Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N Dahl

Publications and source records attributed to N Dahl.

121 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

DNA studies of X-linked mental retardation associated with a fragile site at Xq27.3.

The fragile-X mental retardation syndrome (FRAX-MR) is one of the most prevalent X-linked diseases. In affected males and in a proportion of carrier females a fragile site at Xq27.3 [fra (X)] is detected when the lymphocytes are cultured under conditions of thymidine deprivation. The fra (X) analysis can be used in the diagnosis of only 56% of carrier females (13, 14) and prenatal diagnosis by this method is not always feasible, thus making genetic counselling of affected families difficult, and sometimes impossible. We have analysed FRAX-MR families using RFLP and four DNA probes from Xq27-Xq28. Estimation of the recombination fraction indicates that the proximal probe F9 is not significantly linked to the FRAX-MR locus while the three distal probes F8, DXS52 and DXS15 show linkage. These probes could be used in the diagnosis of FRAX-MR in those families that do not show evidence for recombination. Used in conjunction with the fra (X) analysis, the segregation studies with these probes should improve the genetic counselling of the FRAX-MR syndrome and should be useful for the genetic and molecular analysis of this unique disease.

Chromosome Fragile Sites↗

Carrier detection of the fragile X syndrome using flanking loci DXS98, DXS105, and DXS304.

Diagnosis of the carrier status of the fragile X [fra(X)] syndrome was made in 2 unrelated women who did not express the fragile site. Both were related to several individuals with a typical fra(X) phenotype and the marker X chromosome. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) approach was used with probes that flank the fra(X) locus (FRAXA). The loci used for risk calculations of the fra(X) genotype were DXS98 and DXS105 on the centromeric side and a recently characterized locus, DXS304, on the telomeric side. Coincidence correction for the distances between marker loci and FRAXA was made according to the Kosambi function. The DNA marker test gave the risk for one female to be a carrier of 99.7-99.9%. In another family a female was excluded from being a carrier with a probability of greater than 99.7%. The DNA marker U6.2, defining the locus DXS304, has increased the reliability of DNA based diagnosis of carrier status for females-at-risk. It is concluded that DNA analysis can serve as a valuable complement to chromosome analysis in families informative for the more closely linked flanking markers.

DNA Probes↗

Linkage analysis of the fragile X syndrome using a new DNA marker U6.2 defining locus DXS304.

A new RFLP marker U6.2 defining the locus DXS304 was recently mapped to the distal long arm of the X chromosome. In the present study we report the results of genetic linkage analysis of 13 fragile X [fra(X)] families that were informative for the new marker. Analysis of the recombinants for F9-FRAXA, DXS105-FRAXA, DXS98-FRAXA, DXS52-FRAXA, DXS15-FRAXA, and F8C-FRAXA, places DXS304 distal and near to the FRAXA locus. Combined with results from previous studies, our results support the order Xcen.-F9-DXS105-DXS98-FRAXA-DXS304-DXS5 2-DXS15-F8C-Xqter. Close linkage was observed between DXS304 and the disease locus with a peak lod score of 5.12 at theta = 0.04 from the present study and, with a peak lod score of 17.45 at theta = 0.035 when our data are combined with published data from 2 other studies. The present study confirms that U6.2 is useful for prenatal diagnosis and carrier testing in families affected by fra(X) syndrome.

DNA Probes↗

Multipoint linkage analysis of DXS369 and DXS304 in fragile X families.

Diagnosis of carriers of the fragile-X mental retardation gene is hampered by the paucity of tightly linked DNA markers. Recently, 2 new DNA markers RN1 (DXS369) and U6.2 (DXS304) have become available. Both markers are tightly linked to the fragile-X locus, but their location relative to the fragile site was not known with certainty. We have tested these new markers in a multipoint linkage analysis of 26 fragile-X families typed for DXS105 as a proximal marker and DXS52 as a distal marker. Our results establish the order DXS105-DXS369-fra(X)-DXS304-DXS52, which is in agreement with physical mapping results.

DNA↗

Mapping of a cerebellar degeneration related protein and DXS304 around the fragile site.

We have localized the gene encoding a cerebellar degeneration related (CDR) protein to a region proximal to the fragile site close to DXS98 and DXS105. This gene is polymorphic with the enzyme RsaI and therefore also provides a new genetic marker in this region. We have refined the localization of the locus DXS304 distal to the breakpoint in a patient suffering from Hunter disease. This confirms the localization of DXS304 distal to the fragile site previously suggested by linkage studies and localizes the fragile X mutation to a relatively small region between the Hunter breakpoint and the breakpoint in another hybrid B17.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular characterization of a DNA probe, U6.2, located close to the fragile X locus.

A new DNA probe, U6.2, defining locus DXS304, was recently shown to be closely linked to the fragile X locus (FRAXA). It is polymorphic with a number of different enzymes, all of which are in complete linkage disequilibrium, which suggests an insertion/deletion type of polymorphism. Using the method of Sanger, we have sequenced 1,102 bp of the cloned U6.2 fragment. Analysis of the sequence showed there was a long direct repeat of 121 bp and two long inverted repeats. The first was 19 bp long, and the second was a palindromic invert of 20 bp. Such repeats could promote recombination in this region and could have been involved in the suggested insertion/deletion event that created the polymorphism detected at locus DXS304. Long fragments were observed using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), but no length variations were seen. The sequence of U6.2 will be useful in developing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay for the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected at locus DXS304 which should assist with carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome.

Alleles↗

How can the frequency of false-negative findings in prenatal diagnoses of fra(X) be reduced: experience with first trimester chorionic villi sampling.

We report on 12 prenatal diagnoses performed between weeks 10 and 13 on normal women with a well-documented family history of the Martin-Bell syndrome. Seven were obligate and three were potential carriers. One male and 2 female fetuses were found to be fragile X [fra(X)]-positive. The diagnoses were confirmed in fibroblasts or lymphocytes after interruption or postnatally. In one fra(X)-negative female fetus, the analysis of linked DNA markers indicated that most probably she was a heterozygote. Reexamination after birth gave a fra(X)-positive result. Hence this was a case of a false-negative prenatal fra(X) result. The occurrence of false-negative cytogenetic results represents a common problem that limits the sensitivity of prenatal diagnostics in the Martin-Bell syndrome. A study of linked DNA markers can improve the reliability of negative cytogenetic results in first trimester prenatal diagnosis. In case of doubt, the chromosomes could be reexamined after fetal blood sampling.

Chorionic Villi Sampling↗

Methylation and mutation patterns in the fragile X syndrome.

Chromosomes carrying the mutation causing the fragile X [fra(X)] syndrome have been shown to have an unstable DNA sequence close to or within the fragile site. The length variation is located within a DNA fragment containing a CGG trinucleotide repeat which is unstable in both mitosis and meiosis. We have used the probe StB12.3 from the region to analyze the mutations and the methylation patterns in 21 families segregating for the fra(X) syndrome. Among 40 fra(X) males all showed an abnormal pattern. The normal 2.8 kb band was absent in 36 individuals and replaced by a heterogeneous smear of larger size. The remaining four were shown to be "mosaics" with the presence of both mutated, unmethylated and mutated, methylated fragments. We found four normal transmitting males, one which was a great-grandson of another normal transmitting male indicating that the pre-mutation can remain stable through two meioses in the female. In nine fra(X) positive females the abnormal pattern consisted of a smear, usually seen in affected males, in addition to the normal bands. Five of these females were mentally normal. Of clinical importance is the prediction of mental impairment in females. We suggest that this is not made by the detection of the full mutation alone, but rather by the degree of methylation of the normal X chromosome. Our results suggest that difference of clinical expression in monozygotic twins may be correlated with difference in methylation pattern. Six out of 33 fra(X) negative females at risk were diagnosed as carriers. Our observations indicate that molecular heterogeneity is responsible for variable expression of the fra(X) syndrome in both males and females.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Strong founder effect for a transglutaminase 1 gene mutation in lamellar ichthyosis and congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma from Norway.

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder of keratinisation. It was recently shown that mutations in the transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) gene may be associated with the clinical subtypes lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE). Thirty-six Norwegian families with LI and seven with non-bullous CIE were studied with microsatellite markers linked to the TGMI gene. One common haplotype for two markers was found on 74% of disease associated chromosomes. Three individuals homozygous for the common haplotype, two affected by LI and one affected by CIE, were analysed for mutations in the TGM1 gene. All three patients were found homozygous for a single A to G transition located in the canonical splice acceptor site of intron 5. Probands from the remaining 40 families with LI and CIE were screened for this mutation and the A to G transition was found on 61 out of 72 alleles associated with LI and on 9 out of 15 alleles associated with CIE. These findings suggest a single founder mutation for the majority of patients with LI and CIE in Norway. The 2526A-->G mutation results in the insertion of a guanosine at position 877 (876insG) in the mature cDNA and the frame shift creates a premature termination at codon 293. The mutation was previously observed in one family with a resulting cDNA that included the entire intron 5. These results suggest that the mutation can result in variant transcripts in different individuals.

Alleles↗

Consortium fine localization of X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX1): additional support that connexin32 is the defect in CMTX1.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common form of inherited motor and sensory neuropathy. X-linked CMT (CMTX1) has been localized to the pericentric region of the X chromosome. Recently, mutations have been defined in the connexin32 gene that cosegregate with the CMTX1 phenotype in several families. The present paper presents the results of an international consortium to fine map the gene for CMTX1 to a small segment of Xq12-13. The linkage data, together with the molecular genetic studies, support the hypothesis that connexin32 is the genetic defect in CMTX1.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease↗