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Biomedical subjects

F A Flinter

Publications and source records attributed to F A Flinter.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Bardet-Biedl syndrome: a molecular and phenotypic study of 18 families.

The autosomal recessive disorder Bardet-Biedl syndrome is characterised by retinal degeneration, polydactyly, obesity, mental retardation, hypogenitalism, renal dysplasia, and short stature. It is heterogeneous with at least four gene loci (BBS1-4) having been mapped to date. We have studied 18 multiply affected families noting the presence of both major and minor manifestations. Using a fluorescently based PCR technique, we genotyped each family member and assigned linkage to one of the four loci. Given this degree of heterogeneity we hoped to find phenotypic differences between linkage categories. We found 44% of families linked to 11q13 (BBS1) and 17% linked to 16q21 (BBS2). Only one family was linked to 15q22 (BBS4) and none to 3p12. We conclude that BBS1 is the major locus among white Bardet-Biedl patients and that BBS3 is extremely rare. Only subtle phenotypic differences were observed, the most striking of which was a finding of taller affected offspring compared with their parents in the BBS1 category. Affected subjects in the BBS2 and 4 groups were significantly shorter than their parents. Twenty eight percent of pedigrees did not show linkage to any known locus, evidence for at least a fifth gene. We conclude that the different genes responsible for Bardet-Biedl syndrome may influence growth characteristics such as height.

Body Height

Phenotypic diversity in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

The phenotype of four cases of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLO) with proven defects in cholesterol biosynthesis are compared, and shown to be markedly disparate even between sibs, and demonstrate the dilemma for the clinician. The advent of a biochemical test for SLO has been enormously valuable in determining which patients are truly affected by the condition, but because of the wide phenotypic variation, a diagnosis on clinical features alone remains problematic.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Probable de novo 17q duplication (q11.2-->q21.1): a newly recognised chromosomal syndrome in a child with Klinefelter's syndrome.

A child is described with a previously unreported probable trisomy for a segment of the long arm of chromosome 17 responsible for some distinct clinical features. These include craniofacial and skin abnormalities, failure to thrive, partial malrotation of the gut, malabsorption, gastro-oesophageal reflux, neurodevelopmental delay, autonomic disturbance, and cardiac and CNS abnormalities. The coexistence of Klinefelter's syndrome (47,XXY) is of minor significance in relation to this child's phenotype.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Localization of the gene for classic Alport syndrome.

The inheritance of Alport syndrome has been controversial for 30 years because no clear diagnostic criteria were established to define a clinically homogeneous group of patients. In this study, 41 families with "classic" Alport syndrome were identified and studied. All the pedigrees are compatible with X-linked inheritance. A formal genetic study confirmed linkage to probe S21 (DXS17), with a maximum LOD score of 4.72 at a recombination frequency of 0.06.

Chromosome Mapping

Genetics of classic Alport's syndrome.

41 families with classic Alport's syndrome (hereditary nephritis with sensorineural deafness) were studied. All their pedigrees were compatible with X-linked inheritance. DNA probes were used to investigate genetic linkage in these families. Linkage to probe S21 (DXS17) was confirmed (LOD score = 4.72 at 0 = 0.06), localising the gene for Alport's syndrome to the middle of Xq; thus the disorder is X-chromosomal in nature.

Adult

The application of molecular biology to the prenatal diagnosis of renal disease.

The rapid development of new techniques in molecular biology is leading to identification of the genes responsible for a wide variety of diseases. Several renal conditions are caused by gene defects and are amenable to this approach. The process of gene mapping is discussed and the current position regarding prenatal diagnosis and carrier testing for genetic renal disease is reviewed.

DNA