CHROMOSOME CONCEPTS 
AND CONDITIONS 
Dr H Bezuidenhout
• The classification of genetic disorders 
• Introduction to congenital abnormalities and birth 
defects 
• Numerical and structural chromosomal disorders, 
including microdeletions 
• Cytogenetic and clinical discussion of Down’s 
syndrome, Edward, Patau and sex chromosomal 
disorders 
• Microdeletion syndromes - Prader-Willi, Angelman, 
Di George, Williams syndrome. 
• Cytogenetics: Use of karyotype and FISH
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic 
Chromosomal
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic 
Microdeletion
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic 
Single gene
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic 
Multiple genes 
Environment
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
Prenatal (congenital) 
• Unknown / idiopathic
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / 
duplications) 
• Single gene disorders 
• Multi-factorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders 
• Unknown / idiopathic
Classification of genetic disorders 
• Chromosomal disorders: 
• Numerical 
• Structural 
• Mosaicism 
• Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) 
• Single gene disorders: 
• Autosomal (Dominant or Recessive) 
• X-linked (Dominant or Recessive) 
• Mitochondrial 
• Multifactorial disorders 
• “Acquired” disorders: 
• Prenatal (congenital) onset 
• Unknown / idiopathic
Congenital abnormalities/ birth defects 
“ any abnormality of structure or function that is present, 
although not necessarily obvious, at the time of birth” 
• 2-3% of newborns have major congenital defect 
• cause may be genetic or related to the intra-uterine 
environment 
• MAJOR: lifelong defect with debilitating effect/death 
• MINOR: unusual morphologic defect without serious 
medical or cosmetic effect (14%) 
Single or multiple (>3 anomalies significant))
Dysmorphism 
• Dysmorphology – study of human malformations 
(“the study of abnormal form”) 
• Normal variation – (present in >1% individuals) 
• Dysmorphism – characteristics outside normal 
variation
Ploidy 
• Ploidy is the number of sets of chromosomes in the 
cell nucleus 
• Gamete has a single copy of each chromosome, 
HAPLOID N (N=23) 
• Normal human cell has 2 complete haploid sets, 
therefore DIPLOID (2N= 46)
47,XYY 
• 1:1000 male births 
• not APA effect 
• not dysmorphic 
• either incidental prenatal, postnatal 
• tall stature 
• Learning - mainstream school 
• behavioural problems – defiant type, 
• NOT associated with criminality 
• fertile, normal offspring
Chromosomes 
46,XX 46,XY
Chromosomal abnormalities 
• Number OR Structure 
• Meiosis OR Mitosis 
• Meiosis (gametes formation) 
• Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
Chromosomal abnormalities 
• Number OR Structure 
• Meiosis OR Mitosis 
Diploid 46 (2N) 
• Meiosis (gametes formation) 
Haploid 23 (N) 
• Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
Chromosomal abnormalities 
• Number OR Structure 
• Meiosis OR Mitosis 
• Meiosis (gametes formation) 
• Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
Chromosomal anomalies 
Numerical 
• Polyploidy – more than one pair of chromosomes , exact multiple of 
haploid (N) (N=23) eg. (3N=69) (4N=92) 
• Aneuploidy - extra copy/ absence of a chromosome eg. (47) (45) 
Structural 
• Translocations 
• Ring 
• Isochromosome 
• Inversion 
• Deletions 
• Duplications 
CNV 
• Microdeletions 
• Microduplications 
Mosaicism
Mosaicism 
• Individual with 2 or more cell types originating from a 
single zygote 
• Different chromosome number (or structure) 
• Usually after conception, happens in embryo 
• Non-disjunction during mitosis in the zygote 
• 47,XX+21 [10] / 46,XX [20] 
• Unpredictable phenotype
46,XX 
46,XX 47,XX,+21
Mosaicism - Abnormal mitotic division in early 
development of the embryo
Translocation 
Exchange of chromosomal material between two or more 
chromosomes 
Normal 
Balanced - no essential chromosome material lost 
- individual normal 
- carrier of balanced translocation
Translocation 
Unbalanced - extra chromosomal material and / or loss 
of chromosomal material 
- individual not normal 
Too much 
Too little
Balanced carrier – Unbalanced offspring 
Normal balanced carrier 
Abn 
MCA, development, growth 
meiosis 
Too much 
Too little
Chromosomal abnormalities 
Numerical 
• Polyploidy 
• Aneuploidy 
STRUCTURAL
 Numerical – (Polyploidy) Triploidy 
69,XXY; 69,XXX; 69,XYY (3N) 
• Miscarriages (2nd or 1st trimester) 
• Fetus: variable, growth, MCA (renal, cardiac, 
cns, sex), dysmorphism, assymmetry (mosaic), 
developmental delay 
• Paternal origin of extra set cause: 
Placental abnormality (partial molar) 
Gestational hypertension
Triploidy- Recurrence 
• Sporadic (random chance) 
• Low recurrence risk in next pregnancy 
• Molar pregnancy – at risk of developing 
choriocarcinoma (need follow-up)
 Numerical - Aneuploidy 
• Autosomal aneuploidy 
o Down syndrome 
o Edwards syndrome 
o Patau syndrome 
• Sex chromosome aneuploidy 
o Turner syndrome 
o Klinefelter syndrome 
o 47,XYY
Down syndrome (extra 21) 
Features 
• Hypotonia 
• Brachicephaly 
• Nuchal fold 
• Upslanting palpebral fissures 
• Epicanthic folds 
• Flat facial profile and flat nasal bridge 
• Low placed simple ears, overfolded helixes 
• Brachydactyly 
• Clinodactyly 
• Simian palmar crease 
• Sandal gap- wide space // toes 1 & 2
Down syndrome - Morbidity 
• IQ 25- 75 ( few over 50) 
• Cardiac (40%) 
• Recurrent infections esp respiratory 
• Thyroid 
• Opthalmology – cataracts, strabismus,myopia, 
nystagmus 
• Atlanto-axial instability 
• Hearing problems secondary CSOM 
• 2% risk leukemia (ALL,AML) 
• Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder 
• Duodenal atresia, Hirshsprung 
• Growth, obesity 
• Alzheimer type dementia
Down syndrome – Diagnosis 
1:1000 births 
• Trisomy 21 47,XY,+21 
95% 
• due to non-dysjunction 
• Translocation 46,XY,rob(14;21),+21 
3% 
• Mosaic 47,XX,+21 / 46,XX 
2%
Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome
Non-dysjunction 
• Failure of chromosomes to separate normally 
during cell division (meiosis) 
• Cause is unknown, ? random, ? maternal age 
• Result is aneuploidy
Translocation Down syndrome 
• 46,XY,rob(14;21),+21
Robertsonian translocation 
• Chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 
• Acrocentric have same genetic material on short 
arms (p) 
• Short arms (p) break off, long arms (q) fuse
Mosaic Down syndrome 
• 47,XY,+21[10] / 46,XY [20] 
mitosis
Down syndrome – Antenatal Diagnosis 
Screening 
• Ultrasound 
Markers (nuchal), abnormalities 
• Biochemical (from 9weeks) 
• Non-invasive testing 
Calculate specific risk (using age as well) 
Diagnostic Testing 
• Invasive testing (CVS, amniocentesis, 
cordocentesis)
Down syndrome – Antenatal Diagnosis 
Screening 
• Ultrasound 
Markers (nuchal), abnormalities 
• Biochemical (from 9weeks) 
• Non-invasive testing 
Calculate specific risk (using age as well) 
Diagnostic Antenatal Testing 
• Invasive testing (CVS, amniocentesis, 
cordocentesis)
Down Syndrome - Recurrence risk 
~30% abort spontaneously after 12w 
Trisomy 21 
• <35yr 1% 
• >35yr mat age risk + 1% 
Mosaic <1% 
Translocation increased RR if one parent carries a 
balanced translocation
Parent Balanced translocation
14 
21 
N NN 
Down 
syndrome
Risks for Chromosome Abnormalities at Term by Maternal Age 
Maternal Age at 
Term 
Risk for T21 Risk for any chr abn 
15 1:1578 1:454 
25 1:1351 1:475 
30 1:909 1:384 
35 1:384 1:178 
36 1:307 1:148 
37 1:242 1:122 
38 1:189 1:104 
39 1:146 1:80 
40 1:112 1:62
Edward syndrome (extra 18) 
• Head – prominent occiput, narrow bifrontal 
• Face - Low set pixie ears, small eyes, small 
nose,mouth,chin 
• Clenched hands, overlapping fingers, nail hypoplasia 
• Rockerbottom feet, short halluxes 
• Narrow hips 
• Genital 
• Short sternum 
• Cardiac, kidney, limb, CNS 
• Growth 
• Feeding 
Morbidity and mortality 
• “lethal” profound developmental impairment
Edward syndrome (extra 18) 
• Head – prominent occiput, narrow bifrontal 
• Face - Low set pixie ears, small eyes, small 
nose,mouth,chin 
• Clenched hands, overlapping fingers, nail hypoplasia 
• Rockerbottom feet, short halluxes 
• Narrow hips 
• Genital 
• Short sternum 
• Cardiac, kidney, limb, CNS 
• Growth 
• Feeding 
Morbidity and mortality 
• “lethal” profound developmental impairment
Edward syndrome (extra 18) 
47,XX,+18 47,XY,+18 
• 1/3 000 births 
• “lethal” 
• 95% spontaneous abortion 
• 50% die in 1st week of life 
• 5-10% survive 1st year 
Mosaic 
Not acrocentric/ not robertsonian translocation 
Etiology 
• Non-dysjunction 
• Maternal age effect
Edward Syndrome - Trisomy 18
Trisomy 18 – Recurrence risk 
• Low recurrence risk 
• ~1%
Patau syndrome (extra 13) 
• Face - Hypo/hypertelorism (holoprosencephaly) 
Low set dysplastic ears 
Cleft lip and or palate 
• Polydactyly 
• Genital 
• Feet rockerbottom 
• Cardiac, renal, CNS 
• Cutis aplasia 
Morbidity and mortality 
“lethal”, profound developmental impairment
Patau syndrome (extra 13) 
• Face - Hypo/hypertelorism (holoprosencephaly) 
Low set dysplastic ears 
Cleft lip and or palate 
• Polidactyly 
• Genital 
• Feet rockerbottom 
• Cardiac, renal, CNS 
• Cutis aplasia 
Morbidity and mortality 
“lethal”, profound developmental impairment
Patau syndrome - Trisomy 13 
47,XY,+13; of 47,XX,+13 
1/6 000 births 
• 50% die 1st month 
• 5% survive 6 months 
Mosaicism 
Translocasion 46,XX,rob(13;14) 
Etiology 
• 65% maternal non-dysjunction 
• Maternal age effect
Patau syndrome - Trisomy 13
Patau syndrome- Recurrence risk 
• <1% if parents not translocation carrier 
• translocation carrier – RR as for Trisomy 21
Sex Chromosome aneuploidy 
• SCA - Presence of extra or absent sex chromosome 
(abn X) 
• Mosaic pattern 
• Incidence 1:400 males 1:650 
• Turner syndrome 
• Klinefelter syndrome 
• Multiple X’s or Y’s (47,XXX 47,XYY 49,XXXXX)
Turner Syndrome 
Normal phenotype OR dysmorphic 
• Web neck, with low hairline (cystic hygroma) 
• Oedema of feet, hands 
• Shield chest, lowset wide nipples 
• Cubitus valgus 
Short stature (1.47m) 
Congenital anomalies (cardiac, renal) 
Specific Learning problems (non verbal skills) 
Gonadal dysgenesis/ amenorhee/ Infertility 
Systemic conditions 
Cancer risk (gonadoblastoma 45,X/ 46,XY)
Turner Syndrome 
Normal phenotype OR dysmorphic 
• Web neck, with low hairline (cystic hygroma) 
• Oedema of feet, hands 
• Shield chest, lowset wide nipples 
• Cubitus valgus 
Short stature (1.47m) 
Congenital anomalies (cardiac, renal) 
Specific Learning problems (non verbal skills) 
Gonadal dysgenesis/ amenorhee/ Infertility 
Systemic conditions 
Cancer risk (gonadoblastoma 45,X/ 46,XY)
Turner syndrome (cont) 
• Learning 
• Normal IQ (10-15 points below sib) 
• Non verbal skills 
• ADHD 
• Social adjustment 
• Delayed puberty/ amenorrhea (Rx Hormone) 
• Spontaneous pregnancy (0.5%) 
• Assisted pregnancy (donor ovum), increased 
morbidity and mortality
Turner syndrome 
• 1 in 2500 live female births 
• 45,X and variants 
• Mosaic, count 30 cells 
• Structural X anomaly 
45,X[10]/46,XX[20] 
45X/46,XY 
46,X,i(X) 
45,X/46,X,r(X) 
• Antenatal – 99% TS conceptions loss, intrauterine 
lethality 14-40w of 65%
Turner Syndrome 45,X
Klinefelter syndrome 
• 1:500 
• Dx prenatal – incidental finding 
• postnatal – infertility work-up 
• Phenotype – not dysmorphic, tall 
• Learning problems (IQ average to low average) (91), 
language disorders 70% (verbal, conceptual), reading 
disabilities, executive function deficits 
• Behavioural problems 
• Puberty (hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism) (decreased 
testosterone) (testes involute in puberty) 
• Infertility 
• Gynecomastia (30%), other health risks as adults 
• Increased risk breast cancer
Klinefelter syndrome 47,XXY
Break ---- Mock Question 
Groups 8 (4 in one row, with 4 in next row)
Mock Question 1: 
(a) Normal male karyotype 
(b) Robertsonian translocation carrier 
(c) Imprinting 
(d) Polyploidy 
(e) Unbalanced translocation 
(f) Normal female karyotype 
(g) Reciprocal translocation 
(h) None of the above 
Match the karyotype below to the correct letter above: 
(i) 45, X …….. 
(ii) 45,XX,rob(13;14) …….. 
(iii) 46,XX ……..
Chromosomal abnormalities 
Numerical 
• Polyploidy 
• Aneuploidy 
STRUCTURAL
 Structural 
Abnormalities of chromosome structure 
• Part of a chromosome may be deleted 
• Extra piece of chromosomal material 
• Chromosomal material breaks and is swapped around 
• Translocations 
• Inversion 
• Ring 
• Deletions 
• Duplications 
CNV 
• Microdeletions 
• Microduplications
Translocation 
• Exchange of chromosomal material between two or more 
chromosomes 
• 1:1000 live births 
• Most common structural chromosome abnormality in humans 
• One break in each chromosome, exchange of broken 
segments 
• Reciprocal (parts of chromosome) 
• Robertsonian (whole chromosome) 
If no essential chromosome material lost (BALANCED) (normal) 
increased chance of chromosomally unbalanced offspring
Translocation balanced
Inversion 
• If no disruption of gene, may have no effect
Ring chromosome
Deletion 
5p deletion
CNV Microdeletions 
• Diagnosis – usually not visible on karyotype, 
FISH
Microdeletions 
• Examples of syndromes 
• Prader-Willi 15q11 
• Angelman 15q11 
• Di-George 22q- 
• Williams 7q-
Prader Willi syndrome 
Baby: 
• Hypotonia 
• Long face, bitemporal narrowing 
• Downturned mouth corners 
• Almond shape eyes 
• Feeding problems 
Child: 
• Insatiable appetite 
• Small hands and feet 
• Short stature 
• Developmental delay, Intellectual disability, 
behavioural problems 
• Morbidity – Obesity, Diabetes
Prader Willi syndrome 
• 75 % microdeletion 15q11-12 
• ~25% uniparental disomy 
• ~2% - “imprinting “ centre mutation 
• other chromosome 15 abnormality 
• Imprinting disorder
Genomic Imprinting 
“process by which certain genes are expressed in a 
specific parent-of-origin manner”
Genomic Imprinting 
• Not ALL genes, only some are genetically 
imprinted, “stamped”, during gamete production 
to silence them 
• Some genes are only expressed from the 
maternal or paternal allele. There is only 1 copy 
“active” 
• For imprinted genes - Only 1 copy of gene 
expressed normally (“active”) and therefore any 
loss due to mutation/deleted/silenced will have 
an effect
Genomic Imprinting 
• Reprogramming - process involve erase previous parent 
pattern, imprint new pattern (switch off, or leave on), 
maintain in mitosis 
• Imprinted alleles are silenced such that the genes are 
expressed only from the non-imprinted allele 
• No altering of genetic sequence 
• Independent of the classical mendelian inheritance 
• Happens in germline (gonads) 
For some genes parent of origin is important
Dad 
Mom 
N Abn Abn
Dad 
Mom 
N Abn Abn
Dad 
Meiosis 
PraderWilli 
Child
Dad 
PraderWilli 
Deletion 
15q11-12 
No paternal 
Meiosis
Mom 
Imprinting 
N 
PraderWilli 
Offspring 
Meiosis 
Uniparental Disomy 
Trisomy rescue
Prader Willi - Recurrence risk 
• RR: usually low (de novo) 
• Only if other chr 15 abnormality, imprinting centre
Angelman syndrome 
Face: wide mouth, wide-spaced teeth, prognathia 
(protruding lower jaw) 
Hypopigmented skin, light hair and eye colour (compared 
to family) 
Microcephaly 
Severe developmental delay (speech) 
Ataxia, uplifted, flexed arm position especially during 
ambulation (puppet) 
Seizures 
Tongue thrusting; suck/swallowing disorders, Feeding 
problems during infancy, Excessive chewing/mouthing 
behaviours 
Happy demeanor (laugh inappropriately) 
Attraction to/fascination with water
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8eaYdF6x3A
Angelman syndrome 
• 70% 15q11 deletion (maternal) 
• 5% Uniparental disomy (paternal) 
• Imprinting disorder (opposite to Prader Willi) 
Recurrence risk 
• Low if de novo deletions
Di George syndrome (22q deletion) 
• Dysmorphism 
• Developmental delays 
• Congenital anomalies - cleft palate/ soft palate 
dysfunction, cardiac, renal, absent thymus, spine 
• Immune deficiency 
• Hypocalcemia 
• Hearing loss 
• Behavioral and psychiatric disorders; 
• Growth deficiency 
• Frequent upper respiratory illnesses and ear 
infections; 
• GERD
Di George syndrome (22q deletion)
Di George syndrome (22q deletion) 
• 22q11.2 deletion 
Recurrence risk 
• De novo (94%) - low 
• 6% familial – offer parental studies (RR 50% if 
parent has deletion) (variability in expression)
Williams syndrome 
• Dysmorphism – prominent lips, wide mouth, hoarse 
voice, periorbital fullness, dental, joint hypermobility 
• Congenital anomalies – cardiac, renal 
• Moderate to severe learning difficulties, verbal 
abilities superior to visuo-spatial and motor skills 
• Socially disinhibited
syndrome
Williams syndrome 
• 7q11.23 Deletion 
Recurrence risk 
• Usually low (de novo)
Summary 
Numerical chromosome abn 
• Autosomes 
(lethal/ miscarriage) (MCA, development, 
growth) 
• Sex chromosome 
(Mild or no dysmorphism, affect secondary 
sexual 
characteristics, fertility) 
 Structural chromosome abn 
• Balanced 
(No dysmorphism, no abnormalities, 
infertility, 
miscarriages, at risk of unbalanced 
offspring)
Summary 
• Meiosis vs mitosis 
gametes formation, diploid 2 N haploid N 
cell division into 2 identical daughter cells, diploid 2N diploid 2N 
• Mosaicism 
Presence of 2 or more cell types originating from a single zygote 
Non-dysjunction during mitosis in the zygote 
• Non-dysjunction 
Failure of chromosomes to separate normally during cell division (meiosis) 
• Triploidy vs aneuploidy 
whole extra haploid set vs 1 or more extra/loss chromosome/s 
• Imprinting 
process by which certain genes are expressed in a specific parent-of-origin manner
 repro chromosome anomalies
 repro chromosome anomalies

repro chromosome anomalies

  • 1.
    CHROMOSOME CONCEPTS ANDCONDITIONS Dr H Bezuidenhout
  • 2.
    • The classificationof genetic disorders • Introduction to congenital abnormalities and birth defects • Numerical and structural chromosomal disorders, including microdeletions • Cytogenetic and clinical discussion of Down’s syndrome, Edward, Patau and sex chromosomal disorders • Microdeletion syndromes - Prader-Willi, Angelman, Di George, Williams syndrome. • Cytogenetics: Use of karyotype and FISH
  • 3.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic
  • 4.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic Chromosomal
  • 5.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic Microdeletion
  • 6.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic Single gene
  • 7.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic Multiple genes Environment
  • 8.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders Prenatal (congenital) • Unknown / idiopathic
  • 9.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders • Multi-factorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders • Unknown / idiopathic
  • 10.
    Classification of geneticdisorders • Chromosomal disorders: • Numerical • Structural • Mosaicism • Copy number variants (microdeletions / duplications) • Single gene disorders: • Autosomal (Dominant or Recessive) • X-linked (Dominant or Recessive) • Mitochondrial • Multifactorial disorders • “Acquired” disorders: • Prenatal (congenital) onset • Unknown / idiopathic
  • 11.
    Congenital abnormalities/ birthdefects “ any abnormality of structure or function that is present, although not necessarily obvious, at the time of birth” • 2-3% of newborns have major congenital defect • cause may be genetic or related to the intra-uterine environment • MAJOR: lifelong defect with debilitating effect/death • MINOR: unusual morphologic defect without serious medical or cosmetic effect (14%) Single or multiple (>3 anomalies significant))
  • 12.
    Dysmorphism • Dysmorphology– study of human malformations (“the study of abnormal form”) • Normal variation – (present in >1% individuals) • Dysmorphism – characteristics outside normal variation
  • 13.
    Ploidy • Ploidyis the number of sets of chromosomes in the cell nucleus • Gamete has a single copy of each chromosome, HAPLOID N (N=23) • Normal human cell has 2 complete haploid sets, therefore DIPLOID (2N= 46)
  • 15.
    47,XYY • 1:1000male births • not APA effect • not dysmorphic • either incidental prenatal, postnatal • tall stature • Learning - mainstream school • behavioural problems – defiant type, • NOT associated with criminality • fertile, normal offspring
  • 16.
  • 17.
    Chromosomal abnormalities •Number OR Structure • Meiosis OR Mitosis • Meiosis (gametes formation) • Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
  • 18.
    Chromosomal abnormalities •Number OR Structure • Meiosis OR Mitosis Diploid 46 (2N) • Meiosis (gametes formation) Haploid 23 (N) • Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
  • 19.
    Chromosomal abnormalities •Number OR Structure • Meiosis OR Mitosis • Meiosis (gametes formation) • Mitosis (cell division into 2 identical daughter cells)
  • 20.
    Chromosomal anomalies Numerical • Polyploidy – more than one pair of chromosomes , exact multiple of haploid (N) (N=23) eg. (3N=69) (4N=92) • Aneuploidy - extra copy/ absence of a chromosome eg. (47) (45) Structural • Translocations • Ring • Isochromosome • Inversion • Deletions • Duplications CNV • Microdeletions • Microduplications Mosaicism
  • 21.
    Mosaicism • Individualwith 2 or more cell types originating from a single zygote • Different chromosome number (or structure) • Usually after conception, happens in embryo • Non-disjunction during mitosis in the zygote • 47,XX+21 [10] / 46,XX [20] • Unpredictable phenotype
  • 22.
  • 23.
    Mosaicism - Abnormalmitotic division in early development of the embryo
  • 24.
    Translocation Exchange ofchromosomal material between two or more chromosomes Normal Balanced - no essential chromosome material lost - individual normal - carrier of balanced translocation
  • 25.
    Translocation Unbalanced -extra chromosomal material and / or loss of chromosomal material - individual not normal Too much Too little
  • 26.
    Balanced carrier –Unbalanced offspring Normal balanced carrier Abn MCA, development, growth meiosis Too much Too little
  • 27.
    Chromosomal abnormalities Numerical • Polyploidy • Aneuploidy STRUCTURAL
  • 28.
     Numerical –(Polyploidy) Triploidy 69,XXY; 69,XXX; 69,XYY (3N) • Miscarriages (2nd or 1st trimester) • Fetus: variable, growth, MCA (renal, cardiac, cns, sex), dysmorphism, assymmetry (mosaic), developmental delay • Paternal origin of extra set cause: Placental abnormality (partial molar) Gestational hypertension
  • 30.
    Triploidy- Recurrence •Sporadic (random chance) • Low recurrence risk in next pregnancy • Molar pregnancy – at risk of developing choriocarcinoma (need follow-up)
  • 31.
     Numerical -Aneuploidy • Autosomal aneuploidy o Down syndrome o Edwards syndrome o Patau syndrome • Sex chromosome aneuploidy o Turner syndrome o Klinefelter syndrome o 47,XYY
  • 32.
    Down syndrome (extra21) Features • Hypotonia • Brachicephaly • Nuchal fold • Upslanting palpebral fissures • Epicanthic folds • Flat facial profile and flat nasal bridge • Low placed simple ears, overfolded helixes • Brachydactyly • Clinodactyly • Simian palmar crease • Sandal gap- wide space // toes 1 & 2
  • 37.
    Down syndrome -Morbidity • IQ 25- 75 ( few over 50) • Cardiac (40%) • Recurrent infections esp respiratory • Thyroid • Opthalmology – cataracts, strabismus,myopia, nystagmus • Atlanto-axial instability • Hearing problems secondary CSOM • 2% risk leukemia (ALL,AML) • Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder • Duodenal atresia, Hirshsprung • Growth, obesity • Alzheimer type dementia
  • 38.
    Down syndrome –Diagnosis 1:1000 births • Trisomy 21 47,XY,+21 95% • due to non-dysjunction • Translocation 46,XY,rob(14;21),+21 3% • Mosaic 47,XX,+21 / 46,XX 2%
  • 39.
  • 40.
    Non-dysjunction • Failureof chromosomes to separate normally during cell division (meiosis) • Cause is unknown, ? random, ? maternal age • Result is aneuploidy
  • 41.
    Translocation Down syndrome • 46,XY,rob(14;21),+21
  • 42.
    Robertsonian translocation •Chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 • Acrocentric have same genetic material on short arms (p) • Short arms (p) break off, long arms (q) fuse
  • 44.
    Mosaic Down syndrome • 47,XY,+21[10] / 46,XY [20] mitosis
  • 45.
    Down syndrome –Antenatal Diagnosis Screening • Ultrasound Markers (nuchal), abnormalities • Biochemical (from 9weeks) • Non-invasive testing Calculate specific risk (using age as well) Diagnostic Testing • Invasive testing (CVS, amniocentesis, cordocentesis)
  • 47.
    Down syndrome –Antenatal Diagnosis Screening • Ultrasound Markers (nuchal), abnormalities • Biochemical (from 9weeks) • Non-invasive testing Calculate specific risk (using age as well) Diagnostic Antenatal Testing • Invasive testing (CVS, amniocentesis, cordocentesis)
  • 48.
    Down Syndrome -Recurrence risk ~30% abort spontaneously after 12w Trisomy 21 • <35yr 1% • >35yr mat age risk + 1% Mosaic <1% Translocation increased RR if one parent carries a balanced translocation
  • 50.
  • 51.
    14 21 NNN Down syndrome
  • 52.
    Risks for ChromosomeAbnormalities at Term by Maternal Age Maternal Age at Term Risk for T21 Risk for any chr abn 15 1:1578 1:454 25 1:1351 1:475 30 1:909 1:384 35 1:384 1:178 36 1:307 1:148 37 1:242 1:122 38 1:189 1:104 39 1:146 1:80 40 1:112 1:62
  • 53.
    Edward syndrome (extra18) • Head – prominent occiput, narrow bifrontal • Face - Low set pixie ears, small eyes, small nose,mouth,chin • Clenched hands, overlapping fingers, nail hypoplasia • Rockerbottom feet, short halluxes • Narrow hips • Genital • Short sternum • Cardiac, kidney, limb, CNS • Growth • Feeding Morbidity and mortality • “lethal” profound developmental impairment
  • 58.
    Edward syndrome (extra18) • Head – prominent occiput, narrow bifrontal • Face - Low set pixie ears, small eyes, small nose,mouth,chin • Clenched hands, overlapping fingers, nail hypoplasia • Rockerbottom feet, short halluxes • Narrow hips • Genital • Short sternum • Cardiac, kidney, limb, CNS • Growth • Feeding Morbidity and mortality • “lethal” profound developmental impairment
  • 59.
    Edward syndrome (extra18) 47,XX,+18 47,XY,+18 • 1/3 000 births • “lethal” • 95% spontaneous abortion • 50% die in 1st week of life • 5-10% survive 1st year Mosaic Not acrocentric/ not robertsonian translocation Etiology • Non-dysjunction • Maternal age effect
  • 60.
  • 61.
    Trisomy 18 –Recurrence risk • Low recurrence risk • ~1%
  • 62.
    Patau syndrome (extra13) • Face - Hypo/hypertelorism (holoprosencephaly) Low set dysplastic ears Cleft lip and or palate • Polydactyly • Genital • Feet rockerbottom • Cardiac, renal, CNS • Cutis aplasia Morbidity and mortality “lethal”, profound developmental impairment
  • 65.
    Patau syndrome (extra13) • Face - Hypo/hypertelorism (holoprosencephaly) Low set dysplastic ears Cleft lip and or palate • Polidactyly • Genital • Feet rockerbottom • Cardiac, renal, CNS • Cutis aplasia Morbidity and mortality “lethal”, profound developmental impairment
  • 66.
    Patau syndrome -Trisomy 13 47,XY,+13; of 47,XX,+13 1/6 000 births • 50% die 1st month • 5% survive 6 months Mosaicism Translocasion 46,XX,rob(13;14) Etiology • 65% maternal non-dysjunction • Maternal age effect
  • 67.
    Patau syndrome -Trisomy 13
  • 68.
    Patau syndrome- Recurrencerisk • <1% if parents not translocation carrier • translocation carrier – RR as for Trisomy 21
  • 69.
    Sex Chromosome aneuploidy • SCA - Presence of extra or absent sex chromosome (abn X) • Mosaic pattern • Incidence 1:400 males 1:650 • Turner syndrome • Klinefelter syndrome • Multiple X’s or Y’s (47,XXX 47,XYY 49,XXXXX)
  • 70.
    Turner Syndrome Normalphenotype OR dysmorphic • Web neck, with low hairline (cystic hygroma) • Oedema of feet, hands • Shield chest, lowset wide nipples • Cubitus valgus Short stature (1.47m) Congenital anomalies (cardiac, renal) Specific Learning problems (non verbal skills) Gonadal dysgenesis/ amenorhee/ Infertility Systemic conditions Cancer risk (gonadoblastoma 45,X/ 46,XY)
  • 74.
    Turner Syndrome Normalphenotype OR dysmorphic • Web neck, with low hairline (cystic hygroma) • Oedema of feet, hands • Shield chest, lowset wide nipples • Cubitus valgus Short stature (1.47m) Congenital anomalies (cardiac, renal) Specific Learning problems (non verbal skills) Gonadal dysgenesis/ amenorhee/ Infertility Systemic conditions Cancer risk (gonadoblastoma 45,X/ 46,XY)
  • 75.
    Turner syndrome (cont) • Learning • Normal IQ (10-15 points below sib) • Non verbal skills • ADHD • Social adjustment • Delayed puberty/ amenorrhea (Rx Hormone) • Spontaneous pregnancy (0.5%) • Assisted pregnancy (donor ovum), increased morbidity and mortality
  • 76.
    Turner syndrome •1 in 2500 live female births • 45,X and variants • Mosaic, count 30 cells • Structural X anomaly 45,X[10]/46,XX[20] 45X/46,XY 46,X,i(X) 45,X/46,X,r(X) • Antenatal – 99% TS conceptions loss, intrauterine lethality 14-40w of 65%
  • 77.
  • 78.
    Klinefelter syndrome •1:500 • Dx prenatal – incidental finding • postnatal – infertility work-up • Phenotype – not dysmorphic, tall • Learning problems (IQ average to low average) (91), language disorders 70% (verbal, conceptual), reading disabilities, executive function deficits • Behavioural problems • Puberty (hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism) (decreased testosterone) (testes involute in puberty) • Infertility • Gynecomastia (30%), other health risks as adults • Increased risk breast cancer
  • 79.
  • 80.
    Break ---- MockQuestion Groups 8 (4 in one row, with 4 in next row)
  • 83.
    Mock Question 1: (a) Normal male karyotype (b) Robertsonian translocation carrier (c) Imprinting (d) Polyploidy (e) Unbalanced translocation (f) Normal female karyotype (g) Reciprocal translocation (h) None of the above Match the karyotype below to the correct letter above: (i) 45, X …….. (ii) 45,XX,rob(13;14) …….. (iii) 46,XX ……..
  • 87.
    Chromosomal abnormalities Numerical • Polyploidy • Aneuploidy STRUCTURAL
  • 88.
     Structural Abnormalitiesof chromosome structure • Part of a chromosome may be deleted • Extra piece of chromosomal material • Chromosomal material breaks and is swapped around • Translocations • Inversion • Ring • Deletions • Duplications CNV • Microdeletions • Microduplications
  • 89.
    Translocation • Exchangeof chromosomal material between two or more chromosomes • 1:1000 live births • Most common structural chromosome abnormality in humans • One break in each chromosome, exchange of broken segments • Reciprocal (parts of chromosome) • Robertsonian (whole chromosome) If no essential chromosome material lost (BALANCED) (normal) increased chance of chromosomally unbalanced offspring
  • 90.
  • 91.
    Inversion • Ifno disruption of gene, may have no effect
  • 92.
  • 93.
  • 94.
    CNV Microdeletions •Diagnosis – usually not visible on karyotype, FISH
  • 95.
    Microdeletions • Examplesof syndromes • Prader-Willi 15q11 • Angelman 15q11 • Di-George 22q- • Williams 7q-
  • 96.
    Prader Willi syndrome Baby: • Hypotonia • Long face, bitemporal narrowing • Downturned mouth corners • Almond shape eyes • Feeding problems Child: • Insatiable appetite • Small hands and feet • Short stature • Developmental delay, Intellectual disability, behavioural problems • Morbidity – Obesity, Diabetes
  • 98.
    Prader Willi syndrome • 75 % microdeletion 15q11-12 • ~25% uniparental disomy • ~2% - “imprinting “ centre mutation • other chromosome 15 abnormality • Imprinting disorder
  • 99.
    Genomic Imprinting “processby which certain genes are expressed in a specific parent-of-origin manner”
  • 100.
    Genomic Imprinting •Not ALL genes, only some are genetically imprinted, “stamped”, during gamete production to silence them • Some genes are only expressed from the maternal or paternal allele. There is only 1 copy “active” • For imprinted genes - Only 1 copy of gene expressed normally (“active”) and therefore any loss due to mutation/deleted/silenced will have an effect
  • 101.
    Genomic Imprinting •Reprogramming - process involve erase previous parent pattern, imprint new pattern (switch off, or leave on), maintain in mitosis • Imprinted alleles are silenced such that the genes are expressed only from the non-imprinted allele • No altering of genetic sequence • Independent of the classical mendelian inheritance • Happens in germline (gonads) For some genes parent of origin is important
  • 102.
    Dad Mom NAbn Abn
  • 103.
    Dad Mom NAbn Abn
  • 104.
  • 105.
    Dad PraderWilli Deletion 15q11-12 No paternal Meiosis
  • 106.
    Mom Imprinting N PraderWilli Offspring Meiosis Uniparental Disomy Trisomy rescue
  • 107.
    Prader Willi -Recurrence risk • RR: usually low (de novo) • Only if other chr 15 abnormality, imprinting centre
  • 108.
    Angelman syndrome Face:wide mouth, wide-spaced teeth, prognathia (protruding lower jaw) Hypopigmented skin, light hair and eye colour (compared to family) Microcephaly Severe developmental delay (speech) Ataxia, uplifted, flexed arm position especially during ambulation (puppet) Seizures Tongue thrusting; suck/swallowing disorders, Feeding problems during infancy, Excessive chewing/mouthing behaviours Happy demeanor (laugh inappropriately) Attraction to/fascination with water
  • 110.
  • 111.
    Angelman syndrome •70% 15q11 deletion (maternal) • 5% Uniparental disomy (paternal) • Imprinting disorder (opposite to Prader Willi) Recurrence risk • Low if de novo deletions
  • 112.
    Di George syndrome(22q deletion) • Dysmorphism • Developmental delays • Congenital anomalies - cleft palate/ soft palate dysfunction, cardiac, renal, absent thymus, spine • Immune deficiency • Hypocalcemia • Hearing loss • Behavioral and psychiatric disorders; • Growth deficiency • Frequent upper respiratory illnesses and ear infections; • GERD
  • 113.
    Di George syndrome(22q deletion)
  • 114.
    Di George syndrome(22q deletion) • 22q11.2 deletion Recurrence risk • De novo (94%) - low • 6% familial – offer parental studies (RR 50% if parent has deletion) (variability in expression)
  • 115.
    Williams syndrome •Dysmorphism – prominent lips, wide mouth, hoarse voice, periorbital fullness, dental, joint hypermobility • Congenital anomalies – cardiac, renal • Moderate to severe learning difficulties, verbal abilities superior to visuo-spatial and motor skills • Socially disinhibited
  • 116.
  • 117.
    Williams syndrome •7q11.23 Deletion Recurrence risk • Usually low (de novo)
  • 118.
    Summary Numerical chromosomeabn • Autosomes (lethal/ miscarriage) (MCA, development, growth) • Sex chromosome (Mild or no dysmorphism, affect secondary sexual characteristics, fertility)  Structural chromosome abn • Balanced (No dysmorphism, no abnormalities, infertility, miscarriages, at risk of unbalanced offspring)
  • 119.
    Summary • Meiosisvs mitosis gametes formation, diploid 2 N haploid N cell division into 2 identical daughter cells, diploid 2N diploid 2N • Mosaicism Presence of 2 or more cell types originating from a single zygote Non-dysjunction during mitosis in the zygote • Non-dysjunction Failure of chromosomes to separate normally during cell division (meiosis) • Triploidy vs aneuploidy whole extra haploid set vs 1 or more extra/loss chromosome/s • Imprinting process by which certain genes are expressed in a specific parent-of-origin manner