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Inheritance of spatial learning ability in inbred mice: a classical genetic analysis.

The inheritance of spatial learning ability in inbred mice was examined by performance of a classical genetic cross between the 2 inbred strains C57BL/6Ibg and DBA/2Ibg. The inbreds were crossed to produce the 1st filial generation (F1) hybrids. F1 mice were bred to each other and were backcrossed to the parental strains to produce 3 hybrid generations with recombinant genotypes. The animals were tested for spatial learning ability in the Morris water task. All hybrid generations showed greater spatial learning ability than the inbreds, with F1 hybrids showing the greatest degree of spatial learning. The inheritance pattern for spatial learning differed between male and female mice, with males showing a type of inheritance in which dominant genes made the major contribution to the expression of the behavior. Females showed equal contributions of dominance deviation and additive genetic effects. The results are discussed in terms of fitness value to the animals.

Animals

Myotonia and the muscle chloride channel: dominant mutations show variable penetrance and founder effect.

The delayed relaxation or sustained contraction of skeletal muscle-myotonia-is frequently seen in myotonic dystrophy and sodium channelopathies (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonia congenita). Many cases of congenital myotonia without other clinical symptoms have been associated with mutations in the muscle chloride channel gene. Most cases reported to date show a recessive inheritance pattern, with loss of function of the corresponding protein. Six families have been reported with dominantly inherited myotonia and mutations of the chloride channel gene. Here we report clinical and molecular data on 38 family members from four new families with dominantly inherited myotonia congenita. Three families show a previously characterized G230E mutation, and we show that these three share a common affected ancestor despite living in different regions of the United States (linkage disequilibrium). One Italian family is shown to have a novel dominant mutation-I290M. This is the sixth mutation identified in Thomsen's myotonia. Genotype/phenotype correlations in these four families showed that both of the dominant mutations resulted in a mild clinical picture in 90% of the patients, and no symptoms in 10% of mutation-positive patients. The EMG was the clinical feature that most closely correlated with mutation data; however, 3 of 16 (19%) mutation-positive patients tested negative by electromyography at least once, and 1 (6%) tested negative despite multiple tests. Only about half (55%) of the mutation-positive patients tested positive for percussion myotonia. Most of the clinically symptomatic individuals stated that cold temperatures and stress substantially worsened their myotonia. Our data show that dominantly inherited Thomsen's myotonia is most often a very mild disorder that shows considerable clinical heterogeneity.

Adult

Neurological progress. The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: a review.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a common cause of neurodegenerative disease in children. The disease is characterized by visual failure, seizures and dementia. The presence of cortical atrophy by computerized axial tomography and distinctive ultrastructural findings by skin biopsy, together with a suggestive clinical course and neurophysiologic abnormalities, lead to a diagnosis. Presently four subtypes and rare atypical forms are recognized: the infantile, late infantile, juvenile and adult or Kufs variants and atypical early juvenile and protracted juvenile types. The inheritance pattern is autosomal recessive in all subtypes with some of the adult cases representing autosomal dominant inheritance. The biochemical characterization of this disorder is just beginning. There is some evidence to implicate overglycosylation of proteins as playing a role in pathogenesis. Further biochemical description coupled with linkage analysis techniques using DNA probes are needed to develop a better understanding of this group of disorders.

Humans

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: mutation analysis of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) usually occurs as an isolated phenotype. However, 16% of the index cases are also affected with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Complex segregation analysis suggests that CCHS is familial and has the same inheritance pattern with or without HSCR. We postulate that alteration of normal function of the receptor tyrosine kinase, RET, may contribute to CCHS based on RET's expression pattern and the identification of RET mutations in HSCR patients. To further explore the nature of the inheritance of CCHS, we have undertaken two main routes of investigation: cytogenetic analysis and mutation detection. Cytogenetic analysis of metaphase chromosomes showed normal karyotypes in 13 of the 14 evaluated index cases; one index case carried a familial pericentric inversion on chromosome 2. Mutation analysis showed no sequence changes unique to index cases, as compared to control individuals, and as studied by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the coding region of RET. We conclude that point mutations in the RET coding region cannot account for a substantial fraction of CCHS in this patient population, and that other candidate genes involved in neural crest cell differentiation and development must be considered.

Child

Definition and properties of disequilibria within nuclear-mitochondrial-chloroplast and other nuclear-dicytoplasmic systems.

We define and determine the interrelationships among five sets of disequilibrium parameters that measure two- and three-locus nonrandom associations in nuclear-dicytoplasmic systems. These assume a diploid nuclear locus and two haploid cytoplasmic loci, with special reference to nuclear-mitochondrial-chloroplast systems. Three sets of two-locus disequilibria measure the association between haplotypes at the two cytoplasmic loci (DMC) and associations between each cytoplasmic locus and nuclear alleles or genotypes (DM, D1M, D2M, D3M; DC, D1C, D2C, D3C). In addition, we present two classes of higher-order disequilibria that measure nonrandom allelic or genotypic associations involving all three loci. The first class quantifies associations between the nuclear locus and the two cytoplasmic loci taken jointly (DA/MC, DAA/MC, DAa/MC, Daa/MC, etc.), whereas the second measures only those associations remaining after all two-locus associations have been taken into account (DA/M/C, DAA/M/C, DAa/M/C, Daa/M/C). Based on combinations of these five sets of measures, we suggest a variety of parameterizations of three-locus, nuclear-dicytoplasmic systems. The dynamics of these disequilibria are then investigated under models of random and mixed mating, either with both cytoplasmic genomes inherited through the same parent or through opposite parents. Except for associations between the cytoplasmic haplotypes, which are constant when the two cytoplasmic genomes are inherited through the same parent, all disequilibria ultimately decay to zero. These randomizations do not necessarily occur monotonically, however, and in some cases are preceded by an initial increase in magnitude or sign change. For both inheritance patterns, the asymptotic decay rates are steadily retarded by increasing levels of self-fertilization. This behavior contrasts with that in the extreme case of complete selfing, for which only the heterozygote disequilibria always decay to zero. For all models considered, the dynamics of the two-locus cytonuclear subsystems are solely a function of the mating system, whereas the dynamical behavior and sign patterns of the cytoplasmic and three-locus disequilibria also depend strongly on the mode of cytoplasmic inheritance.

Cell Nucleus

Diaphragmatic hernia-exomphalos-hypertelorism syndrome: a new case and further evidence of autosomal recessive inheritance.

We describe a male patient with wide anterior fontanel and metopic suture, hypertelorism, down slanting palpebral fissures, bilateral iris coloboma, omphalocele, and bilateral absence of the diaphragm with herniation of abdominal organs causing pulmonary hypoplasia and death. Autopsy also showed intestinal malrotation. All findings in this case are consistent with those described as a newly recognized syndrome by Donnai and Barrow [1993]. Since the parents are first cousins, this case provides further evidence for the previously postulated autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Follow-up on the patients and families reported by Donnai and Barrow [1993] also supports autosomal recessive inheritance.

Adult

DNA methylation versus gene expression.

Vertebrate DNA is methylated at a high proportion of cytosine residues in the sequence CpG, and it has been suggested that the distribution of methylated and non-methylated CpGs in a given cell type influences the pattern of gene expression in those cells. Since a DNA methylation pattern is normally transmitted faithfully to daughter cells via cell division, this idea suggests an origin for stable, clonally inherited patterns of gene expression. This article discusses some of the current evidence for a relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression. Although the evidence is incomplete, it appears already that the relationship is variable: transcription of some genes is repressed by the presence of 5-methylcytosine at certain CpGs, and may be controlled by methylation, while transcription of other genes is indifferent to methylation. In attempting to explain this variability it is helpful to adopt an evolutionary perspective.

5-Methylcytosine

Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and the nondystrophic myotonias. Paradigms for loss of function and change of function of gene products.

Recessively inherited disorders can most often be considered loss of function: the patient has only defective copies of the defective gene (homozygous or hemizygous), with little or no functional protein products produced. Dominantly inherited disorders can most often be considered change of function: the patient has both mutant and normal copies of the gene (heterozygous); however, the mutant gene produces an abnormal protein product that causes dysfunction of the cell. Categorization of inherited disorders simply by their inheritance pattern thus affords some predictions concerning the underlying biochemical defect. To illustrate these generalizations, the molecular data on two important human inherited neurologic disorders will be described. X-linked recessive Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy has been shown to caused by loss of function of the dystrophin product. Dominantly inherited hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and paramyotonia congenita have been shown to be the result of single amino acid changes of the skeletal muscle voltage-sensitive sodium channel that alter the channel's function in response to environmental or physiologic stimuli (change of function).

Dystrophin

The heterogeneity of distal arthrogryposis.

A study of distal arthrogryposis is described including neurology, electromyography, cerebral and muscular CT-scanning, and muscle and nerve biopsies. In four cases presenting with congenital distal contractures, various neuromuscular disorders were diagnosed. They were respectively, congenital myopathy with core-like structures, congenital hypertrophic neuropathy, axonal neuropathy and anterior horn cell disease. The role of cerebral disorders in the pathogenesis of distal contractures is also considered. The significance of abnormal dermatoglyphics in the determination of the prenatal time of onset of congenital myopathies and arthrogryposis is discussed. Our findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that distal arthrogryposis may not be a distinct clinical entity with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, but a symptom, indicating various cerebral, neuromuscular and connective tissue disorders, present in numerous congenital syndromes with different modes of inheritance. In addition the value of electromyography, nerve conduction velocity studies, muscle and cerebral CT-scanning, and histology of muscle and nerve biopsies in the differential diagnosis of (distal) arthrogryposis is stressed.

Adolescent

Variable phenotypic expression of genotypic abnormalities in the porphyrias.

The inherited porphyrias are the consequence of inherited deficiencies of enzymes in the heme synthesis pathway; they exhibit classical Mendelian inheritance patterns. The acute porphyrias (acute intermittent, porphyria variegata, hereditary coproporphyria) result from 50% (approx.) deficiencies of specific enzymes, which demonstrate autosomal dominant inheritance. However, only approx. 10% of subjects who inherit a porphyrin enzyme deficiency develop the corresponding acute porphyria and in most instances there is no obvious reason why one patient with an enzyme deficiency is symptomatic whereas another is not. Control of heme synthesis is achieved by the repressor effect of heme on the enzyme ALA synthase. Acute attacks of porphyria can be precipitated in susceptible persons by drugs, ethanol, starvation, hormones, stress and infection. The mechanism is usually by induction of ALA synthase activity. The molecular biology of porphyria variegata and hereditary coproporphyria is large unexplored. Acute intermittent porphyria is due to a partial deficiency of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase in the liver. The location of the gene for this enzyme has been identified on the long arm of chromosome 11. Acute intermittent porphyria is a genetically heterogenous disease with the abnormality frequently being a point mutation affecting synthesis of the enzyme.

Gene Expression

Nucleolar size polymorphisms in commercial layer chickens; determination of incidence, inheritance, and nucleolar sizes.

In the chicken, one chromosome pair encodes the ribosomal (r)RNA genes and two nucleoli are formed in interphase cells. The nucleolus is the site of rRNA synthesis and ribosome biogenesis. Nucleolar size polymorphisms have been detected in research strains of chickens and found to represent heterozygosity for rRNA gene copy number. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether nucleolar size polymorphisms exist in commercial chicken flocks and whether such polymorphisms are under genetic control. The occurrence of nucleolar size polymorphisms was studied in three lines of commercial layer chickens (designated A, B, and C). Nucleolar size polymorphisms were found in all three lines. However, the lines differed in the proportion of individuals exhibiting the polymorphic phenotype of two unequal-sized nucleoli (2P). The 2P phenotype, determined in successive years, was found in 10 to 14% of Line A birds, 18 to 23% of Line B birds, and 41 to 63% of Line C birds. The inheritance pattern of the nucleolar size polymorphism and nucleoli sizes were studied in Line C birds. The 2P phenotype was found to be inherited in Mendelian fashion. The large nucleolus was 1.7x and 1.6x that of the smaller nucleolus in 2P males and females, respectively, and was larger than the nucleoli of 2E birds (2E = nonpolymorphic phenotype of two equal-sized nucleoli). Total nucleolar size was greater in cells of 2P birds than in cells of 2E birds. These data suggest that the genetic basis for the large nucleolus in Line C 2P cells is a "larger than normal" rDNA cluster.

Animals

Prevalence of retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders in Denmark. III. Hereditary pattern.

A national epidemiological study revealed 1301 prevalent cases of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in the Danish population on January 1, 1988. The corresponding number of 974 families were analyzed with respect to Mendelian inheritance groups. Thirty families, comprising 6.9% of the prevalent RP-cases, were categorized with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. In 187 families, 22.6% of RP-cases, autosomal recessive heredity was encountered. X-linked heredity was found in 45 families, 10.8% of the RP-cases. Simplex RP-cases comprised 562 persons (43.2% of RP-cases). About a fourth of the non-systemic X-linked cases were females. Half of these had an age at onset after 30 years, but a third had their first RP-symptoms before age 18 years. A representative fraction of parents to non-systemic autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and simplex cases were evaluated concerning their age at the time they had their first affected child. Mothers of the male simplex cases were of statistically significant higher age than mothers of the other inheritance groups. This may imply a high rate of new mutations among simplex cases, especially on the X-chromosome.

Adolescent

Reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. A clinical and electrophysiologic study of three generations.

Reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium is characterized by a posterior pattern of pigment clumping like a "fishnet with knots." Four patients in three successive generations were seen with typical reticular dystrophy. A fifth patient had abnormal dark adaptation. In this family reticular dystrophy was characterized by the typical reticular pigmentary pattern, good visual acuity, normal electroretinographic findings, abnormal electro-oculographic findings, and abnormal dark adaptation. The pedigree indicates autosomal dominance as the inheritance pattern.

Adolescent

Familial congenital diaphragmatic hernia: prenatal diagnosis, management, and outcome.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect of as yet unknown aetiology which accounts for 8 per cent of all major congenital anomalies and is associated with up to 80 per cent mortality despite optimal postnatal treatment. The risk of recurrence of CDH for future sibs after one affected infant is about 2 per cent. A multifactorial/threshold inheritance pattern with an observed high male:female sex ratio is currently favoured for the rare occurrence of familial CDH, although other modes of inheritance have also been described. We report three cases of familial CDH, two of whom were brother and sister sibs and the third was a first cousin, born within 18 months of each other. The diagnosis was by ultrasound and there were several factors predicting a poor outcome. The mortality in this group was 100 per cent. The prenatal diagnosis, treatment options, the unusual genetic aspects, outcome, and the pathology involved are discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Current research in neuro-epidemiology. Some main trends.

Recent epidemiological research has contributed to the understanding of the nature of common neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Viral etiology constitutes the most probable environmental factor in multiple sclerosis, but host-related genetic factors are also involved and determine susceptibility. In disorders like Parkinsonism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and epilepsy, heredity seems to play a more important role than earlier believed, and segregation analyses indicate polygenic inheritance patterns. The subacute spongiform encephalopathies fit into a similar concept, and here the hunt for infectious agents has succeeded. Polygenic traits and dominantly inherited disorders seem to aggregate in genetic isolates, as shown through studies from different parts of the world. The reason for this is not quite clear, but selection through assortative matings or other mechanisms may be operating in these populations.

Adolescent

Autosomal dominant rolandic epilepsy and speech dyspraxia: a new syndrome with anticipation.

We describe a family of 9 affected individuals in three generations with nocturnal oro-facio-brachial partial seizures, secondarily generalized partial seizures, and centro-temporal epileptiform discharges, associated with oral and speech dyspraxia and cognitive impairment. The speech disorder was prominent, but differed from that of Landau-Kleffner syndrome and of epilepsy with continuous spike and wave during slow-wave sleep. The electroclinical features of this new syndrome of autosomal dominant rolandic epilepsy resemble those of benign rolandic epilepsy, a common inherited epilepsy of childhood. This family shows clinical anticipation of the seizure disorder, the oral and speech dyspraxia, and cognitive dysfunction, suggesting that the genetic mechanism could be expansion of an unstable triplet repeat. Molecular studies on this syndrome, where the inheritance pattern is clear, could also be relevant to identifying a gene for benign rolandic epilepsy where anticipation does not occur and the mode of inheritance is uncertain.

Adult

Inefficiency of genetic recombination in hybrids between Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhosa.

An Escherichia coli Hfr strain in which three negative chromosomal alleles (leu(-), arg(-), and mtl(-)) were closely linked to three positive alleles (ara(+), rha(+), and xyl(+), respectively) was employed in matings with a Salmonella typhosa recipient. The detected expression of the negative E. coli alleles in S. typhosa hybrids selected for receipt of an associated positive E. coli marker was used to determine the occurrence of haploid S. typhosa recombinants, as distinguished from stable partial diploid hybrids. At the same time, the inheritance patterns and segregation behavior of the positive alleles provided indicators of the occurrence of partial diploid hybrids. Examination of both positive and negative markers inherited by ara(+), rha(+), and xyl(-) selected S. typhosa hybrid classes indicated that relatively short E. coli chromosomal segments (generally about 4 min or less in length) were involved in recombination (haploidy), whereas rather extensive E. coli genetic segments were conserved in the diploid state. S. typhosa hybrids selected for receipt of the ara(+) marker showed a 52% incidence of leu(-) haploidy, which is probably close to being an accurate measure of recombination at the site of the ara(+) allele. S. typhosa hybrids selected for receipt of the rha(+) or xyl(+) markers showed only a 20% incidence of arg(-) or mtl(-) haploidy, respectively, but both of these hybrid classes exhibited a higher incidence of conservation of extensive E. coli diploid segments than did the ara(+) selected class. Remating of haploid S. typhosa hybrids with recombinant xyl(+)mtl(-) or rha(+)arg(-) regions resulted in higher frequencies of hybrid recovery than were observed in the initial matings. However, there was a higher incidence of partial diploidy and a lower incidence of haploidy among the hybrids obtained from these rematings.

Alleles

Cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and tremor within a family: variable phenotypes of a single genetic disorder?

We report a non-Jewish, Anglo-Saxon, American family, in which one sibling has dystonia, a second has cerebellar ataxia, and a third has a combination of dystonia and ataxia. All three siblings have pyramidal signs. Their mother and maternal uncle have tremor, and their maternal grandmother may have had a neurodegenerative disorder. Although the inheritance pattern is uncertain, this may represent phenotypic variability resulting from a single gene mutation. The multiple phenotypes within this family do not fit any known inherited neurodegenerative or metabolic disorder.

Adult