SRY-negative XX fetus with complete male phenotype.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M Vekemans
Publications and source records attributed to M Vekemans.
Characterization of a region-specific library of microclones in the vicinity of the Bcg and splotch loci on mouse chromosome 1.
The proximal portion of mouse chromosome 1 harbors a variety of mutant loci that have yet to be characterized at the molecular level. We have constructed a library of genomic DNA fragments from the proximal portion of mouse chromosome 1 by microdissection and microcloning techniques, with the aim of generating genetic markers in close proximity to some of these mutant loci. To facilitate the genetic mapping of 27 microclones from this library, we divided a 56-cM segment of chromosome 1 between the Col3a1 and Ren 1,2 genes into eight intervals defined by anchor loci. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were determined for each of the microclones and their segregation with the anchor loci was followed in informative animals from a panel of 252 interspecific backcross mice (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus) x C57BL/6J. We were able to assign 26 of 27 (96%) randomly selected microclones to each of the defined chromosome 1 intervals. A total of eight microclones mapped within the large interstitial deletion found in the Spr mouse mutant. Two of these clones were found to be tightly linked to the host resistance locus Bcg and at least one was found to be linked to the neural tube defect mutant splotch. Other clones mapped to intervals containing several other mouse mutants. These novel DNA markers should aid in positional cloning strategies presently employed to identify these mutant loci. These clones should also be useful in the creation of both physical and YAC contiguous maps of the proximal portion of mouse chromosome 1.
Animals↗
Waardenburg syndrome in man and splotch mutants in the mouse: a paradigm of the usefulness of linkage and synteny homologies in mouse and man for the genetic analysis of human congenital malformations.
The use of chromosomal segments with conserved homologous linkage groups found in different species provides one method of predicting the location of genes causing congenital malformations in man. For example, homology between man and mouse involves 241 homologous autosomal genes spread on 68 homologous chromosomal segments. In addition, the similarities of phenotypic expression of human congenital malformations and mouse mutations indicate the possible involvement of an homologous gene implicated during ontogeny of the two species. The identification of a single gene defect in the mouse and comparative mouse-human gene mapping provides therefore another approach for selecting candidate loci for inborn error of morphogenesis in man. Further molecular studies can then be performed to show that the loci are identical. The human Waardenburg syndrome and the splotch (Sp) mouse mutant represent the first example of the potential of this approach for the understanding of human congenital malformations at the molecular level.
Animals↗
A contribution to the differential diagnosis of the "group of schizophrenias": structural abnormality of chromosome 4.
A structural abnormality of chromosome 4 [inv 4 (p15.2; q21.3)] is reported in a male presenting with DSM-III-R schizophrenia, undifferentiated type (295.94) and in his mother, who displayed symptoms associated with schizotypal personality disorder (DSM-III-R 301.22). The proband had a performance IQ of 91, poor motor coordination, stature in the lowest quartile and an impaired sense of time. There were no diagnostic physical or neurological abnormalities. Mild ventricular enlargement and prominent sulci were found on computed tomography. Both he and his chromosomally normal father had strabismus which required surgical correction. This case joins the long list of chromosomal abnormalities previously reported to confer an increased risk of mental illness and emphasizes the importance of a sophisticated differential diagnosis in evaluating patients who present with symptoms of schizophrenia. The implications for recent initiatives which attempt to localize genes conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia and other major mental illnesses are discussed.
Chromosome Aberrations↗
Trisomy 22 and facioauriculovertebral (Goldenhar) sequence.
We report on an infant girl born with complete trisomy 22 and left hemifacial microsomia, ear anomaly, and limbal and epibulbar complex choristoma. Trisomy 22 was confirmed by prometaphase chromosome analysis and in situ hybridization. This patient extends the list of chromosome abnormalities associated with apparent Golenhar sequence and emphasizes the importance of chromosome analysis in the investigation of patients with this condition. A detailed ophthalmopathological investigation is reported.
Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Duplication of 9q12-q33: a case report and implications for the dup(9q) syndrome.
We report on a boy with a direct tandem duplication of 9(q12-q33) and dolichocephaly, beaked nose with prominent philtrum, deep-set eyes, receding small chin, failure to thrive, developmental delay, simian creases, long fingers, stiff joints, and hypoplastic scrotum. This patient is compared to the 5 other reported cases with pure partial dup(9q), and the "trisomy 9q syndrome" described by Turleau et al. [1975].
Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Phocomelia, oligodactyly, and acrania: the Schinzel-Phocomelia syndrome.
We report on a girl born with phocomelia of both lower limbs, with 3-toed feet and partial sacral agenesis. She had normal growth of the upper limbs and trunk, and normal intelligence. Ultrasound study performed during the subsequent pregnancy documented a large skull defect with an intact brain. Fetal autopsy following the termination of that pregnancy was not done. We think this is a further report of the phocomelia syndrome with additional anomalies as reported by Schinzel [Hum Genet 84:539-541, 1990].
Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Trisomy 15 in chorionic villi and Prader-Willi syndrome at birth.
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Adult↗
Genetic analysis of the maternal factors controlling the survival of trisomy 16 mouse fetuses.
The B x H recombinant inbred strains of mice were used to undertake a genetic analysis of the maternal factors controlling the survival of trisomy 16 fetuses. The data presented indicate that the prevalence of trisomic fetuses on day 15 of gestation varies significantly with the genetic background of the mother. The strain difference in the frequency of trisomy appears to be the result of selective elimination of trisomic fetuses. Various statistical methods employed to elucidate the genetic architecture of the trait from the recombinant inbred strains data indicate that the number of loci involved in the selection process ranges from one to five. Linkage association with two loci has been found; however, with a low probability level (P = 0.292).
Animals↗
Nucleus basalis magnocellularis and hippocampus are the major sites of FMR-1 expression in the human fetal brain.
The expression of the FMR-1 gene, which is implicated in fragile-X syndrome was investigated in human fetuses by in situ hybridization. In 8 and 9 week-old fetuses, FMR-1 mRNAs are expressed in proliferating and migrating cells of the nervous system, in the retina, and in several non-nervous tissues. In the brain of 25 week-old fetuses, FMR-1 mRNAs are produced in all nearly differenciated structures, with the highest level in cholinergic neurons of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis and in pyramidal neurons of hippocampus. The early transcription of FMR-1 gene and the distribution of FMR-1 mRNAs in human fetuses suggest that alterations of FMR-1 gene expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of fragile-X syndrome and especially the mental retardation.
Animals↗
Holoprosencephaly and sacral agenesis in a fetus with a terminal deletion 7q36-->7qter.
We describe here a fetus with holoprosencephaly and signs of caudal deficiency sequence. Chromosome examination showed a de novo balanced reciprocal translocation (7;22) (q36;q11) with loss of the derivative chromosome 22 in 50% of the cells examined. The present report and available published data indicate that the terminal region of the long arm of chromosome 7 contains genes implicated in the development of the central nervous system and the caudal region.
Chromosome Deletion↗
[Ignorance and misconceptions in the use of contraceptive methods].
Good knowledge of the available contraceptive methods ensures better acceptability, continuity and satisfaction, and lower failure rates of these methods. This paper describes an inquiry on the contraceptive knowledge in 114 women attending three Brussels family planning clinics. Misconceptions, beliefs in false rumors, and considerable insufficiencies in knowledge were detected. In order to increase patient's ability to correctly use birth control methods, so as to lower unwanted pregnancy rate, efforts should be made by health practitioners as well as by mass media and teaching institutions.
Adolescent↗
Portohepatic shunt in a Down syndrome patient with an interchange trisomy 47,XY,-2,+der(2),+der(21)t(2;21)(p13;q22.1)mat.
A rare vascular portohepatic anomaly was identified in a Down syndrome patient with a 47,XY,-2,+der(2),+der(21)t(2;21)(p13;q22.1) mat chromosomal complement. This vascular defect involves a direct communication between the right portal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC). We discuss the possibility that this vascular defect is a rare manifestation in Down syndrome. Alternatively, the existence of these 2 rare events in the same patient raises the possibility that they are causally related.
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2↗
Clonal evolution in a myeloid cell line transformed to interleukin-3 independent growth by retroviral transduction and expression of p210bcr/abl.
Current evidence suggests that the expression of the tyrosine kinase p210bcr/abl in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) may directly induce the initial phase of granulocytic hyperplasia. However, the dysregulation of additional genes appears to be required for transition to the acute leukemic phase, as inferred by the appearance of recurrent secondary cytogenetic abnormalities in the majority of patients. To determine whether the expression of p210bcr/abl alone is responsible for this genetic instability, we introduced and expressed the bcr/abl gene from a retroviral vector in a clone of the interleukin-3 (IL-3) dependent myeloblastic 32D C13(G) cell line. Clonal and polyclonal cells transformed to IL-3 independent growth were observed for a period extending up to 6 months for changes in the expression of p210bcr/abl, cell proliferation, inhibition by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), forskolin, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogues, regulation of the cell cycle, and karyotype. Whereas the properties of control vector infected 32D C13(G)' cells remained stable over time, cells expressing p210bcr/abl were phenotypically unstable. In cells expressing p210bcr/abl, we observed selective modulation of p210bcr/abl mRNA and protein expression, evolution from partial to full abrogation of IL-3 dependence, reduced serum requirements, increased cell proliferation, decreased inhibition by PGE1 and cAMP analogues, and the appearance of new structural and numerical chromosomal abnormalities with successive cell passages. These results indicate that expression of p210bcr/abl can directly predispose 32D C13(G)' cells to genetic instability, promotes the emergence of clones with an increased proliferative advantage, and may represent an in vitro model suitable for the study of mechanisms underlying progression to the acute leukemic phase in CML.
Aneuploidy↗
Ring chromosome 20 and possible assignment of the structural gene encoding human carboxypeptidase-L to the distal segment of the long arm of chromosome 20.
We report on a 14-year-old boy with ring chromosome 20. Clinical manifestations included postnatal growth retardation, epilepsy, microcephaly, behaviour disorder, minor facial anomalies, small sella turcica, possible partial growth hormone deficiency, and mental retardation. A decreased activity of enzyme carboxypeptidase-L/protective protein (CP/PP) in cultured fibroblasts was demonstrated in our patient and a patient with a karyotype 46,XY,-14, + der(14)t(14;20)(14pter----14q32.3::20q13.1----20qter)m at. This suggests possible assignment of the CP/PP gene to the distal segment of 20q.
Adolescent↗
Karyotypic evolution of a murine mammary adenocarcinoma in vitro and during progression from primary to metastatic growth in vivo.
We have previously described a murine mammary tumor cell line (SP1) that metastasizes when transplanted into the mammary gland, but not when injected into the subcutaneous site. We used cytogenetic markers to assess genetic heterogeneity, and to monitor the selection and evolution of karyotypically distinct cell types during primary tumor growth and in metastases. The SP1 tumor cells are hypotetraploid (mean chromosome number = 72), and have at least four karyotypically distinct cell types. We found no consistent pattern of selection of tumor cell types in primary tumors. However, metastases were derived from a cell type that was present in the corresponding primary tumor. In addition, novel, karyotypically distinct cell types also appeared in the metastatic nodules. Markers that appeared in metastases included two translocations, t(10;18) and t(1;19). By injecting a mixture of cells from a metastatic nodule with a non-metastatic clone into mice, we showed that the new cell types in metastases displayed a stable increased growth and metastatic potential when compared to the non-metastatic clone, or when compared to the initial cell type from which the metastases derived. These results indicate that metastases are derived from a distinct cell type in the primary tumor, but that additional chromosome and cell evolution occurs, resulting in new cell types that are selected in metastases.
Adenocarcinoma↗
In situ hybridization studies for the detection of common aneuploidies in CVS.
We have attempted to evaluate the efficiency of interphase cytogenetics in the detection of specific aneuploidies in chorionic villus samples. For this purpose, we used alphoid repetitive sequences specific for the chromosomes involved in the common aneuploidies, namely probes for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. These probes were applied to normal and abnormal CVS cases, as well as to a few mosaic cases. Results from these preliminary studies indicate that the technique can be very efficient for the detection of specific aneuploidies and can be particularly useful in the analysis of mosaic cases, which usually requires the screening of a high number of metaphases.
Aneuploidy↗
Identification and mapping of six microdissected genomic DNA probes to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 1.
Six independent DNA probes, lambda Mm1C-150, lambda Mm1C-153, lambda Mm1C-156, lambda Mm1C-162, lambda Mm1C-163, and lambda Mm1C-165, have been isolated from a library of microdissected fragments from mouse chromosome 1, spanning cytogenetic bands C2 to C5. These DNA probes have been mapped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with respect to 12 marker loci previously assigned to this portion of mouse chromosome 1, in a panel of 251 segregating Mus spretus x C57BL/6J interspecific backcross mice. The gene order and intergene distances were determined by segregation analysis to be centromere- lambda Mm1C-162-11.1 cM-Col3a1-8.8 cM-Len-2-2.6 cM-lambda Mm1C-163-1.6 cM-Fn-1-1.6 cM-Tp-1-0.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-165/Vil-0.4 cM-Inha-2.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-153-2.4 cM-lambda Mm1C-156-1.2 cM-Pax-3-5.6 cM-Akp-3-0.8 cM-Acrg-2.0 cM-Sag-0.5 cM-Col6a3-1.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-150-15.4 cM-Ren1,2. Four of these probes map within a chromosome 1 segment that is homologous to human chromosome 2q. Southern blotting analyses indicate that one of these anonymous probes, lambda Mm1C-165, detects DNA fragments highly conserved across species. These novel polymorphic probes should prove useful for linkage and physical mapping of this chromosomal region.
Animals↗