled with epigenome analysis, metastable epialleles and DNA methylation age. Interactions with genetic variants affecting responsiveness should help inform the broad hypothesis. PMID:29732169

  18. Genetic localization and phenotypic expression of X-linked cataract (Xcat) in Mus musculus.

    PubMed

    Favor, J; Pretsch, W

    1990-01-01

    Linkage data relative to the markers tabby and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase are presented to locate X-linked cataract (Xcat) in the distal portion of the mouse X-chromosome between jimpy and hypophosphatemia. The human X-linked cataract-dental syndrome, Nance-Horan Syndrome, also maps closely to human hypophosphatemia and would suggest homology between mouse Xcat and human Nance-Horan Syndrome genes. In hemizygous males and homozygous females penetrance is complete with only slight variation in the degree of expression. Phenotypic expression in Xcat heterozygous females ranges from totally clear to totally opaque lenses. The phenotypic expression between the two lenses of a heterozygous individual could also vary between totally clear and totally opaque lenses. However, a correlation in the degree of expression between the eyes of an individual was observed. A variegated pattern of lens opacity was evident in female heterozygotes. Based on these observations, the site of gene action for the Xcat locus is suggested to be endogenous to the lens cells and the precursor cell population of the lens is concluded to be small. The identification of an X-linked cataract locus is an important contribution to the estimate of the number of mutable loci resulting in cataract, an estimate required so that dominant cataract mutagenesis results may be expressed on a per locus basis. The Xcat mutation may be a useful marker for a distal region of the mouse X-chromosome which is relatively sparsely marked and the X-linked cataract mutation may be employed in gene expression and lens development studies.

  19. Physiopathology and diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

    PubMed

    Devuyst, Olivier

    2012-04-01

    Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is caused by an improper response of the kidney to the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), leading to a decreased ability to concentrate urine which results in polyuria and polydipsia. The clinical diagnosis of NDI relies on demonstration of subnormal ability to concentrate urine despite the presence of AVP. NDI is most commonly acquired, secondary to kidney disorders, electrolyte imbalance and various drugs. Congenital forms of NDI are rare, and most commonly inherited in a X-linked manner with mutations of the AVP receptor type 2 (AVPR2). Mutations of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) can be detected in autosomal recessive or dominant forms of NDI. Management of NDI should focus on free access to drinking water and reduction of polyuria. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. Retinitis pigmentosa in Spain. The Spanish Multicentric and Multidisciplinary Group for Research into Retinitis Pigmentosa.

    PubMed

    Ayuso, C; Garcia-Sandoval, B; Najera, C; Valverde, D; Carballo, M; Antiñolo, G

    1995-09-01

    Retinitis pigmentosa is a term commonly given to a group of inherited and progressive disorders which affect the photoreceptors of the retina. As part of an ongoing research programme throughout Spain, clinical, epidemiological, and genetic studies have been carried out on these diseases. Here, we report the relative frequencies of the different genetic types in 503 non-syndromic and 89 syndromic RP families of Spanish origin. The most frequent syndromic RP forms were Usher syndrome type 1 (20/89 families = 30%) and Usher syndrome type 2 (44 families = 49%). Among non-syndromic RP forms, 12% were autosomal dominant, 39% autosomal recessive and 4% X-linked. Forty-one percent were isolated or simplex cases and in 4% the genetic type could not be established.

  1. [Paediatric retinal detachment and hereditary vitreoretinal disorders].

    PubMed

    Meier, P

    2013-09-01

    The number of retinal detachments in children is very low in comparison to the number in adults. One predisposing factor for development of paediatric retinal detachment is suffering from hereditary vitreoretinal degeneration (e.g., Stickler syndrome, Wagner syndrome, Kniest dysplasia, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, congenital X-linked retinoschisis, Knobloch syndrome, incontinentia pigmenti, Norrie disease). Hereditary vitreoretinopathies are characterised by an abnormal-appearing vitreous gel with associated retinal changes. In most of these eyes further ocular abnormalities can be diagnosed. A group of hereditary disorders is associated with characteristic systemic abnormalities. Allied conditions should be considered in the clinical diagnosis. Vitreoretinopathies are the most common cause of inherited retinal detachment. In most eyes primary vitrectomy is necessary, and disease-specific surgical treatment is discussed. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  2. An Inquiry-Based Investigation of Modes of Inheritance Using "Flightless" Fruit Flies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chinnici, Joseph P.; Farland, Andrew M.

    2005-01-01

    The various strains of flightless fruit flies that were developed at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and an exercise that helps students in determining the inheritance pattern in the fruit fly mutant trait are described. The study and the resulting exercise helped the students in scientifically determining the two important aspects of…

  3. Muscular MRI-based algorithm to differentiate inherited myopathies presenting with spinal rigidity.

    PubMed

    Tordjman, Mickael; Dabaj, Ivana; Laforet, Pascal; Felter, Adrien; Ferreiro, Ana; Biyoukar, Moustafa; Law-Ye, Bruno; Zanoteli, Edmar; Castiglioni, Claudia; Rendu, John; Beroud, Christophe; Chamouni, Alexandre; Richard, Pascale; Mompoint, Dominique; Quijano-Roy, Susana; Carlier, Robert-Yves

    2018-05-25

    Inherited myopathies are major causes of muscle atrophy and are often characterized by rigid spine syndrome, a clinical feature designating patients with early spinal contractures. We aim to present a decision algorithm based on muscular whole body magnetic resonance imaging (mWB-MRI) as a unique tool to orientate the diagnosis of each inherited myopathy long before the genetically confirmed diagnosis. This multicentre retrospective study enrolled 79 patients from referral centres in France, Brazil and Chile. The patients underwent 1.5-T or 3-T mWB-MRI. The protocol comprised STIR and T1 sequences in axial and coronal planes, from head to toe. All images were analyzed manually by multiple raters. Fatty muscle replacement was evaluated on mWB-MRI using both the Mercuri scale and statistical comparison based on the percentage of affected muscle. Between February 2005 and December 2015, 76 patients with genetically confirmed inherited myopathy were included. They were affected by Pompe disease or harbored mutations in RYR1, Collagen VI, LMNA, SEPN1, LAMA2 and MYH7 genes. Each myopathy had a specific pattern of affected muscles recognizable on mWB-MRI. This allowed us to create a novel decision algorithm for patients with rigid spine syndrome by segregating these signs. This algorithm was validated by five external evaluators on a cohort of seven patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 94.3% compared with the genetic diagnosis. We provide a novel decision algorithm based on muscle fat replacement graded on mWB-MRI that allows diagnosis and differentiation of inherited myopathies presenting with spinal rigidity. • Inherited myopathies are rare, diagnosis is challenging and genetic tests require specialized centres and often take years. • Inherited myopathies are often characterized by spinal rigidity. • Whole body magnetic resonance imaging is a unique tool to orientate the diagnosis of each inherited myopathy presenting with spinal rigidity. • Each inherited myopathy in this study has a specific pattern of affected muscles that orientate diagnosis. • A novel MRI-based algorithm, usable by every radiologist, can help the early diagnosis of these myopathies.

  4. Three novel PHEX gene mutations in four Chinese families with X-linked dominant hypophosphatemic rickets

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kang, Qing-lin; Xu, Jia; Metabolic Bone Disease and Genetic Research Unit, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233

    2012-07-13

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In our study, all of the patients were of Han Chinese ethnicity, which were rarely reported. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We identified three novel PHEX gene mutations in four unrelated families with XLH. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We found that the relationship between the phenotype and genotype of the PHEX gene was not invariant. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We found that two PHEX gene sites, p.534 and p.731, were conserved. -- Abstract: Background: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), the most common form of inherited rickets, is a dominant disorder that is characterized by renal phosphate wasting with hypophosphatemia, abnormal bone mineralization, short stature, and rachitic manifestations. The related genemore » with inactivating mutations associated with XLH has been identified as PHEX, which is a phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome. In this study, a variety of PHEX mutations were identified in four Chinese families with XLH. Methods: We investigated four unrelated Chinese families who exhibited typical features of XLH by using PCR to analyze mutations that were then sequenced. The laboratory and radiological investigations were conducted simultaneously. Results: Three novel mutations were found in these four families: one frameshift mutation, c.2033dupT in exon 20, resulting in p.T679H; one nonsense mutation, c.1294A > T in exon 11, resulting in p.K432X; and one missense mutation, c.2192T > C in exon 22, resulting in p.F731S. Conclusions: We found that the PHEX gene mutations were responsible for XLH in these Chinese families. Our findings are useful for understanding the genetic basis of Chinese patients with XLH.« less

  5. Two sisters with clinical diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome: Is the condition in the family autosomal recessive?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kondoh, T.; Hayashi, K.; Matsumoto, T.

    1995-10-09

    We report two sisters in a family representing manifestations of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked immunodeficiency disorder. An elder sister had suffered from recurrent infections, small thrombocytopenic petechiae, purpura, and eczema for 7 years. The younger sister had the same manifestations as the elder sister`s for a 2-year period, and died of intracranial bleeding at age 2 years. All the laboratory data of the two patients were compatible with WAS, although they were females. Sialophorin analysis with the selective radioactive labeling method of this protein revealed that in the elder sister a 115-KD band that should be specific for sialophorinmore » was reduced in quantity, and instead an additional 135-KD fragment was present as a main band. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the sialophorin gene and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the PCR product demonstrated that there were no detectable size-change nor electrophoretic mobility change in the DNA from both patients. The results indicated that their sialophorin gene structure might be normal. Studies on the mother-daughter transmission of X chromosome using a pERT84-MaeIII polymorphic marker mapped at Xp21 and HPRT gene polymorphism at Xq26 suggested that each sister had inherited a different X chromosome from the mother. Two explanations are plausible for the occurrence of the WAS in our patients: the WAS in the patients is attributable to an autosomal gene mutation which may regulate the sialophorin gene expression through the WAS gene, or, alternatively, the condition in this family is an autosomal recessive disorder separated etiologically from the X-linked WAS. 17 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less

  6. Inherited structure and coupled crust-mantle lithosphere evolution: Numerical models of Central Australia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heron, Philip J.; Pysklywec, Russell N.

    2016-05-01

    Continents have a rich tectonic history that have left lasting crustal impressions. In analyzing Central Australian intraplate orogenesis, complex continental features make it difficult to identify the controls of inherited structure. Here the tectonics of two types of inherited structures (e.g., a thermally enhanced or a rheologically strengthened region) are compared in numerical simulations of continental compression with and without "glacial buzzsaw" erosion. We find that although both inherited structures produce deformation in the upper crust that is confined to areas where material contrasts, patterns of deformation in the deep lithosphere differ significantly. Furthermore, our models infer that glacial buzzsaw erosion has little impact at depth. This tectonic isolation of the mantle lithosphere from glacial processes may further assist in the identification of a controlling inherited structure in intraplate orogenesis. Our models are interpreted in the context of Central Australian tectonics (specifically the Petermann and Alice Springs orogenies).

  7. The Development of Mental State Attributions in Women with X-Monosomy, and the Role of Monoamine Oxidase B in the Sociocognitive Phenotype

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lawrence, K.; Jones, A.; Oreland, L.; Spektor, D.; Mandy, W.; Campbell, R.; Skuse, D.

    2007-01-01

    We hypothesized that women with Turner syndrome (45,X) with a single X-chromosome inherited from their mother may show mentalizing deficits compared to women of normal karyotype with two X-chromosomes (46,X). Simple geometrical animation events (two triangles moving with apparent intention in relation to each other) which usually elicit…

  8. ABG1, a Novel and Essential Candida albicans Gene Encoding a Vacuolar Protein Involved in Cytokinesis and Hyphal Branching

    PubMed Central

    Veses, Verónica; Casanova, Manuel; Murgui, Amelia; Domínguez, Ángel; Gow, Neil A. R.; Martínez, José P.

    2005-01-01

    Immunoscreening of a Candida albicans expression library resulted in the isolation of a novel gene encoding a 32.9-kDa polypeptide (288 amino acids), with 27.7% homology to the product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YGR106c, a putative vacuolar protein. Heterozygous mutants in this gene displayed an altered budding growth pattern, characterized by the formation of chains of buds, decreasingly in size towards the apex, without separation of the daughter buds. Consequently, this gene was designated ABG1. A conditional mutant for ABG1 with the remaining allele under the control of the MET3 promoter did not grow in the presence of methionine and cysteine, demonstrating that ABG1 was essential for viability. Western analysis revealed the presence of a major 32.9-kDa band, mainly in a particulate fraction (P40) enriched in vacuoles, and tagging with green fluorescent protein confirmed that Abg1p localized to the vacuole. Vacuole inheritance has been linked to the regulation of branching frequency in C. albicans. Under repressing conditions, the conditional mutant had an increased frequency of branching under hyphal inducing conditions and an altered sensitivity to substances that interfered with cell wall assembly. Repression of ABG1 in the conditional mutant strain caused disturbance of normal size and number of vacuoles both in yeast and mycelial cells and also in the asymmetric vacuole inheritance associated with the characteristic pattern of germ tubes and branching in C. albicans. These observations indicate that ABG1 plays a key role in vacuole biogenesis, cytokinesis, and hyphal branching. PMID:15947201

  9. ABG1, a novel and essential Candida albicans gene encoding a vacuolar protein involved in cytokinesis and hyphal branching.

    PubMed

    Veses, Verónica; Casanova, Manuel; Murgui, Amelia; Domínguez, Angel; Gow, Neil A R; Martínez, José P

    2005-06-01

    Immunoscreening of a Candida albicans expression library resulted in the isolation of a novel gene encoding a 32.9-kDa polypeptide (288 amino acids), with 27.7% homology to the product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YGR106c, a putative vacuolar protein. Heterozygous mutants in this gene displayed an altered budding growth pattern, characterized by the formation of chains of buds, decreasingly in size towards the apex, without separation of the daughter buds. Consequently, this gene was designated ABG1. A conditional mutant for ABG1 with the remaining allele under the control of the MET3 promoter did not grow in the presence of methionine and cysteine, demonstrating that ABG1 was essential for viability. Western analysis revealed the presence of a major 32.9-kDa band, mainly in a particulate fraction (P40) enriched in vacuoles, and tagging with green fluorescent protein confirmed that Abg1p localized to the vacuole. Vacuole inheritance has been linked to the regulation of branching frequency in C. albicans. Under repressing conditions, the conditional mutant had an increased frequency of branching under hyphal inducing conditions and an altered sensitivity to substances that interfered with cell wall assembly. Repression of ABG1 in the conditional mutant strain caused disturbance of normal size and number of vacuoles both in yeast and mycelial cells and also in the asymmetric vacuole inheritance associated with the characteristic pattern of germ tubes and branching in C. albicans. These observations indicate that ABG1 plays a key role in vacuole biogenesis, cytokinesis, and hyphal branching.

  10. Constitutional delay of puberty: presentation and inheritance pattern in 48 familial cases.

    PubMed

    Winter, Sarah; Ousidhoum, Aldjia; McElreavey, Kenneth; Brauner, Raja

    2016-03-12

    The mechanism that initiates the onset of puberty is largely unknown but the age of onset is mainly under genetic control and influenced by environmental factors including nutrition. Familial forms of constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) suggest the involvement of genetic factors. The purpose of this study is to describe the presentation and the mode of inheritance of CDP in a series of familial cases. A retrospective, single center study was carried out over 10 years on 48 probands (14 girls and 34 boys) from 48 families seen for CDP with a familial component. Of the 48 probands, 46 (96 %) had at least one affected 1(st) degree relatives and 2 (4 %, 2 boys) had only 2(nd) degree relatives affected. In girls, 11 families (79 %) exhibited exclusive maternal inheritance, 1 (7 %) paternal inheritance and 2 (14 %) both maternal and paternal inheritance. In boys, 14 families (41 %) exhibited exclusive maternal inheritance, 12 (35 %) paternal inheritance and 8 (24 %) both maternal and paternal inheritance. In the boys with bilineal inheritance, the ages at onset of puberty (16 ± 1.41 years) and at evaluation (16.05 ± 2.47 years) were higher than in those with unilineal inheritance (15.25 ± 0.35 and 15.1 ± 0.42 years respectively), but the difference was not significant. In girls exclusive maternal inheritance seems to be the major mode of inheritance whereas for boys the mode of inheritance was almost equally maternal, paternal or bilineal. Clinical phenotype of boys with bilineal inheritance seems to be more severe, but the difference did not reach statistical significance, perhaps because of the small sample size. This greater severity of the phenotype in boys with bilineal inheritance is likely due to inheriting different puberty timing genes from each parent. Future research should be directed at identifying such genes.

  11. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in amelogenesis imperfecta and phenotypic rescue using 4-phenylbutyrate.

    PubMed

    Brookes, Steven J; Barron, Martin J; Boot-Handford, Ray; Kirkham, Jennifer; Dixon, Michael J

    2014-05-01

    Inherited diseases caused by genetic mutations can arise due to loss of protein function. Alternatively, mutated proteins may mis-fold, impairing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) trafficking, causing ER stress and triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR attempts to restore proteostasis but if unsuccessful drives affected cells towards apoptosis. Previously, we reported that in mice, the p.Tyr64His mutation in the enamel extracellular matrix (EEM) protein amelogenin disrupts the secretory pathway in the enamel-forming ameloblasts, resulting in eruption of malformed tooth enamel that phenocopies human amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). Defective amelogenin post-secretory self-assembly and processing within the developing EEM has been suggested to underlie the pathogenesis of X chromosome-linked AI. Here, we challenge this concept by showing that AI pathogenesis associated with the p.Tyr64His amelogenin mutation involves ameloblast apoptosis induced by ER stress. Furthermore, we show that 4-phenylbutyrate can rescue the enamel phenotype in affected female mice by promoting cell survival over apoptosis such that they are able to complete enamel formation despite the presence of the mutation, offering a potential therapeutic option for patients with this form of AI and emphasizing the importance of ER stress in the pathogenesis of this inherited conformational disease.

  12. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in amelogenesis imperfecta and phenotypic rescue using 4-phenylbutyrate

    PubMed Central

    Brookes, Steven J.; Barron, Martin J.; Boot-Handford, Ray; Kirkham, Jennifer; Dixon, Michael J.

    2014-01-01

    Inherited diseases caused by genetic mutations can arise due to loss of protein function. Alternatively, mutated proteins may mis-fold, impairing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) trafficking, causing ER stress and triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR attempts to restore proteostasis but if unsuccessful drives affected cells towards apoptosis. Previously, we reported that in mice, the p.Tyr64His mutation in the enamel extracellular matrix (EEM) protein amelogenin disrupts the secretory pathway in the enamel-forming ameloblasts, resulting in eruption of malformed tooth enamel that phenocopies human amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). Defective amelogenin post-secretory self-assembly and processing within the developing EEM has been suggested to underlie the pathogenesis of X chromosome-linked AI. Here, we challenge this concept by showing that AI pathogenesis associated with the p.Tyr64His amelogenin mutation involves ameloblast apoptosis induced by ER stress. Furthermore, we show that 4-phenylbutyrate can rescue the enamel phenotype in affected female mice by promoting cell survival over apoptosis such that they are able to complete enamel formation despite the presence of the mutation, offering a potential therapeutic option for patients with this form of AI and emphasizing the importance of ER stress in the pathogenesis of this inherited conformational disease. PMID:24362885

  13. Sequence-characterized amplified polymorphism markers for selecting rind stripe pattern in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The inheritance of foreground stripe pattern in rind of watermelon fruits [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] was evaluated and the molecular markers for selecting the JT stripe pattern were developed based on bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Divergence in rind pattern among F2 progeny deri...

  14. High-resolution genome-wide dissection of the two rules of speciation in Drosophila.

    PubMed

    Masly, John P; Presgraves, Daven C

    2007-09-01

    Postzygotic reproductive isolation is characterized by two striking empirical patterns. The first is Haldane's rule--the preferential inviability or sterility of species hybrids of the heterogametic (XY) sex. The second is the so-called large X effect--substitution of one species's X chromosome for another's has a disproportionately large effect on hybrid fitness compared to similar substitution of an autosome. Although the first rule has been well-established, the second rule remains controversial. Here, we dissect the genetic causes of these two rules using a genome-wide introgression analysis of Drosophila mauritiana chromosome segments in an otherwise D. sechellia genetic background. We find that recessive hybrid incompatibilities outnumber dominant ones and that hybrid male steriles outnumber all other types of incompatibility, consistent with the dominance and faster-male theories of Haldane's rule, respectively. We also find that, although X-linked and autosomal introgressions are of similar size, most X-linked introgressions cause hybrid male sterility (60%) whereas few autosomal introgressions do (18%). Our results thus confirm the large X effect and identify its proximate cause: incompatibilities causing hybrid male sterility have a higher density on the X chromosome than on the autosomes. We evaluate several hypotheses for the evolutionary cause of this excess of X-linked hybrid male sterility.

  15. High-Resolution Genome-Wide Dissection of the Two Rules of Speciation in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    2007-01-01

    Postzygotic reproductive isolation is characterized by two striking empirical patterns. The first is Haldane's rule—the preferential inviability or sterility of species hybrids of the heterogametic (XY) sex. The second is the so-called large X effect—substitution of one species's X chromosome for another's has a disproportionately large effect on hybrid fitness compared to similar substitution of an autosome. Although the first rule has been well-established, the second rule remains controversial. Here, we dissect the genetic causes of these two rules using a genome-wide introgression analysis of Drosophila mauritiana chromosome segments in an otherwise D. sechellia genetic background. We find that recessive hybrid incompatibilities outnumber dominant ones and that hybrid male steriles outnumber all other types of incompatibility, consistent with the dominance and faster-male theories of Haldane's rule, respectively. We also find that, although X-linked and autosomal introgressions are of similar size, most X-linked introgressions cause hybrid male sterility (60%) whereas few autosomal introgressions do (18%). Our results thus confirm the large X effect and identify its proximate cause: incompatibilities causing hybrid male sterility have a higher density on the X chromosome than on the autosomes. We evaluate several hypotheses for the evolutionary cause of this excess of X-linked hybrid male sterility. PMID:17850182

  16. Genetics Home Reference: hyperprolinemia

    MedlinePlus

    ... Hyperprolinemia type 1 Orphanet: Hyperprolinemia type 2 Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (3 links) Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases National Organization for ...

  17. A test of the transcription model for biased inheritance of yeast mitochondrial DNA.

    PubMed

    Lorimer, H E; Brewer, B J; Fangman, W L

    1995-09-01

    Two strand-specific origins of replication appear to be required for mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication. Structural equivalents of these origins are found in the rep sequences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mtDNA. These striking similarities have contributed to a universal model for the initiation of mtDNA replication in which a primer is created by cleavage of an origin region transcript. Consistent with this model are the properties of deletion mutants of yeast mtDNA ([rho-]) with a high density of reps (HS [rho-]). These mutant mtDNAs are preferentially inherited by the progeny resulting from the mating of HS [rho-] cells with cells containing wild-type mtDNA ([rho+]). This bias is presumed to result from a replication advantage conferred on HS [rho-] mtDNA by the high density of rep sequences acting as origins. To test whether transcription is indeed required for the preferential inheritance of HS [rho-] mtDNA, we deleted the nuclear gene (RPO41) for the mitochondrial RNA polymerase, reducing transcripts by at least 1000-fold. Since [rho-] genomes, but not [rho+] genomes, are stable when RPO41 is deleted, we examined matings between HS [rho-] and neutral [rho-] cells. Neutral [rho-] mtDNAs lack rep sequences and are not preferentially inherited in [rho-] x [rho+] crosses. In HS [rho-] x neutral [rho-] matings, the HS [rho-] mtDNA was preferentially inherited whether both parents were wild type or both were deleted for RPO41. Thus, transcription from the rep promoter does not appear to be necessary for biased inheritance. Our results, and analysis of the literature, suggest that priming by transcription is not a universal mechanism for mtDNA replication initiation.

  18. Extreme selective sweeps independently targeted the X chromosomes of the great apes

    PubMed Central

    Nam, Kiwoong; Munch, Kasper; Hobolth, Asger; Dutheil, Julien Yann; Veeramah, Krishna R.; Woerner, August E.; Hammer, Michael F.; Mailund, Thomas; Schierup, Mikkel Heide

    2015-01-01

    The unique inheritance pattern of the X chromosome exposes it to natural selection in a way that is different from that of the autosomes, potentially resulting in accelerated evolution. We perform a comparative analysis of X chromosome polymorphism in 10 great ape species, including humans. In most species, we identify striking megabase-wide regions, where nucleotide diversity is less than 20% of the chromosomal average. Such regions are found exclusively on the X chromosome. The regions overlap partially among species, suggesting that the underlying targets are partly shared among species. The regions have higher proportions of singleton SNPs, higher levels of population differentiation, and a higher nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitution ratio than the rest of the X chromosome. We show that the extent to which diversity is reduced is incompatible with direct selection or the action of background selection and soft selective sweeps alone, and therefore, we suggest that very strong selective sweeps have independently targeted these specific regions in several species. The only genomic feature that we can identify as strongly associated with loss of diversity is the location of testis-expressed ampliconic genes, which also have reduced diversity around them. We hypothesize that these genes may be responsible for selective sweeps in the form of meiotic drive caused by an intragenomic conflict in male meiosis. PMID:25941379

  19. Ancient origin and maternal inheritance of blue cuckoo eggs.

    PubMed

    Fossøy, Frode; Sorenson, Michael D; Liang, Wei; Ekrem, Torbjørn; Moksnes, Arne; Møller, Anders P; Rutila, Jarkko; Røskaft, Eivin; Takasu, Fugo; Yang, Canchao; Stokke, Bård G

    2016-01-12

    Maternal inheritance via the female-specific W chromosome was long ago proposed as a potential solution to the evolutionary enigma of co-existing host-specific races (or 'gentes') in avian brood parasites. Here we report the first unambiguous evidence for maternal inheritance of egg colouration in the brood-parasitic common cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Females laying blue eggs belong to an ancient (∼2.6 Myr) maternal lineage, as evidenced by both mitochondrial and W-linked DNA, but are indistinguishable at nuclear DNA from other common cuckoos. Hence, cuckoo host races with blue eggs are distinguished only by maternally inherited components of the genome, which maintain host-specific adaptation despite interbreeding among males and females reared by different hosts. A mitochondrial phylogeny suggests that blue eggs originated in Asia and then expanded westwards as female cuckoos laying blue eggs interbred with the existing European population, introducing an adaptive trait that expanded the range of potential hosts.

  20. Familial co-segregation of Coffin-Lowry syndrome inherited from the mother and autosomal dominant Waardenburg type IV syndrome due to deletion of EDNRB inherited from the father.

    PubMed

    Loupe, Jacob; Sampath, Srirangan; Lacassie, Yves

    2014-10-01

    We report an African-American family that was identified after the proposita was referred for diagnostic evaluation at 4½ months with a history of Hirschsprung and dysmorphic features typical of Waardenburg syndrome (WS). Family evaluation revealed that the father had heterochromidia irides and hypertelorism supporting the clinical diagnosis of WS; however, examination of the mother revealed characteristic facial and digital features of Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS). Molecular testing of the mother identified a novel 2 bp deletion (c.865_866delCA) in codon 289 of RPS6KA3 leading to a frame-shift and premature termination of translation 5 codons downstream (NM_004586.2:p.Gln289ValfsX5). This deletion also was identified in the proposita and her three sisters with a clinical suspicion of CLS, all of whom as carriers for this X-linked disorder had very subtle manifestations. The molecular confirmation of WS type 4 (Shah-Waardenburg; WS4) was not as straightforward. To evaluate WS types 1-4, multiple sequential molecular tests were requested, including Sanger sequencing of all exons, and deletion/duplication analysis using MLPA for PAX3, MITF, SOX10, EDN3 and EDNRB. Although sequencing did not identify any disease causing variants, MLPA identified a heterozygous deletion of the entire EDNRB in the father. This deletion was also found in the proposita and the oldest child. Since the heterozygous deletion was the only change identified in EDNRB, this family represents one of the few cases of an autosomal dominant inheritance of WS4 involving the endothelin pathway. Altogether, clinical evaluation of the family revealed one child to be positive for WS4 and two positive for CLS, while two children were positive for both diseases simultaneously (including the proposita) while another pair test negative for either disease. This kinship is an example of the coincidence of two conditions co-segregating in one family, with variable phenotypes requiring molecular testing to confirm the clinical diagnoses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  1. Racial Differences in Patterns of Wealth Accumulation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gittleman, Maury; Wolff, Edward N.

    2004-01-01

    The race differences in patterns of asset accumulations were examined using PSD data for 1984, 1989 and 1994. The results indicate that inheritances led to wealth accumulations among whites as compared to the African Americans.

  2. Impaired plasticity of macrophages in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

    PubMed

    Weinhofer, Isabelle; Zierfuss, Bettina; Hametner, Simon; Wagner, Magdalena; Popitsch, Niko; Machacek, Christian; Bartolini, Barbara; Zlabinger, Gerhard; Ohradanova-Repic, Anna; Stockinger, Hannes; Köhler, Wolfgang; Höftberger, Romana; Regelsberger, Günther; Forss-Petter, Sonja; Lassmann, Hans; Berger, Johannes

    2018-05-30

    X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is caused by ATP-binding cassette transporter D1 (ABCD1) mutations and manifests by default as slowly progressive spinal cord axonopathy with associated demyelination (adrenomyloneuropathy). In 60% of male cases, however, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy converts to devastating cerebral inflammation and demyelination (cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy) with infiltrating blood-derived monocytes and macrophages and cytotoxic T cells that can only be stopped by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy at an early stage of the disease. Recently, we identified monocytes/macrophages but not T cells to be severely affected metabolically by ABCD1 deficiency. Here we found by whole transcriptome analysis that, although monocytes of patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy have normal capacity for macrophage differentiation and phagocytosis, they are pro-inflammatory skewed also in patients with adrenomyloneuropathy in the absence of cerebral inflammation. Following lipopolysaccharide activation, the ingestion of myelin debris, normally triggering anti-inflammatory polarization, did not fully reverse the pro-inflammatory status of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy macrophages. Immunohistochemistry on post-mortem cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy lesions reflected the activation pattern by prominent presence of enlarged lipid-laden macrophages strongly positive for the pro-inflammatory marker co-stimulatory molecule CD86. Comparative analyses of lesions with matching macrophage density in cases of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and acute multiple sclerosis showed a similar extent of pro-inflammatory activation but a striking reduction of anti-inflammatory mannose receptor (CD206) and haemoglobin-haptoglobin receptor (CD163) expression on cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy macrophages. Accordingly, ABCD1-deficiency leads to an impaired plasticity of macrophages that is reflected in incomplete establishment of anti-inflammatory responses, thus possibly contributing to the devastating rapidly progressive demyelination in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy that only in rare cases arrests spontaneously. These findings emphasize monocytes/macrophages as crucial therapeutic targets for preventing or stopping myelin destruction in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

  3. Examining the Function of Problem Behavior in Fragile X Syndrome: Preliminary Experimental Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Langthorne, Paul; McGill, Peter; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Lang, Russell; Machalicek, Wendy; Chan, Jeffrey Michael; Rispoli, Mandy

    2011-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual and developmental disability. The influence of environmental variables on behaviors associated with the syndrome has received only scant attention. The current study explored the function served by problem behavior in fragile X syndrome by using experimental functional analysis…

  4. Resolution of Spatial and Temporal Visual Attention in Infants with Fragile X Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Farzin, Faraz; Rivera, Susan M.; Whitney, David

    2011-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual impairment and the most common single-gene cause of autism. Individuals with fragile X syndrome present with a neurobehavioural phenotype that includes selective deficits in spatiotemporal visual perception associated with neural processing in frontal-parietal networks of the…

  5. Language Development in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Finestack, Lizbeth H.; Richmond, Erica K.; Abbeduto, Leonard

    2009-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. The syndrome is caused by a single gene mutation on the X chromosome. Although individual differences are large, most individuals with FXS display weaknesses across all language and literacy domains compared with peers of the same chronological age with typical…

  6. Inheritance of Trans Chromosomal Methylation patterns from Arabidopsis F1 hybrids

    PubMed Central

    Greaves, Ian K.; Groszmann, Michael; Wang, Aihua; Peacock, W. James; Dennis, Elizabeth S.

    2014-01-01

    Hybridization in plants leads to transinteractions between the parental genomes and epigenomes that can result in changes to both 24 nt siRNA and cytosine methylation (mC) levels in the hybrid. In Arabidopsis the principle processes altering the hybrid methylome are Trans Chromosomal Methylation (TCM) and Trans Chromosomal deMethylation (TCdM) in which the mC pattern of a genomic segment attains the same mC pattern of the corresponding segment on the other parental chromosome. We examined two loci that undergo TCM/TCdM in the Arabidopsis C24/Landsberg erecta (Ler) F1 hybrids, which show patterns of inheritance dependent on the properties of the particular donor and recipient chromosomal segments. At At1g64790 the TCM- and TCdM-derived mC patterns are maintained in the F2 generation but are transmitted in outcrosses or backcrosses only by the C24 genomic segment. At a region between and adjacent to At3g43340 and At3g43350, the originally unmethylated Ler genomic segment receives the C24 mC pattern in the F1, which is then maintained in backcross plants independent of the presence of the parental C24 segment. In backcrosses to an unmethylated Ler allele, the newly methylated F1 Ler segment may act as a TCM source in a process comparable to paramutation in maize. TCM-derived mC patterns are associated with reduced expression of both At3g43340 and At3g43350 in F1 and F2 plants, providing support for such events influencing the transcriptome. The inheritance of the F1 mC patterns and the segregation of other genetic and epigenetic determinants may contribute to the reduced hybrid vigor in the F2 and subsequent generations. PMID:24449910

  7. Inheritance of Trans Chromosomal Methylation patterns from Arabidopsis F1 hybrids.

    PubMed

    Greaves, Ian K; Groszmann, Michael; Wang, Aihua; Peacock, W James; Dennis, Elizabeth S

    2014-02-04

    Hybridization in plants leads to transinteractions between the parental genomes and epigenomes that can result in changes to both 24 nt siRNA and cytosine methylation ((m)C) levels in the hybrid. In Arabidopsis the principle processes altering the hybrid methylome are Trans Chromosomal Methylation (TCM) and Trans Chromosomal deMethylation (TCdM) in which the (m)C pattern of a genomic segment attains the same (m)C pattern of the corresponding segment on the other parental chromosome. We examined two loci that undergo TCM/TCdM in the Arabidopsis C24/Landsberg erecta (Ler) F1 hybrids, which show patterns of inheritance dependent on the properties of the particular donor and recipient chromosomal segments. At At1g64790 the TCM- and TCdM-derived (m)C patterns are maintained in the F2 generation but are transmitted in outcrosses or backcrosses only by the C24 genomic segment. At a region between and adjacent to At3g43340 and At3g43350, the originally unmethylated Ler genomic segment receives the C24 (m)C pattern in the F1, which is then maintained in backcross plants independent of the presence of the parental C24 segment. In backcrosses to an unmethylated Ler allele, the newly methylated F1 Ler segment may act as a TCM source in a process comparable to paramutation in maize. TCM-derived (m)C patterns are associated with reduced expression of both At3g43340 and At3g43350 in F1 and F2 plants, providing support for such events influencing the transcriptome. The inheritance of the F1 (m)C patterns and the segregation of other genetic and epigenetic determinants may contribute to the reduced hybrid vigor in the F2 and subsequent generations.

  8. A mutation in the mouse Amelx tri-tyrosyl domain results in impaired secretion of amelogenin and phenocopies human X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta

    PubMed Central

    Barron, Martin J.; Brookes, Steven J.; Kirkham, Jennifer; Shore, Roger C.; Hunt, Charlotte; Mironov, Aleksandr; Kingswell, Nicola J.; Maycock, Joanne; Shuttleworth, C. Adrian; Dixon, Michael J.

    2010-01-01

    Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) describes a broad group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited defects of dental enamel bio-mineralization. Despite identification of a number of genetic mutations underlying AI, the precise causal mechanisms have yet to be determined. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we describe here a mis-sense mutation in the mouse Amelx gene resulting in a Y → H substitution in the tri-tyrosyl domain of the enamel extracellular matrix protein amelogenin. The enamel in affected animals phenocopies human X-linked AI where similar mutations have been reported. Animals affected by the mutation have severe defects of enamel bio-mineralization associated with absence of full-length amelogenin protein in the developing enamel matrix, loss of ameloblast phenotype, increased ameloblast apoptosis and formation of multi-cellular masses. We present evidence to demonstrate that affected ameloblasts express but fail to secrete full-length amelogenin leading to engorgement of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi apparatus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed accumulations of both amelogenin and ameloblastin in affected cells. Co-transfection of Ambn and mutant Amelx in a eukaryotic cell line also revealed intracellular abnormalities and increased cytotoxicity compared with cells singly transfected with wild-type Amelx, mutant Amelx or Ambn or co-transfected with both wild-type Amelx and Ambn. We hypothesize that intracellular protein–protein interactions mediated via the amelogenin tri-tyrosyl motif are a key mechanistic factor underpinning the molecular pathogenesis in this example of AI. This study therefore successfully links phenotype with underlying genetic lesion in a relevant murine model for human AI. PMID:20067920

  9. Genetics Home Reference: hypermethioninemia

    MedlinePlus

    ... Psychomotor retardation due to S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (1 link) Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases Scientific Articles on ...

  10. Language dominance, handedness and sex: recessive X-linkage theory and test.

    PubMed

    Jones, Gregory V; Martin, Maryanne

    2010-06-01

    The possibility is investigated that cerebral dominance for language and handedness share a common X-linkage and that the relation between the two is therefore a function of sex. In particular, an X-linked recessive account is shown to predict an overall configuration of language dominance, handedness and sex within which there is a sex effect in the pattern of language dominance among right-handed but not left-handed people. The recent accurate determination of cerebral dominance among relatively large samples of the general population by means of functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography makes it possible to test this new theory rigorously, and its parameter-free pattern of predictions is found to be supported. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.

  11. improbable molecular results and the need to reevaluate a priori genetic risks: A report of 2 neuromuscular disorders

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Giardine, R.M.; Rose, N.C.; Fischbeck, K.H.

    Case 1: A 27-year-old woman whose brother and deceased father were diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy presented for preconceptional counseling. Three other first and second degree relatives were judged clinically affected on the basis of myotonia by positive electromyelograms (EMGs). The proband appeared to be clinically affected with mild percussion myotonia and a positive EMG. Initial studies by linkage analysis required postulation that the at-risk chromosome 19 inherited by the patient and her brother had undergone recombination in the brother between 2 very closely linked RFLP markers. Conclusion: Molecular testing did not support a unifying diagnosis for myotonia in this family.more » In addition to one classic example of myotonic dystrophy, it is possible a milder form of myotonia is also segregating in this pedigree. Case 2: The maternal aunt of a young man with Becker`s muscular dystrophy (BMD) presented for reproductive counseling. Serum CK values were elevated in her mother, who shared an X chromosome haplotype with the affected grandson and was judged an obligate carrier. The aunt was judged a likely carrier because of elevated serum CK values. Three maternal uncles, including ones with the same X chromosome haplotype as the affected nephew, were clinically normal. Finally, dosage analysis for dystrophin exons deleted in the grandson showed the grandmother and aunt to be non-carriers, but the mother of the affected boy to be a somatic carrier. The grandmother and aunt are not BMD carriers. Since the elevated CK levels do not segregate with the affected X chromosome, they may reflect autosomal inheritance or nongenetic influences; in either case their clinical significance is uncertain. These cases reinforce the importance of periodic reevaluation of initial genetic assignments, particularly when rare events must be invoked to explain molecular studies.« less

  12. Application of Whole Exome Sequencing in Six Families with an Initial Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa: Lessons Learned

    PubMed Central

    Fernandez-San Jose, Patricia; Liu, Yichuan; March, Michael; Pellegrino, Renata; Golhar, Ryan; Corton, Marta; Blanco-Kelly, Fiona; López-Molina, Maria Isabel; García-Sandoval, Blanca; Guo, Yiran; Tian, Lifeng; Liu, Xuanzhu; Guan, Liping; Zhang, Jianguo; Keating, Brendan; Xu, Xun

    2015-01-01

    This study aimed to identify the genetics underlying dominant forms of inherited retinal dystrophies using whole exome sequencing (WES) in six families extensively screened for known mutations or genes. Thirty-eight individuals were subjected to WES. Causative variants were searched among single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertion/deletion variants (indels) and whenever no potential candidate emerged, copy number variant (CNV) analysis was performed. Variants or regions harboring a candidate variant were prioritized and segregation of the variant with the disease was further assessed using Sanger sequencing in case of SNVs and indels, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for CNVs. SNV and indel analysis led to the identification of a previously reported mutation in PRPH2. Two additional mutations linked to different forms of retinal dystrophies were identified in two families: a known frameshift deletion in RPGR, a gene responsible for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and p.Ser163Arg in C1QTNF5 associated with Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration. A novel heterozygous deletion spanning the entire region of PRPF31 was also identified in the affected members of a fourth family, which was confirmed with qPCR. This study allowed the identification of the genetic cause of the retinal dystrophy and the establishment of a correct diagnosis in four families, including a large heterozygous deletion in PRPF31, typically considered one of the pitfalls of this method. Since all findings in this study are restricted to known genes, we propose that targeted sequencing using gene-panel is an optimal first approach for the genetic screening and that once known genetic causes are ruled out, WES might be used to uncover new genes involved in inherited retinal dystrophies. PMID:26197217

  13. Medea selfish genetic elements as tools for altering traits of wild populations: a theoretical analysis.

    PubMed

    Ward, Catherine M; Su, Jessica T; Huang, Yunxin; Lloyd, Alun L; Gould, Fred; Hay, Bruce A

    2011-04-01

    One strategy for controlling transmission of insect-borne disease involves replacing the native insect population with transgenic animals unable to transmit disease. Population replacement requires a drive mechanism to ensure the rapid spread of linked transgenes, the presence of which may result in a fitness cost to carriers. Medea selfish genetic elements have the feature that when present in a female, only offspring that inherit the element survive, a behavior that can lead to spread. Here, we derive equations that describe the conditions under which Medea elements with a fitness cost will spread, and the equilibrium allele frequencies are achieved. Of particular importance, we show that whenever Medea spreads, the non-Medea genotype is driven out of the population, and we estimate the number of generations required to achieve this goal for Medea elements with different fitness costs and male-only introduction frequencies. Finally, we characterize two contexts in which Medea elements with fitness costs drive the non-Medea allele from the population: an autosomal element in which not all Medea-bearing progeny of a Medea-bearing mother survive, and an X-linked element in species in which X/Y individuals are male. Our results suggest that Medea elements can drive population replacement under a wide range of conditions. © 2010 The Author(s). Evolution© 2010 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

  14. Mutation Update for Kabuki Syndrome Genes KMT2D and KDM6A and Further Delineation of X-Linked Kabuki Syndrome Subtype 2.

    PubMed

    Bögershausen, Nina; Gatinois, Vincent; Riehmer, Vera; Kayserili, Hülya; Becker, Jutta; Thoenes, Michaela; Simsek-Kiper, Pelin Özlem; Barat-Houari, Mouna; Elcioglu, Nursel H; Wieczorek, Dagmar; Tinschert, Sigrid; Sarrabay, Guillaume; Strom, Tim M; Fabre, Aurélie; Baynam, Gareth; Sanchez, Elodie; Nürnberg, Gudrun; Altunoglu, Umut; Capri, Yline; Isidor, Bertrand; Lacombe, Didier; Corsini, Carole; Cormier-Daire, Valérie; Sanlaville, Damien; Giuliano, Fabienne; Le Quan Sang, Kim-Hanh; Kayirangwa, Honorine; Nürnberg, Peter; Meitinger, Thomas; Boduroglu, Koray; Zoll, Barbara; Lyonnet, Stanislas; Tzschach, Andreas; Verloes, Alain; Di Donato, Nataliya; Touitou, Isabelle; Netzer, Christian; Li, Yun; Geneviève, David; Yigit, Gökhan; Wollnik, Bernd

    2016-09-01

    Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare but recognizable condition that consists of a characteristic face, short stature, various organ malformations, and a variable degree of intellectual disability. Mutations in KMT2D have been identified as the main cause for KS, whereas mutations in KDM6A are a much less frequent cause. Here, we report a mutation screening in a case series of 347 unpublished patients, in which we identified 12 novel KDM6A mutations (KS type 2) and 208 mutations in KMT2D (KS type 1), 132 of them novel. Two of the KDM6A mutations were maternally inherited and nine were shown to be de novo. We give an up-to-date overview of all published mutations for the two KS genes and point out possible mutation hot spots and strategies for molecular genetic testing. We also report the clinical details for 11 patients with KS type 2, summarize the published clinical information, specifically with a focus on the less well-defined X-linked KS type 2, and comment on phenotype-genotype correlations as well as sex-specific phenotypic differences. Finally, we also discuss a possible role of KDM6A in Kabuki-like Turner syndrome and report a mutation screening of KDM6C (UTY) in male KS patients. © 2016 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

  15. Isolation of anonymous DNA sequences from within a submicroscopic X chromosomal deletion in a patient with choroideremia, deafness, and mental retardation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nussbaum, R.L.; Lesko, J.G.; Lewis, R.A.

    1987-09-01

    Choroideremia, an X-chromosome linked retinal dystrophy of unknown pathogenesis, causes progressive nightblindness and eventual central blindness in affected males by the third to fourth decade of life. Choroideremia has been mapped to Xq13-21 by tight linkage to restriction fragment length polymorphism loci. The authors have recently identified two families in which choroideremia is inherited with mental retardation and deafness. In family XL-62, an interstitial deletion Xq21 is visible by cytogenetic analysis and two linked anonymous DNA markers, DXYS1 and DXS72, are deleted. In the second family, XL-45, an interstitial deletion was suspected on phenotypic grounds but could not be confirmedmore » by high-resolution cytogenetic analysis. They used phenol-enhanced reassociation of 48,XXXX DNA in competition with excess XL-45 DNA to generate a library of cloned DNA enriched for sequences that might be deleted in XL-45. Two of the first 83 sequences characterized from the library were found to be deleted in probands from family XL-45 as well as from family XL-62. Isolation of these sequences proves that XL-45 does contain a submicroscopic deletion and provides a starting point for identifying overlapping genomic sequences that span the XL-45 deletion. Each overlapping sequence will be studied to identify exons from the choroideremia locus.« less

  16. Understanding aneuploidy in cancer through the lens of system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance and emergence of new genome systems.

    PubMed

    Ye, Christine J; Regan, Sarah; Liu, Guo; Alemara, Sarah; Heng, Henry H

    2018-01-01

    In the past 15 years, impressive progress has been made to understand the molecular mechanism behind aneuploidy, largely due to the effort of using various -omics approaches to study model systems (e.g. yeast and mouse models) and patient samples, as well as the new realization that chromosome alteration-mediated genome instability plays the key role in cancer. As the molecular characterization of the causes and effects of aneuploidy progresses, the search for the general mechanism of how aneuploidy contributes to cancer becomes increasingly challenging: since aneuploidy can be linked to diverse molecular pathways (in regards to both cause and effect), the chances of it being cancerous is highly context-dependent, making it more difficult to study than individual molecular mechanisms. When so many genomic and environmental factors can be linked to aneuploidy, and most of them not commonly shared among patients, the practical value of characterizing additional genetic/epigenetic factors contributing to aneuploidy decreases. Based on the fact that cancer typically represents a complex adaptive system, where there is no linear relationship between lower-level agents (such as each individual gene mutation) and emergent properties (such as cancer phenotypes), we call for a new strategy based on the evolutionary mechanism of aneuploidy in cancer, rather than continuous analysis of various individual molecular mechanisms. To illustrate our viewpoint, we have briefly reviewed both the progress and challenges in this field, suggesting the incorporation of an evolutionary-based mechanism to unify diverse molecular mechanisms. To further clarify this rationale, we will discuss some key concepts of the genome theory of cancer evolution, including system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance, and cancer as a newly emergent cellular system. Illustrating how aneuploidy impacts system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance and the emergence of new systems is of great importance. Such synthesis encourages efforts to apply the principles/approaches of complex adaptive systems to ultimately understand aneuploidy in cancer.

  17. The Fanconi anemia DNA damage repair pathway in the spotlight for germline predisposition to colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Esteban-Jurado, Clara; Franch-Expósito, Sebastià; Muñoz, Jenifer; Ocaña, Teresa; Carballal, Sabela; López-Cerón, Maria; Cuatrecasas, Miriam; Vila-Casadesús, Maria; Lozano, Juan José; Serra, Enric; Beltran, Sergi; Brea-Fernández, Alejandro; Ruiz-Ponte, Clara; Castells, Antoni; Bujanda, Luis; Garre, Pilar; Caldés, Trinidad; Cubiella, Joaquín; Balaguer, Francesc; Castellví-Bel, Sergi

    2016-10-01

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms in the world. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a very rare genetic disease causing bone marrow failure, congenital growth abnormalities and cancer predisposition. The comprehensive FA DNA damage repair pathway requires the collaboration of 53 proteins and it is necessary to restore genome integrity by efficiently repairing damaged DNA. A link between FA genes in breast and ovarian cancer germline predisposition has been previously suggested. We selected 74 CRC patients from 40 unrelated Spanish families with strong CRC aggregation compatible with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and without mutations in known hereditary CRC genes and performed germline DNA whole-exome sequencing with the aim of finding new candidate germline predisposition variants. After sequencing and data analysis, variant prioritization selected only those very rare alterations, producing a putative loss of function and located in genes with a role compatible with cancer. We detected an enrichment for variants in FA DNA damage repair pathway genes in our familial CRC cohort as 6 families carried heterozygous, rare, potentially pathogenic variants located in BRCA2/FANCD1, BRIP1/FANCJ, FANCC, FANCE and REV3L/POLZ. In conclusion, the FA DNA damage repair pathway may play an important role in the inherited predisposition to CRC.

  18. Random X inactivation in the mule and horse placenta.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xu; Miller, Donald C; Clark, Andrew G; Antczak, Douglas F

    2012-10-01

    In eutherian mammals, dosage compensation of X-linked genes is achieved by X chromosome inactivation. X inactivation is random in embryonic and adult tissues, but imprinted X inactivation (paternal X silencing) has been identified in the extra-embryonic membranes of the mouse, rat, and cow. Few other species have been studied for this trait, and the data from studies of the human placenta have been discordant or inconclusive. Here, we quantify X inactivation using RNA sequencing of placental tissue from reciprocal hybrids of horse and donkey (mule and hinny). In placental tissue from the equid hybrids and the horse parent, the allelic expression pattern was consistent with random X inactivation, and imprinted X inactivation can clearly be excluded. We characterized horse and donkey XIST gene and demonstrated that XIST allelic expression in female hybrid placental and fetal tissues is negatively correlated with the other X-linked genes chromosome-wide, which is consistent with the XIST-mediated mechanism of X inactivation discovered previously in mice. As the most structurally and morphologically diverse organ in mammals, the placenta also appears to show diverse mechanisms for dosage compensation that may result in differences in conceptus development across species.

  19. Transgenerational Inheritance of Modified DNA Methylation Patterns and Enhanced Tolerance Induced by Heavy Metal Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Chunming; Lin, Xiuyun; Zang, Qi; Zhuang, Tingting; Jiang, Lili; von Wettstein, Diter; Liu, Bao

    2012-01-01

    Background DNA methylation is sensitive and responsive to stressful environmental conditions. Nonetheless, the extent to which condition-induced somatic methylation modifications can impose transgenerational effects remains to be fully understood. Even less is known about the biological relevance of the induced epigenetic changes for potentially altered well-being of the organismal progenies regarding adaptation to the specific condition their progenitors experienced. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed DNA methylation pattern by gel-blotting at genomic loci representing transposable elements and protein-coding genes in leaf-tissue of heavy metal-treated rice (Oryza sativa) plants (S0), and its three successive organismal generations. We assessed expression of putative genes involved in establishing and/or maintaining DNA methylation patterns by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We measured growth of the stressed plants and their unstressed progenies vs. the control plants. We found (1) relative to control, DNA methylation patterns were modified in leaf-tissue of the immediately treated plants, and the modifications were exclusively confined to CHG hypomethylation; (2) the CHG-demethylated states were heritable via both maternal and paternal germline, albeit often accompanying further hypomethylation; (3) altered expression of genes encoding for DNA methyltransferases, DNA glycosylase and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling factor (DDM1) were induced by the stress; (4) progenies of the stressed plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to the same stress their progenitor experienced, and this transgenerational inheritance of the effect of condition accompanying heritability of modified methylation patterns. Conclusions/Significance Our findings suggest that stressful environmental condition can produce transgenerational epigenetic modifications. Progenies of stressed plants may develop enhanced adaptability to the condition, and this acquired trait is inheritable and accord with transmission of the epigenetic modifications. We suggest that environmental induction of heritable modifications in DNA methylation provides a plausible molecular underpinning for the still contentious paradigm of inheritance of acquired traits originally put forward by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck more than 200 years ago. PMID:22984395

  20. Cryptic species? Patterns of maternal and paternal gene flow in eight neotropical bats.

    PubMed

    Clare, Elizabeth L

    2011-01-01

    Levels of sequence divergence at mitochondrial loci are frequently used in phylogeographic analysis and species delimitation though single marker systems cannot assess bi-parental gene flow. In this investigation I compare the phylogeographic patterns revealed through the maternally inherited mitochondrial COI region and the paternally inherited 7(th) intron region of the Dby gene on the Y-chromosome in eight common Neotropical bat species. These species are diverse and include members of two families from the feeding guilds of sanguivores, nectarivores, frugivores, carnivores and insectivores. In each case, the currently recognized taxon is comprised of distinct, substantially divergent intraspecific mitochondrial lineages suggesting cryptic species complexes. In Chrotopterus auritus, and Saccopteryx bilineata I observed congruent patterns of divergence in both genetic regions suggesting a cessation of gene flow between intraspecific groups. This evidence supports the existence of cryptic species complexes which meet the criteria of the genetic species concept. In Glossophaga soricina two intraspecific groups with largely sympatric South American ranges show evidence for incomplete lineage sorting or frequent hybridization while a third group with a Central American distribution appears to diverge congruently at both loci suggesting speciation. Within Desmodus rotundus and Trachops cirrhosus the paternally inherited region was monomorphic and thus does not support or refute the potential for cryptic speciation. In Uroderma bilobatum, Micronycteris megalotis and Platyrrhinus helleri the gene regions show conflicting patterns of divergence and I cannot exclude ongoing gene flow between intraspecific groups. This analysis provides a comprehensive comparison across taxa and employs both maternally and paternally inherited gene regions to validate patterns of gene flow. I present evidence for previously unrecognized species meeting the criteria of the genetic species concept but demonstrate that estimates of mitochondrial diversity alone do not accurately represent gene flow in these species and that contact/hybrid zones must be explored to evaluate reproductive isolation.

  1. Transgenerational inheritance of modified DNA methylation patterns and enhanced tolerance induced by heavy metal stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

    PubMed

    Ou, Xiufang; Zhang, Yunhong; Xu, Chunming; Lin, Xiuyun; Zang, Qi; Zhuang, Tingting; Jiang, Lili; von Wettstein, Diter; Liu, Bao

    2012-01-01

    DNA methylation is sensitive and responsive to stressful environmental conditions. Nonetheless, the extent to which condition-induced somatic methylation modifications can impose transgenerational effects remains to be fully understood. Even less is known about the biological relevance of the induced epigenetic changes for potentially altered well-being of the organismal progenies regarding adaptation to the specific condition their progenitors experienced. We analyzed DNA methylation pattern by gel-blotting at genomic loci representing transposable elements and protein-coding genes in leaf-tissue of heavy metal-treated rice (Oryza sativa) plants (S0), and its three successive organismal generations. We assessed expression of putative genes involved in establishing and/or maintaining DNA methylation patterns by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We measured growth of the stressed plants and their unstressed progenies vs. the control plants. We found (1) relative to control, DNA methylation patterns were modified in leaf-tissue of the immediately treated plants, and the modifications were exclusively confined to CHG hypomethylation; (2) the CHG-demethylated states were heritable via both maternal and paternal germline, albeit often accompanying further hypomethylation; (3) altered expression of genes encoding for DNA methyltransferases, DNA glycosylase and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling factor (DDM1) were induced by the stress; (4) progenies of the stressed plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to the same stress their progenitor experienced, and this transgenerational inheritance of the effect of condition accompanying heritability of modified methylation patterns. Our findings suggest that stressful environmental condition can produce transgenerational epigenetic modifications. Progenies of stressed plants may develop enhanced adaptability to the condition, and this acquired trait is inheritable and accord with transmission of the epigenetic modifications. We suggest that environmental induction of heritable modifications in DNA methylation provides a plausible molecular underpinning for the still contentious paradigm of inheritance of acquired traits originally put forward by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck more than 200 years ago.

  2. The Role of Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Retinal Diseases: A Review.

    PubMed

    Campa, C; Gallenga, C E; Bolletta, E; Perri, P

    2017-01-01

    Gene therapy represents the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acid polymers into patient cells with the aim of treating an underlying disease. Over the past 2 decades this new therapy has made substantial progress owing to better understanding of the pathobiologic basis of various diseases coupled with growth of gene transfer biotechnologies. The eye, in particular, represents a suitable target for such therapy due to the immune privilege provided by the blood-ocular barrier, the ability to directly visualize, access and locally treat the cells and the minimal amount of vector needed given the size of this organ. It is not surprising therefore that several clinical trials are now ongoing in this field. The purpose of this review was to provide an update on gene therapy for retinal diseases, discussing differences in treatment strategies, vector designs and surgical techniques. Research was performed on PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Home Genetic Reference. We additionally utilized the internet database for genetics of retinal diseases, the portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs and the NCBI database Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. No restriction was applied on the language of publications. We present the available results of current active clinical trials for inherited retinal disease such as Leber's congenital amaurosis type 2, choroideremia, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia and juvenile X-linked retinoschisis. We also illustrate a new approach of this therapy for the treatment of much more common ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Gene therapy represents an emerging and promising therapeutic approach for the treatment not only of rare inherited retinal diseases but also much more common retinal pathologies. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  3. Intergenerational transfers in Philippine rice villages. Gender differences in traditional inheritance customs.

    PubMed

    Quisumbing, A R

    1994-04-01

    The author presents findings from a study of education, land, and nonland asset transfers from parents to children in 344 households in five rice villages in the Philippines. A model with family fixed effects is developed which explains transfers better than either individual heterogeneity or observed parent and child characteristics without family fixed effects. Analysis revealed that families facing different land constraints exhibit significantly different patterns of educational investment in children. In a subsample with completed inheritance, daughters receive less education, land, and total inheritance, but are compensated with nonland assets. Parents also exhibit preferential behavior toward children of the same gender such that daughters of better educated mothers receive more land, nonland assets, and total inheritance. Better educated fathers, however, give land preferentially to sons, but favor daughters in education.

  4. Contrasting Levels of Molecular Evolution on the Mouse X Chromosome

    PubMed Central

    Larson, Erica L.; Vanderpool, Dan; Keeble, Sara; Zhou, Meng; Sarver, Brice A. J.; Smith, Andrew D.; Dean, Matthew D.; Good, Jeffrey M.

    2016-01-01

    The mammalian X chromosome has unusual evolutionary dynamics compared to autosomes. Faster-X evolution of spermatogenic protein-coding genes is known to be most pronounced for genes expressed late in spermatogenesis, but it is unclear if these patterns extend to other forms of molecular divergence. We tested for faster-X evolution in mice spanning three different forms of molecular evolution—divergence in protein sequence, gene expression, and DNA methylation—across different developmental stages of spermatogenesis. We used FACS to isolate individual cell populations and then generated cell-specific transcriptome profiles across different stages of spermatogenesis in two subspecies of house mice (Mus musculus), thereby overcoming a fundamental limitation of previous studies on whole tissues. We found faster-X protein evolution at all stages of spermatogenesis and faster-late protein evolution for both X-linked and autosomal genes. In contrast, there was less expression divergence late in spermatogenesis (slower late) on the X chromosome and for autosomal genes expressed primarily in testis (testis-biased). We argue that slower-late expression divergence reflects strong regulatory constraints imposed during this critical stage of sperm development and that these constraints are particularly acute on the tightly regulated sex chromosomes. We also found slower-X DNA methylation divergence based on genome-wide bisulfite sequencing of sperm from two species of mice (M. musculus and M. spretus), although it is unclear whether slower-X DNA methylation reflects development constraints in sperm or other X-linked phenomena. Our study clarifies key differences in patterns of regulatory and protein evolution across spermatogenesis that are likely to have important consequences for mammalian sex chromosome evolution, male fertility, and speciation. PMID:27317678

  5. Homozygous HAX1 mutations in severe congenital neutropenia patients with sporadic disease: a novel mutation in two unrelated British kindreds.

    PubMed

    Smith, Bradley N; Ancliff, Phil J; Pizzey, Arnold; Khwaja, Asim; Linch, David C; Gale, Rosemary E

    2009-03-01

    Patients with autosomal dominant (AD), sporadic and X-linked severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) may have mutations in the elastase 2 (ELA2) or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) genes. Homozygous mutations in the HAX1 gene have recently been reported in autosomal recessive (AR) cases of primarily Middle-Eastern descent and the original Kostmann family. We screened 109 predominantly Caucasian SCN kindreds for mutations in these genes; 33 (30%) had 24 different ELA2 mutations, five of them novel, two kindreds (2%) had WAS mutations and four kindreds (4%) had three different HAX1 mutations, two of them novel. One HAX1 mutation (p.Ser43LeufsX11) was found in an AR Ashkenazi Jewish kindred, the other (p.Glu31LysfsX54) in two unrelated British patients with sporadic disease. Microsatellite analysis of the HAX1 locus revealed a common haplotype (maximum distance 4.1 Megabases) for the p.Glu31LysfsX54 patients, suggesting a possible ancestral founder. In functional assays, the level of spontaneous and staurosporine-induced apoptosis was increased in neutrophils from both p.Ser43LeufsX11 patients but not a p.Glu31LysfsX54 patient, suggesting the possible presence of modifying factors. The low incidence of HAX1 mutations in our study suggests that the frequency may vary between racial groups but suggests that irrespective of inheritance or racial origin, SCN patients should be screened for HAX1 mutations.

  6. Cytonuclear disequilibrium and genetic drift in a natural population of ponderosa pine.

    PubMed Central

    Latta, R G; Linhart, Y B; Mitton, J B

    2001-01-01

    We measured the cytonuclear disequilibrium between 11 nuclear allozyme loci and both mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA haplotypes in a natural population of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa, Laws). Three allozyme loci showed significant associations with mtDNA variation, while two other loci showed significant association with cpDNA. However, the absolute number of individuals involved in any of the associations was small, such that in none of the nuclear-organellar combinations was the difference between observed and expected numbers >11 individuals. Patterns of association were not consistent across loci or organellar genomes, suggesting that they are not the result of mating patterns, which would act uniformly on all loci. This pattern of disequilibria is consistent with the action of genetic drift and with existing knowledge of the structure of this population and thus does not imply the action of other evolutionary processes. The overall magnitude (normalized disequilibrium) of associations was greater for maternally inherited mtDNA than for paternally inherited cpDNA, though this difference was neither large nor significant. Such significant disequilibria involving the paternally inherited organelle indicate that not only are there a limited number of seed parents, but the effective number of pollen parents is also limited. PMID:11404345

  7. The anisotropic signal of topotaxy during phase transitions in D″

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walker, Andrew M.; Dobson, David P.; Wookey, James; Nowacki, Andy; Forte, Alessandro M.

    2018-03-01

    While observations and modelling of seismic anisotropy in the lowermost mantle offers the possibility of imaging mantle flow close to the core-mantle boundary, current models do not explain all observations. Here, we seek to explain a long-wavelength pattern of shear wave anisotropy observed in anisotropic tomography where vertically polarised shear waves travel faster than horizontally polarised shear waves in the central Pacific and under Africa but this pattern is reversed elsewhere. In particular, we test an explanation derived from experiments on analogues, which suggest that texture may be inherited during phase transitions between bridgmanite (perovskite structured MgSiO3) and post-perovskite, and that such texture inheritance may yield the long-wavelength pattern of anisotropy. We find that models that include this effect correlate better with tomographic models than those that assume deformation due to a single phase in the lowermost mantle, supporting the idea that texture inheritance is an important factor in understanding lowermost mantle anisotropy. It is possible that anisotropy could be used to map the post-perovskite stability field in the lowermost mantle, and thus place constraints on the temperature structure above the core-mantle boundary.

  8. Neuromuscular imaging in inherited muscle diseases

    PubMed Central

    Kley, Rudolf A.; Fischer, Dirk

    2010-01-01

    Driven by increasing numbers of newly identified genetic defects and new insights into the field of inherited muscle diseases, neuromuscular imaging in general and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in particular are increasingly being used to characterise the severity and pattern of muscle involvement. Although muscle biopsy is still the gold standard for the establishment of the definitive diagnosis, muscular imaging is an important diagnostic tool for the detection and quantification of dystrophic changes during the clinical workup of patients with hereditary muscle diseases. MRI is frequently used to describe muscle involvement patterns, which aids in narrowing of the differential diagnosis and distinguishing between dystrophic and non-dystrophic diseases. Recent work has demonstrated the usefulness of muscle imaging for the detection of specific congenital myopathies, mainly for the identification of the underlying genetic defect in core and centronuclear myopathies. Muscle imaging demonstrates characteristic patterns, which can be helpful for the differentiation of individual limb girdle muscular dystrophies. The aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of current methods and applications as well as future perspectives in the field of neuromuscular imaging in inherited muscle diseases. We also provide diagnostic algorithms that might guide us through the differential diagnosis in hereditary myopathies. PMID:20422195

  9. GHRH excess and blockade in X-LAG syndrome.

    PubMed

    Daly, Adrian F; Lysy, Philippe A; Desfilles, Céline; Rostomyan, Liliya; Mohamed, Amira; Caberg, Jean-Hubert; Raverot, Veronique; Castermans, Emilie; Marbaix, Etienne; Maiter, Dominique; Brunelle, Chloe; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Stratakis, Constantine A; Bours, Vincent; Raftopoulos, Christian; Beauloye, Veronique; Barlier, Anne; Beckers, Albert

    2016-03-01

    X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG) syndrome is a newly described form of inheritable pituitary gigantism that begins in early childhood and is usually associated with markedly elevated GH and prolactin secretion by mixed pituitary adenomas/hyperplasia. Microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3 including the GPR101 gene cause X-LAG syndrome. In individual cases random GHRH levels have been elevated. We performed a series of hormonal profiles in a young female sporadic X-LAG syndrome patient and subsequently undertook in vitro studies of primary pituitary tumor culture following neurosurgical resection. The patient demonstrated consistently elevated circulating GHRH levels throughout preoperative testing, which was accompanied by marked GH and prolactin hypersecretion; GH demonstrated a paradoxical increase following TRH administration. In vitro, the pituitary cells showed baseline GH and prolactin release that was further stimulated by GHRH administration. Co-incubation with GHRH and the GHRH receptor antagonist, acetyl-(d-Arg(2))-GHRH (1-29) amide, blocked the GHRH-induced GH stimulation; the GHRH receptor antagonist alone significantly reduced GH release. Pasireotide, but not octreotide, inhibited GH secretion. A ghrelin receptor agonist and an inverse agonist led to modest, statistically significant increases and decreases in GH secretion, respectively. GHRH hypersecretion can accompany the pituitary abnormalities seen in X-LAG syndrome. These data suggest that the pathology of X-LAG syndrome may include hypothalamic dysregulation of GHRH secretion, which is in keeping with localization of GPR101 in the hypothalamus. Therapeutic blockade of GHRH secretion could represent a way to target the marked hormonal hypersecretion and overgrowth that characterizes X-LAG syndrome. © 2016 Society for Endocrinology.

  10. Impaired cognitive discrimination and discoordination of coupled theta-gamma oscillations in Fmr1 knockout mice

    PubMed Central

    Radwan, Basma; Dvorak, Dino; Fenton, André

    2016-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) patients do not make the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Absence of FMRP causes dysregulated translation, abnormal synaptic plasticity and the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. But FMRP loss has minimal effects on memory itself, making it difficult to understand why absence of FMRP impairs memory discrimination and increases risk of autistic symptoms in patients, such as exaggerated responses to environmental changes. While Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice perform cognitive discrimination tasks, we find abnormal patterns of coupling between theta and gamma oscillations in perisomatic and dendritic hippocampal CA1 local field potentials of the KO. Perisomatic CA1 theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) decreases with familiarity in both the WT and KO, but activating an invisible shock zone, subsequently changing its location, or turning it off, changes the pattern of oscillatory events in the LFPs recorded along the somato-dendritic axis of CA1. The cognition-dependent changes of this pattern of neural activity are relatively constrained in WT mice compared to KO mice, which exhibit abnormally weak changes during the cognitive challenge caused by changing the location of the shock zone and exaggerated patterns of change when the shock zone is turned off. Such pathophysiology might explain how dysregulated translation leads to intellectual disability in FXS. These findings demonstrate major functional abnormalities after the loss of FMRP in the dynamics of neural oscillations and that these impairments would be difficult to detect by steady-state measurements with the subject at rest or in steady conditions. PMID:26792400

  11. Genetics Home Reference: carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... translocase deficiency Orphanet: Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency Screening, Technology, and Research in Genetics Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (3 links) Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CLIMB) FOD (Fatty ...

  12. Genetics Home Reference: N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... Hyperammonemia due to N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (4 links) Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases National Organization for ...

  13. Combatting Terrorism through Study of the Genetic Psychology of Terrorist Leaders. The Early Development of the Terrorist Mind

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-12-01

    that many aspects of appearance are inherited. Genetic factors determine such characteristics as sex, eye color, texture and color of skin and hair...characteris- tics are important and link child to parent(s). If an individual can inherit physical characteristics from his parents, why not behavioral... characteristics ? Is there any truth in the saying: "If you want to know what iPaul H. Mussen, The Psychological Development of the child (New Jersey

  14. Optimized oligonucleotide probes for DNA fingerprinting.

    PubMed

    Schäfer, R; Zischler, H; Birsner, U; Becker, A; Epplen, J T

    1988-08-01

    The three different simple repetitive oligonucleotide probes (CT)8, (CAC)5 and (TCC)5 were hybridized to a panel of human DNAs which had been digested with the restriction endonucleases Alu I, Hinf I and Mbo I. The resulting DNA fingerprints were analyzed and different parameters calculated, such as the maximal mean allele frequency and the average number of polymorphic bands per individual. The highest number of bands was obtained after hybridization of Hinf I digested DNA with (CAC)5. The probability of finding the same band pattern as in individual A in individual B is 2 x 10(-8). The DNAs of monozygous twins show indistinguishable banding patterns and the bands are inherited according to the Mendelian laws. Thus this procedure reveals informative fingerprints that can be used for individual identification, e.g. in paternity testing and in forensic applications. In most of these experiments 32P-labelled probes were employed, yet the biotinylated oligonucleotide (GACA)4 produced results which were equivalent to those obtained by hybridization with the 32P-labelled probe (GACA)4.

  15. Erosion patterns produced by the paleo Haizishan ice cap, SE Tibetan Plateau

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, P.; Stroeven, A. P.; Harbor, J.; Hättestrand, C.; Heyman, J.; Caffee, M. W.

    2017-12-01

    Erosion is a primary driver of landscape evolution, topographic relief production, geochemical cycles, and climate change. Combining in situ 10Be and 26Al exposure age dating, geomorphological mapping, and field investigations, we examine glacial erosion patterns of the almost 4,000 km2 paleo Haizishan ice cap on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Our results show that ice caps on the low relief Haizishan Plateau produced a zonal pattern of landscape modification. In locations where apparent exposure ages on bedrock are consistent with the last deglaciation, complete resetting of the cosmogenic exposure age clock indicates glacial erosion of at least a few meters. However, older apparent exposure ages on bedrock in areas known to have been covered by the paleo ice cap during the Last Glacial Maximum indicate inheritance and thus limited glacial erosion. Inferred surface exposure ages from cosmogenic depth profiles through two saprolites vary from resetting and thus saprolite profile truncation to nuclide inheritance indicating limited erosion. Finally, significant nuclide inheritance in river sand samples from basins on the scoured plateau surface also indicate limited glacial erosion during the last glaciation. Hence, for the first time, our study shows clear evidence of preservation under non-erosive ice on the Tibetan Plateau. As patterns of glacial erosion intensity are largely driven by the basal thermal regime, our results confirm earlier inferences from geomorphology for a concentric basal thermal pattern for the paleo Haizishan ice cap during the LGM.

  16. X-chromosomal inactivation directly influences the phenotypic manifestation of X-linked protoporphyria

    PubMed Central

    Brancaleoni, V.; Balwani, M.; Granata, F.; Graziadei, G.; Missineo, P.; Fiorentino, V.; Fustinoni, S.; Cappellini, M.D.; Naik, H.; Desnick, R.J.; Di Pierro, E.

    2015-01-01

    X-linked protoporphyria (XLP), a rare erythropoietic porphyria, results from terminal exon gain-of-function mutations in the ALAS2 gene causing increased ALAS2 activity and markedly increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Patients present with severe cutaneous photosensitivity and may develop liver dysfunction. XLP was originally reported as X-linked dominant with 100% penetrance in males and females. We characterized 11 heterozygous females from six unrelated XLP families and show markedly varying phenotypic and biochemical heterogeneity, reflecting the degree of X-chromsomal inactivation of the mutant gene. ALAS2 sequencing identified the specific mutation and confirmed heterozygosity among the females. Clinical history, plasma and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels were determined. Methylation assays of the androgen receptor and zinc-finger MYM type 3 short tandem repeat polymorphisms estimated each heterozygotes X-chromosomal inactivation pattern. Heterozygotes with equal or increased skewing, favoring expression of the wild-type allele had no clinical symptoms and only slightly increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations and/or frequency of protoporphyrin-containing peripheral blood fluorocytes. When the wild-type allele was preferentially inactivated, heterozygous females manifested the disease phenotype and had both higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels and circulating fluorocytes. These findings confirm that the previous dominant classification of XLP is inappropriate and genetically misleading, as the disorder is more appropriately designated XLP. PMID:25615817

  17. Cancer Incidence among Persons with Fragile X Syndrome in Finland: A Population-Based Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sund, Reijo; Pukkala, E.; Patja, K.

    2009-01-01

    Background: Fragile X syndrome is a common inheritable cause of intellectual disability (ID) and is characterised by a large number of CGG repeats at the gene "FMR1" located on the X-chromosome. It has been reported that this genetic mechanism may protect against malignant transformations. Methods: We extracted from the Finnish registry…

  18. Language and Learning in Boys with Fragile X Syndrome: Syntactic Processing and the Role of Phonological Memory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kover, Sara T.

    2012-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. Most boys with fragile X syndrome have impaired cognition and language deficits, with significant within-syndrome variability. Syntax may be especially delayed relative to nonverbal cognition; however, little is known about the specificity of delay, the sources of that…

  19. Gene, Brain, and Behavior Relationships in Fragile X Syndrome: Evidence from Neuroimaging Studies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lightbody, Amy A.; Reiss, Allan L.

    2009-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FraX) remains the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and provides a valuable model for studying gene-brain-behavior relationships. Over the past 15 years, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have emerged with the goal of better understanding the neural pathways contributing to the…

  20. Imprinted and X-linked non-coding RNAs as potential regulators of human placental function

    PubMed Central

    Buckberry, Sam; Bianco-Miotto, Tina; Roberts, Claire T

    2014-01-01

    Pregnancy outcome is inextricably linked to placental development, which is strictly controlled temporally and spatially through mechanisms that are only partially understood. However, increasing evidence suggests non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) direct and regulate a considerable number of biological processes and therefore may constitute a previously hidden layer of regulatory information in the placenta. Many ncRNAs, including both microRNAs and long non-coding transcripts, show almost exclusive or predominant expression in the placenta compared with other somatic tissues and display altered expression patterns in placentas from complicated pregnancies. In this review, we explore the results of recent genome-scale and single gene expression studies using human placental tissue, but include studies in the mouse where human data are lacking. Our review focuses on the ncRNAs epigenetically regulated through genomic imprinting or X-chromosome inactivation and includes recent evidence surrounding the H19 lincRNA, the imprinted C19MC cluster microRNAs, and X-linked miRNAs associated with pregnancy complications. PMID:24081302

  1. Degraded speech sound processing in a rat model of fragile X syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Engineer, Crystal T.; Centanni, Tracy M.; Im, Kwok W.; Rahebi, Kimiya C.; Buell, Elizabeth P.; Kilgard, Michael P.

    2014-01-01

    Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and the leading genetic cause of autism. Impaired phonological processing in fragile X syndrome interferes with the development of language skills. Although auditory cortex responses are known to be abnormal in fragile X syndrome, it is not clear how these differences impact speech sound processing. This study provides the first evidence that the cortical representation of speech sounds is impaired in Fmr1 knockout rats, despite normal speech discrimination behavior. Evoked potentials and spiking activity in response to speech sounds, noise burst trains, and tones were significantly degraded in primary auditory cortex, anterior auditory field and the ventral auditory field. Neurometric analysis of speech evoked activity using a pattern classifier confirmed that activity in these fields contains significantly less information about speech sound identity in Fmr1 knockout rats compared to control rats. Responses were normal in the posterior auditory field, which is associated with sound localization. The greatest impairment was observed in the ventral auditory field, which is related to emotional regulation. Dysfunction in the ventral auditory field may contribute to poor emotional regulation in fragile X syndrome and may help explain the observation that later auditory evoked responses are more disturbed in fragile X syndrome compared to earlier responses. Rodent models of fragile X syndrome are likely to prove useful for understanding the biological basis of fragile X syndrome and for testing candidate therapies. PMID:24713347

  2. Novel genes involved in severe early-onset obesity revealed by rare copy number and sequence variants

    PubMed Central

    Flores, Raquel; González, Juan R.; Argente, Jesús; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A.

    2017-01-01

    Obesity is a multifactorial disorder with high heritability (50–75%), which is probably higher in early-onset and severe cases. Although rare monogenic forms and several genes and regions of susceptibility, including copy number variants (CNVs), have been described, the genetic causes underlying the disease still remain largely unknown. We searched for rare CNVs (>100kb in size, altering genes and present in <1/2000 population controls) in 157 Spanish children with non-syndromic early-onset obesity (EOO: body mass index >3 standard deviations above the mean at <3 years of age) using SNP array molecular karyotypes. We then performed case control studies (480 EOO cases/480 non-obese controls) with the validated CNVs and rare sequence variants (RSVs) detected by targeted resequencing of selected CNV genes (n = 14), and also studied the inheritance patterns in available first-degree relatives. A higher burden of gain-type CNVs was detected in EOO cases versus controls (OR = 1.71, p-value = 0.0358). In addition to a gain of the NPY gene in a familial case with EOO and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, likely pathogenic CNVs included gains of glutamate receptors (GRIK1, GRM7) and the X-linked gastrin-peptide receptor (GRPR), all inherited from obese parents. Putatively functional RSVs absent in controls were also identified in EOO cases at NPY, GRIK1 and GRPR. A patient with a heterozygous deletion disrupting two contiguous and related genes, SLCO4C1 and SLCO6A1, also had a missense RSV at SLCO4C1 on the other allele, suggestive of a recessive model. The genes identified showed a clear enrichment of shared co-expression partners with known genes strongly related to obesity, reinforcing their role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Our data reveal a higher burden of rare CNVs and RSVs in several related genes in patients with EOO compared to controls, and implicate NPY, GRPR, two glutamate receptors and SLCO4C1 in highly penetrant forms of familial obesity. PMID:28489853

  3. Novel genes involved in severe early-onset obesity revealed by rare copy number and sequence variants.

    PubMed

    Serra-Juhé, Clara; Martos-Moreno, Gabriel Á; Bou de Pieri, Francesc; Flores, Raquel; González, Juan R; Rodríguez-Santiago, Benjamín; Argente, Jesús; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A

    2017-05-01

    Obesity is a multifactorial disorder with high heritability (50-75%), which is probably higher in early-onset and severe cases. Although rare monogenic forms and several genes and regions of susceptibility, including copy number variants (CNVs), have been described, the genetic causes underlying the disease still remain largely unknown. We searched for rare CNVs (>100kb in size, altering genes and present in <1/2000 population controls) in 157 Spanish children with non-syndromic early-onset obesity (EOO: body mass index >3 standard deviations above the mean at <3 years of age) using SNP array molecular karyotypes. We then performed case control studies (480 EOO cases/480 non-obese controls) with the validated CNVs and rare sequence variants (RSVs) detected by targeted resequencing of selected CNV genes (n = 14), and also studied the inheritance patterns in available first-degree relatives. A higher burden of gain-type CNVs was detected in EOO cases versus controls (OR = 1.71, p-value = 0.0358). In addition to a gain of the NPY gene in a familial case with EOO and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, likely pathogenic CNVs included gains of glutamate receptors (GRIK1, GRM7) and the X-linked gastrin-peptide receptor (GRPR), all inherited from obese parents. Putatively functional RSVs absent in controls were also identified in EOO cases at NPY, GRIK1 and GRPR. A patient with a heterozygous deletion disrupting two contiguous and related genes, SLCO4C1 and SLCO6A1, also had a missense RSV at SLCO4C1 on the other allele, suggestive of a recessive model. The genes identified showed a clear enrichment of shared co-expression partners with known genes strongly related to obesity, reinforcing their role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Our data reveal a higher burden of rare CNVs and RSVs in several related genes in patients with EOO compared to controls, and implicate NPY, GRPR, two glutamate receptors and SLCO4C1 in highly penetrant forms of familial obesity.

  4. Analysis of the parental origin of de novo MECP2 mutations and X chromosome inactivation in 24 sporadic patients with Rett syndrome in China.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Xingwang; Li, Meirong; Pan, Hong; Bao, Xinhua; Zhang, Jingjing; Wu, Xiru

    2010-07-01

    Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects females. It is caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene. Due to the sex-limited expression, it has been suggested that de novo X-linked mutations may exclusively occur in male germ cells and thus only females are affected. In this study, the authors have analyzed the parental origin of mutations and the X-chromosome inactivation status in 24 sporadic patients with identified methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene mutations. The results showed that 22 of 24 patients have a paternal origin. Only 2 patients have a maternal origin. Except for 2 cases which were homozygotic at the androgen receptor gene locus, of the remaining 22 cases, 16 cases have a random X-chromosome inactivation pattern; the other 6 cases have a skewed X-chromosome inactivation and they favor expression of the wild allele. The relationship between X-chromosome inactivation and phenotype may need more cases to explore.

  5. Genital angiokeratoma in a woman with Fabry disease: the dermatologist's role.

    PubMed

    Jesus, Patricia Moraes Resende de; Martins, Ana Maria; Chiacchio, Nilton Di; Aranda, Carolina Sanchez

    2018-06-01

    Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder, inherited in an X-linked manner. It is characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, leading to a buildup of glycosphingolipids in the cells. Angiokeratoma is one of the cutaneous manifestations of this condition, and it helps making the diagnosis. The typical site involves the genital area in men and lumbosacral, buttocks and trunk region in both sexes. We report a case of genital angiokeratoma in a woman with Fabry disease. The diagnosis is through molecular analysis and, when made early, starting treatment reduces the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Thus, the dermatologist has an important role in the identification of angiokeratoma as a cutaneous marker, and the knowledge of its different presentations is essential for the early diagnosis and management of Fabry disease.

  6. Cardiac arrhythmia and thyroid dysfunction: a novel genetic link

    PubMed Central

    Purtell, Kerry; Roepke, Torsten K.; Abbott, Geoffrey W.

    2010-01-01

    Inherited Long QT Syndrome, a cardiac arrhythmia that predisposes to the often lethal ventricular fibrillation, is commonly linked to mutations in KCNQ1. The KCNQ1 voltage-gated K+ channel α subunit passes ventricular myocyte K+ current that helps bring a timely end to each heart-beat. KCNQ1, like many K+ channel α subunits, is regulated by KCNE β subunits, inherited mutations in which also associate with Long QT Syndrome. KCNQ1 and KCNE mutations are also associated with atrial fibrillation. It has long been known that thyroid status strongly influences cardiac function, and that thyroid dysfunction causes abnormal cardiac structure and rhythm. We recently discovered that KCNQ1 and KCNE2 form a thyroid-stimulating hormone-stimulated K+ channel in the thyroid that is required for normal thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Here, we review this novel genetic link between cardiac and thyroid physiology and pathology, and its potential influence upon future therapeutic strategies in cardiac and thyroid disease. PMID:20688187

  7. [Analysis of dermatoglyphics of the digito-palmar and plantar complex in families].

    PubMed

    Letinić, D; Milicić, J

    1998-01-01

    This research was made in order to find out if there is an inherited component which determines the features of dermatoglyphics by transmitting inherited information from parents to children. The article shows the results of a research into 22 quantitative features of the digito-palmar complex, and 2 features of the plantar area in 400 persons. No significant differences were found in the parameters of the observed variables between fathers and sons, nor mothers and daughters. The differences were found, however, between fathers and daughters, and mothers and sons. The analysis of the correlation coefficients within the families showed that only the variables TRC and TPRC have polygenic hereditary model. The correlative analyses have shown close links between parents and children, the link between parents and sons being stronger than the link between parents and daughters. The research has not confirmed the thesis about greater overlap between mother and children, than between father and children, set forth by Knussmann in 1973.

  8. Biomedical and Social Aspects of Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda Cases from Bengkulu District of Indonesia

    PubMed Central

    Ruyani, A.; Karyadi, B.; Muslim, C.; Sipriyadi; Suherlan

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Although short stature male (SSM) cases are often found in South Bengkulu, no management reports about their existence are available. This paper summarizes the researches of biomedical and social aspects for the human genetic disorders. CASE PRESENTATION: Field survey results indicated that SSM community was located in Kedurang area, and 67 persons with SSM were successfully sampled from a population of 17,357 persons (one of 260). Anthropometric comparative studies, history of the pattern of X-linked inheritance, as well as the study of anatomy through radiology and ultrasound confirmed that SSM is spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT). Genomic studies through characterisation of mutations of the SEDL gene revealed that point mutations on SEDT Kedurang are different from the results of previous similar studies, and these people are predicted to come from the same ancestors. It is necessary to notice that persons with SEDT have normal intellectual ability, but the physical conditions make their socio-economic competitiveness very low. Furthermore premature joint pains make persons with SEDT become old faster than the ordinary people by the age of 40 years. Realizing that they are marginalized, some of them try to come together to establish a foundation designed to make a better life. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the appropriate management of SEDT should be done by integrating to improve their nutritional status, reduce the suffering of joint pain, develop labelled molecular markers for early detection, and increase their socio-economic competitiveness. PMID:23675282

  9. Spinal Cord Tumor

    MedlinePlus

    ... are linked to known inherited syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease. Risk factors ... tumors are more common in people who have: Neurofibromatosis 2. In this hereditary disorder, benign tumors develop ...

  10. Elevated CaMKIIα and hyperphosphorylation of Homer mediate circuit dysfunction in a Fragile X Syndrome mouse model

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Weirui; Ceolin, Laura; Collins, Katie; Perroy, Julie; Huber, Kimberly M.

    2015-01-01

    Summary Abnormal metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) function, as a result of disrupted scaffolding with its binding partner Homer, contributes to the pathophysiology of Fragile X Syndrome, a common inherited from of intellectual disability and autism caused by mutations in Fmr1. How loss of Fmr1 disrupts mGluR5-Homer scaffolds is unknown, and little is known about the dynamic regulation of mGluR5-Homer scaffolds in wildtype neurons. Here we demonstrate that brief (minutes) elevations in neural activity cause CaMKIIα-mediated phosphorylation of long Homer proteins and dissociation from mGluR5 at synapses. In Fmr1 knockout cortex, Homers are hyperphosphorylated as a result of elevated CaMKIIα protein. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CaMKIIα or replacement of Homers with dephosphomimetics restores mGluR5-Homer scaffolds and multiple Fmr1 KO phenotypes, including circuit hyperexcitability and/or seizures. This work links translational control of an FMRP target mRNA, CaMKIIα, to the molecular, cellular and circuit level brain dysfunction in a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. PMID:26670047

  11. Multigenerational pedigree with STAR syndrome: A novel FAM58A variant and expansion of the phenotype.

    PubMed

    Boczek, Nicole J; Kruisselbrink, Teresa; Cousin, Margot A; Blackburn, Patrick R; Klee, Eric W; Gavrilova, Ralitza H; Lanpher, Brendan C

    2017-05-01

    STAR syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant disorder characterized by toe Syndactyly, Telecanthus, Anogenital malformations, and Renal malformations, and is caused by loss-of-function variants in FAM58A. Our proband presented with the hallmark features of STAR syndrome, as well as some additional less typical features including tethered cord and hearing loss. The proband's mother and maternal half-sister had similar clinical histories, but had variability in phenotypic severity. Clinical whole exome sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic nonsense variant, c.651G>A (p.Trp217X; NM_152274), in FAM58A in the proband, mother, and maternal half-sister. This pedigree represents the 11-13th patients described with STAR syndrome and the third instance of familial inheritance. To our knowledge, this is the first occurrence of a nonsense variant in FAM58A described in individuals with STAR syndrome and the phenotype in this pedigree suggests that tethered cord and hearing loss are features of STAR syndrome. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Contiguous deletion of the NDP, MAOA, MAOB, and EFHC2 genes in a patient with Norrie disease, severe psychomotor retardation and myoclonic epilepsy.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Revenga, L; Madrigal, I; Alkhalidi, L S; Armengol, L; González, E; Badenas, C; Estivill, X; Milà, M

    2007-05-01

    Norrie disease (ND) is an X-linked disorder, inherited as a recessive trait that, therefore, mostly affects males. The gene responsible for ND, called NDP, maps to the short arm of chromosome X (Xp11.4-p11.3). We report here an atypical case of ND, consisting of a patient harboring a large submicroscopic deletion affecting not only the NDP gene but also the MAOA, MAOB, and EFHC2 genes. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed that 11 consecutive bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, mapping around the NDP gene, were deleted. These clones span a region of about 1 Mb on Xp11.3. The deletion was ascertained by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with different BAC clones located within the region. Clinical features of the proband include bilateral retinal detachment, microcephaly, severe psychomotor retardation without verbal language skills acquired, and epilepsy. The identification and molecular characterization of this case reinforces the idea of a new contiguous gene syndrome that would explain the complex phenotype shared by atypical ND patients.

  13. VIPER: a visualisation tool for exploring inheritance inconsistencies in genotyped pedigrees

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Pedigree genotype datasets are used for analysing genetic inheritance and to map genetic markers and traits. Such datasets consist of hundreds of related animals genotyped for thousands of genetic markers and invariably contain multiple errors in both the pedigree structure and in the associated individual genotype data. These errors manifest as apparent inheritance inconsistencies in the pedigree, and invalidate analyses of marker inheritance patterns across the dataset. Cleaning raw datasets of bad data points (incorrect pedigree relationships, unreliable marker assays, suspect samples, bad genotype results etc.) requires expert exploration of the patterns of exposed inconsistencies in the context of the inheritance pedigree. In order to assist this process we are developing VIPER (Visual Pedigree Explorer), a software tool that integrates an inheritance-checking algorithm with a novel space-efficient pedigree visualisation, so that reported inheritance inconsistencies are overlaid on an interactive, navigable representation of the pedigree structure. Methods and results This paper describes an evaluation of how VIPER displays the different scales and types of dataset that occur experimentally, with a description of how VIPER's display interface and functionality meet the challenges presented by such data. We examine a range of possible error types found in real and simulated pedigree genotype datasets, demonstrating how these errors are exposed and explored using the VIPER interface and we evaluate the utility and usability of the interface to the domain expert. Evaluation was performed as a two stage process with the assistance of domain experts (geneticists). The initial evaluation drove the iterative implementation of further features in the software prototype, as required by the users, prior to a final functional evaluation of the pedigree display for exploring the various error types, data scales and structures. Conclusions The VIPER display was shown to effectively expose the range of errors found in experimental genotyped pedigrees, allowing users to explore the underlying causes of reported inheritance inconsistencies. This interface will provide the basis for a full data cleaning tool that will allow the user to remove isolated bad data points, and reversibly test the effect of removing suspect genotypes and pedigree relationships. PMID:22607476

  14. Finding the needle in a haystack: identification of cases of Lynch syndrome with MLH1 epimutation.

    PubMed

    Hitchins, Megan P

    2016-07-01

    Constitutional epimutation of the DNA mismatch repair gene, MLH1, represents a minor cause of Lynch syndrome. MLH1 epimutations are characterized by the soma-wide distribution of methylation of a single allele of the MLH1 promoter accompanied by constitutive allelic loss of transcription. 'Primary' MLH1 epimutations, considered pure epigenetic defects, tend to arise de novo in patients without a family history or any apparent genetic mutation. These demonstrate non-Mendelian inheritance. 'Secondary' MLH1 epimutations have a genetic basis and have been linked to non-coding genetic alterations in the vicinity of MLH1. These demonstrate autosomal dominant inheritance. Despite convincing evidence of their role in causing Lynch-type cancers, routine screening for MLH1 epimutations has not been widely adopted. Complicating factors may include: the need to perform additional methylation-based testing beyond the standard genetic screening for a germline mutation; the lack of a consensus algorithm for the selection of patients warranting MLH1 epimutation testing; overlapping molecular pathology features of MLH1 methylation and loss of MLH1 expression with more prevalent sporadic MSI cancers; the rarity of MLH1 epimutation; the variable inter-generational inheritance patterns; and the cost-effectiveness of screening. Nevertheless, a positive molecular diagnosis of MLH1 epimutation is clinically important because carriers have a high personal risk of developing metachronous Lynch-type cancers, and their relatives may also be at risk of carriage. Extending existing universal and clinic-based screening algorithms for Lynch syndrome to include an additional arm of selection criteria for cases warranting MLH1 epimutation testing could provide a cost-effective means of diagnosing these cases.

  15. Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Cross-Linked Chitosan-Glutaraldehyde

    PubMed Central

    Li, Bin; Shan, Chang-Lin; Zhou, Qing; Fang, Yuan; Wang, Yang-Li; Xu, Fei; Han, Li-Rong; Ibrahim, Muhammad; Guo, Long-Biao; Xie, Guan-Lin; Sun, Guo-Chang

    2013-01-01

    This present study deals with synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of cross-linked chitosan-glutaraldehyde. Results from this study indicated that cross-linked chitosan-glutaraldehyde markedly inhibited the growth of antibiotic-resistant Burkholderia cepacia complex regardless of bacterial species and incubation time while bacterial growth was unaffected by solid chitosan. Furthermore, high temperature treated cross-linked chitosan-glutaraldehyde showed strong antibacterial activity against the selected strain 0901 although the inhibitory effects varied with different temperatures. In addition, physical-chemical and structural characterization revealed that the cross-linking of chitosan with glutaraldehyde resulted in a rougher surface morphology, a characteristic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) band at 1559 cm−1, a specific X-ray diffraction peak centered at 2θ = 15°, a lower contents of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, and a higher stability of glucose units compared to chitosan based on scanning electron microscopic observation, FTIR spectra, X-ray diffraction pattern, as well as elemental and thermo gravimetric analysis. Overall, this study indicated that cross-linked chitosan-glutaraldehyde is promising to be developed as a new antibacterial drug. PMID:23670533

  16. Anticipated stigma and blameless guilt: Mothers' evaluation of life with the sex-linked disorder, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XHED).

    PubMed

    Clarke, Angus

    2016-06-01

    Practical experience of a genetic disorder may influence how parents approach reproduction, if they know their child may be affected by an inherited condition. One important aspect of this practical experience is the stigmatisation which family members may experience or witness. We outline the concept of stigma and how it affects those in families with a condition that impacts upon physical appearance. We then consider the accounts given by females in families affected by the rare sex-linked disorder, X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XHED), which principally affects males but can be passed through female carriers to affect their sons. The stigmatisation of affected males is as important in the accounts given by their womenfolk as the physical effects of the condition; this impacts on their talk about transmission of the disorder to the next generation. Perspectives may also change over time. The mothers of affected sons differ from their daughters, who do not yet have children, and from their mothers, who may express more strongly their sense of guilt at having transmitted the condition, despite there being no question of moral culpability. We conclude with suggestions about other contexts where the possibility of stigma may influence reproductive decisions. Copyright © 2016 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  17. Genetics Home Reference: sialuria

    MedlinePlus

    ... inheritance of sialuria, an inborn error of feedback inhibition. Am J Hum Genet. 2001 Jun;68(6): ... Links Data Files & API Site Map Subscribe Customer Support USA.gov Copyright Privacy Accessibility FOIA Viewers & Players ...

  18. Genetics Home Reference: homocystinuria

    MedlinePlus

    ... reductase deficiency Orphanet: Homocystinuria without methylmalonic aciduria Screening, Technology, and Research in Genetics Virginia Department of Health (PDF) Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (6 links) Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CLIMB) (UK) CLIMB: ...

  19. Genetics Home Reference: isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

    MedlinePlus

    ... dehydrogenase deficiency Orphanet: Isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics Patient Support and Advocacy Resources (3 links) Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic ...

  20. Recombination changes at the boundaries of fully and partially sex-linked regions between closely related Silene species pairs

    PubMed Central

    Campos, J L; Qiu, S; Guirao-Rico, S; Bergero, R; Charlesworth, D

    2017-01-01

    The establishment of a region of suppressed recombination is a critical change during sex chromosome evolution, leading to such properties as Y (and W) chromosome genetic degeneration, accumulation of repetitive sequences and heteromorphism. Although chromosome inversions can cause large regions to have suppressed recombination, and inversions are sometimes involved in sex chromosome evolution, gradual expansion of the non-recombining region could potentially sometimes occur. We here test whether closer linkage has recently evolved between the sex-determining region and several genes that are partially sex-linked in Silene latifolia, using Silene dioica, a closely related dioecious plants whose XY sex chromosome system is inherited from a common ancestor. The S. latifolia pseudoautosomal region (PAR) includes several genes extremely closely linked to the fully Y-linked region. These genes were added to an ancestral PAR of the sex chromosome pair in two distinct events probably involving translocations of autosomal genome regions causing multiple genes to become partially sex-linked. Close linkage with the PAR boundary must have evolved since these additions, because some genes added in both events now show almost complete sex linkage in S. latifolia. We compared diversity patterns of five such S. latifolia PAR boundary genes with their orthologues in S. dioica, including all three regions of the PAR (one gene that was in the ancestral PAR and two from each of the added regions). The results suggest recent recombination suppression in S. latifolia, since its split from S. dioica. PMID:27827389

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