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Biomedical subjects

G Gillessen-Kaesbach

Publications and source records attributed to G Gillessen-Kaesbach.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Girl with phenotypic abnormalities and a de novo, apparently balanced translocation 46,XX,t(5;10)(q35.2q11.2).

We describe a three-year-old girl with a triangular face, epicanthus, midfacial hypoplasia, apparently low-set ears, a small mouth with thin vermilion border, and a small chin, hypermobile joints, developmental delay with insecure gait, dystonic movement disorder, speech defect, and a history of unexplained undernutrition. She has a de novo, apparently balanced translocation t(5;10)(q35.2;q11.2). Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we located the breakpoints in the 1.5-Mb area defined by YAC 753f5 (5q35.2) and within the approximately 2-Mb interval between 10cen and YAC 933a3 (10q11.21).

Child, Preschool↗

Frequency gradients of DHCR7 mutations in patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in Europe: evidence for different origins of common mutations.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome/RSH (SLOS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome caused by mutations in the gene for Delta7-sterol reductase (DHCR7) which catalyses the last step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. SLOS is among the common recessive disorders in Europeans but almost absent in most other populations. More than 40 mutations in the DHCR7 gene some of which are frequent have been described in SLOS patients of various origins. Here we report mutation analysis of the DHCR7 gene in SLOS patients from Poland (n = 15), Germany/Austria (n = 22) and Great Britain (n = 22). Altogether 35 different mutations were identified and the two null mutations IVS8-1G > C and W151X were the most frequent in the total sample. In all three populations three mutations accounted for >0.5 of SLOS chromosomes. The mutational spectra were, however, significantly different across these populations with each of the common mutations showing an east-west gradient (W151X, V326L) or vice versa (IVS8-1G > C). W151X is the most frequent (0.33) mutation in Polish SLOS patients. It has an intermediate frequency in German/Austrian patients (0.18) and is rare among British patients (0.02). V326L shows the same distribution pattern (Poland 0.23, Germany/Austria 0.18, Britain 0.02). In contrast IVS8-1G > C is most frequent in Britain (0.34) intermediate in Germany/Austria (0.20) and rare in Poland (0.03). All analysed IVS8-1G > C and V326L alleles shared the same DHCR7 haplotype, whereas the W151X mutation occurred on different haplotypes. There is evidence for both recurrent mutations and founder effects. Together this suggests that the common SLOS mutations in Europe have different geographic and historic origins and spread across the continent in opposite directions.

Alleles↗

Comprehensive methylation analysis in typical and atypical PWS and AS patients with normal biparental chromosomes 15.

Imprinting defects in 15q11-q13 are a rare but significant cause of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS). Patients with an imprinting defect have apparently normal chromosomes 15 of biparental origin, but are recognised by @parental DNA methylation at D15S63 (PW71) or SNURF-SNRPN exon 1. We have investigated the methylation status of five additional loci in 12 such patients with or without a deletion in the imprinting centre. In each patient, the imprinting defect affected all loci tested. During routine diagnostic testing we identified four patients who had a normal methylation pattern at SNURF-SNRPN exon 1, but an abnormal pattern at D15S63. In two of these patients, who were suspected of having PWS, this change was restricted to D15S63. In two patients suspected of having AS, several but not all loci were affected. Using a newly developed methylation-specific PCR test for D15S63 we found that these methylation changes are rare in patients suspected of having AS. Although we can not prove that the methylation changes in the four patients are causally related to their disease, our findings demonstrate that spatially restricted changes in methylation can occur. In some cases, these changes may reflect incomplete imprint spreading.

Angelman Syndrome↗

Adiposity indices in German children and adolescents with genetically confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity develops as a result of hyperphagia and compulsive eating behavior in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), if caloric intake is not rigorously controlled. PWS-specific centile curves for adiposity indices constructed in the past were based on clinically diagnosed patients. With the advent of molecular genetic methods, allowing for an unequivocal diagnosis, new PWS curves based exclusively on molecularly diagnosed patients are becoming available, eliminating a potential diagnostic bias. OBJECTIVE: To compare fat distribution in molecularly confirmed German PWS patients to that of clinically diagnosed American PWS patients and a healthy reference population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional anthropometric study. SUBJECTS: One hundred German patients (49 F) with molecularly confirmed PWS (age: <30 y). MEASUREMENTS: Triceps (subscapular) skinfold thickness, waist and hip circumference. RESULTS: Skinfold thickness was massively elevated in the majority of the molecularly confirmed German PWS patients compared to a healthy reference population. Whereas triceps skinfold thickness was in good agreement with American PWS patients, subscapular skinfold thickness in German girls rose earlier than in American PWS girls, indicating possible differences between caloric intake or the proportion of patients entering puberty spontaneously. Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio (n=89) were elevated in a relative small proportion of patients only and did not reflect lower abdominal fat. This may be due to the peculiar shape of many patients with a typical fat accumulation around the buttocks. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to body mass index, use of skinfold thickness is recommended for follow-up of dietary interventions in PWS.

Adolescent↗

[Analysis of a case of balanced chromosome translocation and phenotypic abnormality by fluorescence in situ hybridization].

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the chromosome structural aberration in a case of chromosome translocation by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) technique and precisely identify the breakpoints. METHODS: The whole chromosome point 5(wcp5) and locus- specific probes derived from yeast artificial chromosomes(YACs) mapping the nearby region of breakpoints were used to delineate the translocation t(5;10) found by high resolution G-banding examination in a case with congenital abnormality. RESULTS: A balanced translocation was confirmed and the breakpoints were located in the 1.5 Mb area on chromosome 5 and within the approximately 3 Mb interval on chromosome 10. CONCLUSION: The phenotypic abnormality might result from the disruption of disease-associated gene(s) or microrearrangement(s) on the site of breakpoint(s).

Child, Preschool↗

Variability in the phenotypic expression of fryns syndrome: A report of two sibships.

We report on two sibships with four fetuses of 12, 15, 17, and 20 weeks of gestation, respectively, and 1 preterm baby of 31 weeks of gestation affected by a multiple congenital disorder with manifestation suggestive of Fryns syndrome. In addition to the characteristic malformation pattern in Fryns syndrome, they presented with fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma, and multiple pterygias, allowing prenatal ultrasound diagnosis as early as in the 11th week of gestation. The two affected fetuses of family 1 showed severe craniofacial anomalies with bilateral cleft lip and palate, acral hypoplasia, postaxial oligodactyly, persistent truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch, asplenia sequence, and complex central nervous system midline malformations. In family 2 with three affected sibs, ear anomalies with atresia of the auditory canals, postaxial hexadactyly, intestinal atresias, callosal defects, and eye colobomas were the most outstanding features. On the basis of the present findings and former reports, the inter- and intrafamiliar phenotypic variability in Fryns syndrome, possible pathogenetic mechanisms, and the value of prenatal diagnosis are discussed. In the pathogenetic discussion, a special emphasis is put on the neural crest cell developmental field.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Genotypic and phenotypic spectrum in tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome types I and III.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. Three subtypes have been described: TRPS I, caused by mutations in the TRPS1 gene on chromosome 8; TRPS II, a microdeletion syndrome affecting the TRPS1 and EXT1 genes; and TRPS III, a form with severe brachydactyly, due to short metacarpals, and severe short stature, but without exostoses. To investigate whether TRPS III is caused by TRPS1 mutations and to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation in TRPS, we performed extensive mutation analysis and evaluated the height and degree of brachydactyly in patients with TRPS I or TRPS III. We found 35 different mutations in 44 of 51 unrelated patients. The detection rate (86%) indicates that TRPS1 is the major locus for TRPS I and TRPS III. We did not find any mutation in the parents of sporadic patients or in apparently healthy relatives of familial patients, indicating complete penetrance of TRPS1 mutations. Evaluation of skeletal abnormalities of patients with TRPS1 mutations revealed a wide clinical spectrum. The phenotype was variable in unrelated, age- and sex-matched patients with identical mutations, as well as in families. Four of the five missense mutations alter the GATA DNA-binding zinc finger, and six of the seven unrelated patients with these mutations may be classified as having TRPS III. Our data indicate that TRPS III is at the severe end of the TRPS spectrum and that it is most often caused by a specific class of mutations in the TRPS1 gene.

Adolescent↗

Syndrome of gingival hypertrophy, hirsutism, mental retardation and brachymetacarpia in two sisters: specific entity or variant of a described condition?

Two sisters born to consanguineous Lebanese parents had mental retardation and epilepsy, brachymetacarpalia, hirsutism, bulbous soft nose, thick floppy ears with abnormal configuration and gingival hypertrophy. One girl presented additionally with tetralogy of Fallot and the other with congenital hypothyroidism and bilateral ureteral stenosis. These manifestations resemble the syndrome of hypertrichosis-gingival fibromatosis-mental retardation and seizures of Anavi et al. [1989: Dev Med Child Neurol 31:538-542] but our two girls additionally have brachymetacarpia. The inheritance seems to be autosomal recessive. These two sisters may represent a hitherto undescribed syndrome. We discuss the findings in our patients in relation to the literature.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Distinct mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase gene ROR2 cause brachydactyly type B.

Brachydactyly type B (BDB) is an autosomal dominant skeletal disorder characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of distal phalanges and nails. Recently, heterozygous mutations of the orphan receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) ROR2, located within a distinct segment directly after the TK domain, have been shown to be responsible for BDB. We report four novel mutations in ROR2 (two frameshifts, one splice mutation, and one nonsense mutation) in five families with BDB. The mutations predict truncation of the protein within two distinct regions immediately before and after the TK domain, resulting in a complete or partial loss of the intracellular portion of the protein. Patients affected with the distal mutations have a more severe phenotype than do those with the proximal mutation. Our analysis includes the first description of homozygous BDB in an individual with a 5-bp deletion proximal to the TK domain. His phenotype resembles an extreme form of brachydactyly, with extensive hypoplasia of the phalanges and metacarpals/metatarsals and absence of nails. In addition, he has vertebral anomalies, brachymelia of the arms, and a ventricular septal defect-features that are reminiscent of Robinow syndrome, which has also been shown to be caused by mutations in ROR2. The BDB phenotype, as well as the location and the nature of the BDB mutations, suggests a specific mutational effect that cannot be explained by simple haploinsufficiency and that is distinct from that in Robinow syndrome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Adult patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: clinical characteristics, life circumstances and growth hormone secretion.

Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by a typical clinical phenotype and by a complex genetic basis that includes large deletions, uniparental disomy and imprinting mutations of chromosome region 15q11-q13. This report delineates the clinical characteristics, morbidity and growth hormone secretory status of 19 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. The patients were 18-34 years of age. Morbidity included marked obesity with body mass index in excess of 30 kg/m2 (grade 1-3 according to WHO), metabolic diseases, sleep apnoea and lipolymphoedema. Severe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was seen in 38% of the patients, and levels of insulin-like growth factor I were decreased in 87%. Thus, GHD is seen, not only in children with Prader-Willi syndrome, but also in adults with the syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Mutations in a new gene, encoding a zinc-finger protein, cause tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I, MIM 190350) is a malformation syndrome characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. TRPS I patients have sparse scalp hair, a bulbous tip of the nose, a long flat philtrum, a thin upper vermilion border and protruding ears. Skeletal abnormalities include cone-shaped epiphyses at the phalanges, hip malformations and short stature. We assigned TRPS1 to human chromosome 8q24. It maps proximal of EXT1, which is affected in a subgroup of patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses and deleted in all patients with TRPS type II (TRPS II, or Langer-Giedion syndrome, MIM 150230; ref.2-5). We have positionally cloned a gene that spans the chromosomal breakpoint of two patients with TRPS I and is deleted in five patients with TRPS I and an interstitial deletion. Northern-blot analyses revealed transcripts of 7 and 10.5 kb. TRPS1has seven exons and an ORF of 3,843 bp. The predicted protein sequence has two potential nuclear localization signals and an unusual combination of different zinc-finger motifs, including IKAROS-like and GATA-binding sequences. We identified six different nonsense mutations in ten unrelated patients. Our findings suggest that haploinsufficiency for this putative transcription factor causes TRPS I.

Blotting, Northern↗

Effect of the size of the deletion and clinical manifestation in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: analysis of 13 patients with a de novo deletion.

We performed clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular analyses on 13 patients (8 females and 5 males, aged 6 months to 13 years) with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome due to de novo deletions of chromosome 4p. All patients presented with the typical facial gestalt, microcephaly, and profound mental retardation. Other clinical signs were low birth weight (10/13; 77%), postnatal short stature (8/12; 66%), muscular hypotonia (12/13; 92%), seizures (11/13; 85%), congenital heart defects (4/13; 31%), colobomata of iris (4/12; 33%), genital anomalies (4/13; 31%), deafness (3/13; 23%), and renal anomalies (3/13; 23%). The smallest deletion was a submicroscopic terminal deletion of nearly 2.5 Mb. The largest was a terminal deletion of nearly 30 Mb. Cleft lip/palate, preauricular pits/tags, and congenital heart defects were present only in patients with terminal deletions larger than 10 Mb. The deviations from mean birth weight, birth length, and postnatal head circumference correlated with the size of the deletion. Determining the parental origin of the deletion with microsatellite markers, the maternal allele was missing in three patients and the paternal allele in eight patients. Our observations support the existence of a partial genotype-phenotype correlation in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Two novel mutations confirm FGD1 is responsible for the Aarskog syndrome.

The Aarskog syndrome or facio-genital dysplasia (FGDY, MIM No. 305400) is an X-linked condition characterized by short stature, macrocephaly, facial, genital and skeletal anomalies. It is caused by mutation of the FGD1 gene mapped to the Xp11.21 region. To date, only one point mutation has been reported in an affected family, consisting of the insertion of an additional guanine residue at nucleotide 2122 of exon 7, which causes premature translational termination. We now report the finding of two novel FGD1 mutations, a missense mutation in a family of Italian origin and a deletion of 3 exons in a sporadic case from Germany. These mutations confirm the role of FGD1 as the gene responsible for the Aarskog syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Spontaneous growth in German children and adolescents with genetically confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Height and weight in children with Prader-Willi syndrome, diagnosed by standard clinical criteria, follow a specific developmental pattern resulting in early childhood obesity, absent pubertal growth spurt and adolescent short stature. New molecular techniques (methylation analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization) now allow the unequivocal diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We investigated the possibility of a bias in syndrome-specific growth standards based on clinically diagnosed patients by comparing these standards with new standards derived from 100 German patients with molecularly confirmed PWS, none of whom had received a growth-promoting therapy. Height centile curves of the German patients fall in the tall range of standards derived from American patients. This is mainly due to an elevation of the lower centile ranges in both sexes. When the height standards derived from German patients are compared to those of a large multinational cohort of patients, 78% of whom were not confirmed by genetic testing, only minor differences in the height centiles become apparent. The population background therefore does not appear to play a major role for the observed differences. In a marked proportion of patients a decreased sitting height/height ratio is found. This was usually associated with scoliosis. Weight standards from our study group show that after 14 y of age German girls with PWS are heavier than their American counterparts. Standards for the body mass index of German patients of both sexes are increased over normal reference standards (p < 0.0001) and do increase with age (boys: p = 0.0038; girls: p = 0.0004). PWS genotypes or sex had no apparent influence on SDS for height, weight and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the observed differences to other growth standards, use of the newly constructed centile curves is advocated in German patients with molecularly confirmed PWS to avoid delay in the diagnosis of additional growth-compromising conditions.

Adolescent↗

Mutational spectrum in the Delta7-sterol reductase gene and genotype-phenotype correlation in 84 patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), an autosomal recessive malformation syndrome, ranges in clinical severity from mild dysmorphism and moderate mental retardation to severe congenital malformation and intrauterine lethality. Mutations in the gene for Delta7-sterol reductase (DHCR7), which catalyzes the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), cause SLOS. We have determined, in 84 patients with clinically and biochemically characterized SLOS (detection rate 96%), the mutational spectrum in the DHCR7 gene. Forty different SLOS mutations, some frequent, were identified. On the basis of mutation type and expression studies in the HEK293-derived cell line tsA-201, we grouped mutations into four classes: nonsense and splice-site mutations resulting in putative null alleles, missense mutations in the transmembrane domains (TM), mutations in the 4th cytoplasmic loop (4L), and mutations in the C-terminal ER domain (CT). All but one of the tested missense mutations reduced protein stability. Concentrations of the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol and clinical severity scores correlated with mutation classes. The mildest clinical phenotypes were associated with TM and CT mutations, and the most severe types were associated with 0 and 4L mutations. Most homozygotes for null alleles had severe SLOS; one patient had a moderate phenotype. Homozygosity for 0 mutations in DHCR7 appears compatible with life, suggesting that cholesterol may be synthesized in the absence of this enzyme or that exogenous sources of cholesterol can be used.

Adolescent↗