D J Wolff1, S Schwartz, L Carrel. 1. Department of Genetics and Center for Human Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland, , Ohio, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To correlate the X inactivation pattern, as determined by one or more molecular assays, with phenotype in individuals with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. METHODS: We utilized methylation analysis of androgen receptor (AR) and Fragile X (FMR1) genes and expression studies of an XIST polymorphism to assess X inactivation patterns of 28 females with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. Individuals were placed in one of three categories: (1) completely nonrandom inactivation of one X chromosome, (2) preferential or skewed inactivation of one X chromosome, or (3) random inactivation of either X chromosome. RESULTS: In 19 of 21 cases with complete (>97%) skewing of X inactivation, the phenotype was either normal, consistent with a single gene disorder, or consistent with classical Turner syndrome; two cases with completely nonrandom X inactivation had unexplained mental retardation phenotypes. In contrast, six of seven cases that did not exhibit completely nonrandom X inactivation were phenotypically abnormal. Carriers of two balanced translocations, two duplicated Xs, one deleted X, and one 45,X/46,X,r(X) presented with mental retardation and/or multiple congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION: In patients with random or skewed X inactivation, the abnormal phenotype was hypothesized to be due to functional nullisomy or disomy of X-linked genes. Based on these results, we propose that X inactivation studies should be performed on all women with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. This should aid in the understanding of abnormal phenotypes in liveborn individuals with abnormal X chromosomes and may help to predict phenotypes for prenatally detected cases in the future.
PURPOSE: To correlate the X inactivation pattern, as determined by one or more molecular assays, with phenotype in individuals with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. METHODS: We utilized methylation analysis of androgen receptor (AR) and Fragile X (FMR1) genes and expression studies of an XIST polymorphism to assess X inactivation patterns of 28 females with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. Individuals were placed in one of three categories: (1) completely nonrandom inactivation of one X chromosome, (2) preferential or skewed inactivation of one X chromosome, or (3) random inactivation of either X chromosome. RESULTS: In 19 of 21 cases with complete (>97%) skewing of X inactivation, the phenotype was either normal, consistent with a single gene disorder, or consistent with classical Turner syndrome; two cases with completely nonrandom X inactivation had unexplained mental retardation phenotypes. In contrast, six of seven cases that did not exhibit completely nonrandom X inactivation were phenotypically abnormal. Carriers of two balanced translocations, two duplicated Xs, one deleted X, and one 45,X/46,X,r(X) presented with mental retardation and/or multiple congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION: In patients with random or skewed X inactivation, the abnormal phenotype was hypothesized to be due to functional nullisomy or disomy of X-linked genes. Based on these results, we propose that X inactivation studies should be performed on all women with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. This should aid in the understanding of abnormal phenotypes in liveborn individuals with abnormal X chromosomes and may help to predict phenotypes for prenatally detected cases in the future.
Authors: Catherine E Cottrell; Annemarie Sommer; Gail D Wenger; Steven Bullard; Tamara Busch; Katherine Nash Krahn; Andrew C Lidral; Julie M Gastier-Foster Journal: Am J Med Genet A Date: 2009-03 Impact factor: 2.802
Authors: Laura Bernardini; Viola Alesi; Sara Loddo; Antonio Novelli; Irene Bottillo; Agatino Battaglia; Maria Cristina Digilio; Giuseppe Zampino; Adam Ertel; Paolo Fortina; Saul Surrey; Bruno Dallapiccola Journal: Eur J Hum Genet Date: 2009-10-07 Impact factor: 4.246