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Biomedical subjects

I D Young

Publications and source records attributed to I D Young.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Acromelic frontonasal dysostosis.

We report on 3 male and 2 female infants with acromelic frontonasal dysostosis. All 5 had a frontonasal malformation of the face and nasal clefting associated with striking symmetrical preaxial polysyndactyly of the feet and variable tibial hypoplasia. In contrast, the upper limbs were normal. This rare variant of frontonasal dysplasia may represent a distinct autosomal-recessive disorder. We suggest that the molecular basis of this condition may be a perturbation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signalling pathway, which plays an important part in the development of the midline central nervous system/craniofacial region and the limbs.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Experimental AA amyloidogenesis is associated with differential expression of extracellular matrix genes.

An abnormality in basement membrane metabolism has been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental murine AA amyloidosis. The potential contribution of the structural basement membrane proteins laminin, type IV collagen and entactin to amyloidogenesis in this model was investigated with a kinetic analysis of the expression of the corresponding genes during amyloid formation. Splenic AA amyloid deposition was stimulated by the concomitant administration of subcutaneous silver nitrate, as an inflammatory stimulus, and intravenous amyloid enhancing factor. Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, a differential pattern of expression of these genes was observed at the mRNA level. Whereas laminin B1 mRNA levels did not change at any time during amyloidogenesis, a 2.2 to 3 fold induction of laminin B2, entactin and alpha 1-type IV collagen mRNAs coincided with the initial detection of splenic amyloid deposits at 48 hours post-stimulation, as detected by immunohistochemistry. Temporal and spatial codeposition of laminin and type IV collagen with amyloid was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. A 1.4, 2.3 and 2.2-fold increase in laminin B2, entactin and alpha 1-type IV collagen mRNA levels, respectively, was detected at 24 hours post-stimulation, a point at which amyloid deposits could not be detected. Neither inflammation nor amyloid enhancing factor alone influenced laminin, entactin or type IV collagen expression at the protein or mRNA level. These observations suggest that the laminin B2 chain and alpha 1-type IV collagen chain account, at least in part, for the observed laminin and collagen IV immunoreactivity in AA amyloid deposits and that entactin may also be a component of the amyloid deposit. The onset of the induction of laminin B2, entactin and alpha 1-type IV collagen gene expression prior to the appearance of amyloid deposits, and our previous data with the heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan, suggests these basement membrane proteins may play a role in the initial stages of AA fibrillogenesis.

Amyloid

Variations in genetic assessment and recurrence risks quoted for childhood deafness: a survey of clinical geneticists.

We report here the results of a questionnaire survey of consultant clinical geneticists in the United Kingdom to which we had an 81% response rate. In this questionnaire we asked about: (1) the nature of services currently offered to families with hearing impaired children, (2) what recurrence risks they quoted in isolated non-syndromic cases, and (3) what they might suggest for improving the range of genetic services available at present. We noted great variation both in these services and in the recurrence risks quoted in isolated cases. Based on the results of the questionnaire, we have proposed a protocol for the investigation of permanent childhood hearing impairment, which we believe to be both comprehensive and practical in an outpatient clinic setting. It is only by improving existing clinical and social understanding and knowledge of childhood hearing impairment that it will become possible to use recent molecular advances to develop comprehensive and consistent services for these families.

Child

Inactivating mutation in the human parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 gene in Blomstrand chondrodysplasia.

A single homozygous nucleotide exchange in exon E3 of the gene encoding the parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 (PTHR1) was identified in an infant with Blomstrand chondrodysplasia born to consanguineous parents. This alteration changes a strictly conserved proline residue at position 132 in the receptor's amino terminal extracellular domain to leucine. COS-1 cells expressing the mutant receptor did not accumulate cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in response to PTH or PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) and did not bind the radiolabeled ligand. Expression of the mutant protein on the cell surface of transiently transfected COS-1 cells and in growth plate chondrocytes derived from the affected infant suggests that proline 132 is critical for the receptor's intrinsic binding activity. These findings suggest that the Blomstrand form of human short-limbed dwarfism arises from defective PTHR1 signaling in the developing cartilaginous skeleton.

Amino Acid Sequence

Four cases of amelia of the upper limb associated with anal atresia--is this VACTERL with extreme limb involvement?

Amelia is an extremely rare abnormality with a highest reported incidence of 1 in 67,500 liveborn infants. We now report four cases in each of which amelia involving one upper limb occurred in association with anal atresia. The pattern of other abnormalities present in these cases suggests that this combination of amelia and anal atresia falls within the spectrum of the VACTERL association.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Mosaic partial trisomy 17 due to a ring chromosome identified by fluorescence in situ hybridisation.

We report on a 3-year-old-girl with mosaic partial trisomy 17 due to an additional ring chromosome 17 in 13% of cells analysed. This was identified by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) using a whole chromosome 17 specific paint as well as probes specific for the Smith-Magenis and Miller-Dieker regions of chromosome 17p. This girl showed mild developmental delay with subtle facial and other minor abnormalities including single palmar creases, generalised joint laxity, and a scoliosis.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephropathy in children with cranioectodermal dysplasia.

We report two pairs of siblings with the syndrome cranioectodermal dysplasia who have subsequently developed chronic renal failure secondary to tubulo-interstitial nephropathy. Renal disease has not been described before in this rare syndrome but has now occurred in four of the seven reported cases. Children with cranioectodermal dysplasia appear to be at significant risk of developing chronic renal failure. This is important information for clinicians looking after such children, and their families, when considering the long-term prognosis and management.

Child, Preschool

Holt-Oram syndrome is caused by mutations in TBX5, a member of the Brachyury (T) gene family.

Holt-Oram syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting the heart and upper limb, the gene for which was mapped to chromosome 12 two years ago. We have now identified a gene for this disorder (HOS1). The gene (TBX5) is a member of the Brachyury (T) family corresponding to the mouse Tbx5 gene. We have identified six mutations, three in HOS families and three in sporadic HOS cases. Each of the mutations introduces a premature stop codon in the TBX5 gene product. Tissue in situ hybridization studies on human embryos from days 26 to 52 of gestation reveal expression of TBX5 in heart and limb, consistent with a role in human embryonic development.

Abnormalities, Multiple

A FISH approach to defining the extent and possible clinical significance of deletions at the WAGR locus.

Nineteen patients were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with selected 11p13 markers. They were examined because they had either isolated sporadic or familial aniridia, or aniridia with one or more of the WAGR (Wilms' tumour, aniridia, genital anomalies, and mental retardation) syndrome anomalies. The FISH markers from distal 11p13 were cosmids FO2121, PAX6 (aniridia), D11S324, and WT1 (Wilms' tumour predisposition). Two of the patients with isolated aniridia were abnormal, one with an apparently balanced reciprocal 7;11 translocation and an 11p13 breakpoint, which by FISH was shown to be approximately 30 kb distal to the aniridia (PAX6) gene, and the other had a submicroscopic deletion involving part of PAX6 that extended distally for approximately 245 kb. Two patients with aniridia together with other WAGR malformations had deletions involving all four cosmids. One case with aniridia associated with developmental and growth delay had a deletion including FO2121 and PAX6 but not D11S324 and WT1, while in a further case the deletion included all four test cosmids. These studies show that a combined conventional and molecular cytogenetic approach to patients presenting with aniridia is a useful method for differentiating between those with deletions extending into and including WT1 and therefore between those with high and low risks of developing Wilms' tumour.

Aniridia

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and abnormal dentition in siblings: a new autosomal recessive syndrome.

The clinical and radiological features are described in male and female siblings with a unique form of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia. In addition to generalized platyspondyly with epiphyseal and metaphyseal involvement, these children also have thin tapering fingers with accentuated palmar creases and abnormal dentition with oligodontia and pointed incisors. Parental consanguinity suggests that this is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Adolescent

Hereditary multiple exostoses: confirmation of linkage to chromosomes 8 and 11.

Hereditary multiple exostoses (EXT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the formation of cartilage capped prominences that develop from the epiphyses of the long bones. EXT is heterogeneous with three different locations currently identified on chromosomes 8, 11, and 19. Recently, we identified and studied 12 large multigenerational EXT families. Linkage analyses demonstrates that 6 of these families map to 8q24 and 6 to 11p. None of the families map to the chromosome 19 locus. The results suggest that there are two major loci, on chromosomes 8 and 11, involved in the cause of EXT. The locus on chromosome 19 remains to be confirmed.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11

Holt-Oram syndrome: a clinical genetic study.

A clinical and genetic study of the Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) has been carried out in the United Kingdom involving 55 cases designated Holt-Oram syndrome, together with their parents and sibs. Data from the clinical assessment of both familial and isolated cases were used to define the HOS phenotype and to outline the spectrum of abnormalities, especially factors affecting severity. Skeletal defects affected the upper limbs exclusively and were bilateral and asymmetrical. They ranged from minor signs such as clinodactyly, limited supination, and sloping shoulders to severe reduction deformities of the upper arm (4.5%). The radial ray was predominantly affected than the right. All affected cases showed evidence of upper limb involvement. Cardiac defects were seen in 95% of familial cases and included both atrial septal defect (ASD, 34%) and ventricular septal defect (VSD, 25%); 39% had only ECG changes. Cardiac involvement ranged from asymptomatic conduction disturbances to multiple structural defects requiring surgery in infancy. Sudden death could be caused by heart block. Inheritance was autosomal dominant with 100% penetrance and no evidence of reduced fitness. Increasing severity occurred in succeeding generations consistent with anticipation.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Prenatal diagnosis in Treacher Collins syndrome using combined linkage analysis and ultrasound imaging.

Treacher Collins syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of facial development, the features of which include conductive hearing loss and cleft palate. In the current investigation, linkage analysis has been used to make first trimester diagnostic predictions in a pregnancy at high risk of producing an affected child. The results of this analysis predicted that the child would be affected. As predictions of the severity of the disease were not possible, the pregnancy was also assessed by ultrasound imaging. This confirmed the affected diagnosis and predicted that the child would be severely affected.

Chromosome Aberrations

Syringomas, natal teeth and oligodontia: a new ectodermal dysplasia?

A 26-year-old female is described with multiple facial syringomas, neonatal teeth and oligodontia. Her father has similar dental findings but no reliable evidence of syringomas. This combination of findings probably represents a new autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia with variable expression between the sexes.

Adult