Prenatal diagnosis of euchromatic 16p+ heteromorphisms in two unrelated families

Directly transmitted unbalanced chromosome abnormalities and euchromatic variants

In total, 200 families were reviewed with directly transmitted, cytogenetically visible unbalanced chromosome abnormalities (UBCAs) or euchromatic variants (EVs). Both the 130 UBCA and 70 EV families were divided into three groups depending on the presence or absence of an abnormal phenotype in parents and offspring. No detectable phenotypic effect was evident in 23/130 (18%) UBCA families ascertained mostly through prenatal diagnosis (group 1). In 30/130 (23%) families, the affected proband had the same UBCA as other phenotypically normal family members (group 2). In the remaining 77/130 (59%) families, UBCAs had consistently mild consequences (group 3). In the 70 families with established EVs of 8p23.1, 9p12, 9q12, 15q11.2, and 16p11.2, no phenotypic effect was apparent in 38/70 (54%). The same EV was found in affected probands and phenotypically normal family members in 30/70 families (43%) (group 2), and an EV co-segregated with mild phenotypic anomalies in only 2/70 (3%) families (group 3). Recent evidence indicates that EVs involve copy number variation of common paralogous gene and pseudogene sequences that are polymorphic in the normal population and only become visible at the cytogenetic level when copy number is high. The average size of the deletions and duplications in all three groups of UBCAs was close to 10 Mb, and these UBCAs and EVs form the "Chromosome Anomaly Collection" at http://www.ngrl.org.uk/Wessex/collection. The continuum of severity associated with UBCAs and the variability of the genome at the sub-cytogenetic level make further close collaboration between medical and laboratory staff essential to distinguish clinically silent variation from pathogenic rearrangement.

Euchromatic variant 16p+. Implications in prenatal diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Euchromatic imbalances at the cytogenetic level are usually associated with phenotypic consequences. Among the exceptions are euchromatic variants of chromosome 16 (16p+) with normal phenotype. There is a growing list of euchromatic duplications and deletions involving both G-positive and G-negative bands that seem to be phenotypically neutral, but these euchromatic variants are rare.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to describe a new familial case of euchromatic variant 16p+ and to emphasise the misinterpretation of these rare euchromatic variants particularly when ascertained at prenatal diagnosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation with clone RP11-261A7 showed an amplified signal in the larger chromosome 16. This clone contains FLJ43855 gene, similar to sodium- and chloride-dependent creatine transporter.

CONCLUSION

So, this 16p+ variant that involves amplification of pseudogenetic sequences is considered a polymorphism in normal individuals.

Rapid identification of a small dicentric supernumerary marker derived from chromosome 16 with a modified FISH technique on amniotic fluid

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes are seldom found in prenatal diagnosis and the majority of them are difficult to identify. The only possibility to give a more precise prognosis is by establishing its origin. FISH is the best technique to identify the chromosomal origin, but in the majority of cases large amounts of chromosomal material are needed and this is time consuming. We have used a modification of the FISH technique that allows the hybridization of several probes on one slide. Using this method, we have identified the first de novo mosaic dicentric supernumerary marker derived from chromosome 16 (smaller than chromosome 21) in amniotic fluid. The gestation and the follow-up of the baby were normal.

A brief history of human autosomes

Comparative gene mapping and chromosome painting permit the tentative reconstruction of ancestral karyotypes. The modern human karyotype is proposed to differ from that of the most recent common ancestor of catarrhine primates by two major rearrangements. The first was the fission of an ancestral chromosome to produce the homologues of human chromosomes 14 and 15. This fission occurred before the divergence of gibbons from humans and other apes. The second was the fusion of two ancestral chromosomes to form human chromosome 2. This fusion occurred after the divergence of humans and chimpanzees. Moving further back in time, homologues of human chromosomes 3 and 21 were formed by the fission of an ancestral linkage group that combined loci of both human chromosomes, whereas homologues of human chromosomes 12 and 22 were formed by a reciprocal translocation between two ancestral chromosomes. Both events occurred at some time after our most recent common ancestor with lemurs. Less direct evidence suggests that the short and long arms of human chromosomes 8, 16 and 19 were unlinked in this ancestor. Finally, the most recent common ancestor of primates and artiodactyls is proposed to have possessed a chromosome that combined loci from human chromosomes 4 and 8p, a chromosome that combined loci from human chromosomes 16q and 19q, and a chromosome that combined loci from human chromosomes 2p and 20.

Variant euchromatic band within 16q12.1

The enlarged short arm of chromosome 16 resulting in an additional euchromatic band has been regarded as a variant. We present an unreported case with an unusual variant of chromosome 16, where the mother and daughter both have an additional band (q12.1) in the long arm. Its origin is chromosome 16, as revealed by FISH-technique, and its familial nature suggests that it has no clinical significance.

A rare inherited euchromatic heteromorphism on chromosome 1

Extra genetic material that is euchromatic is generally regarded to be associated with phenotypic abnormalities. However, recent studies suggest that this is not always the case. Chromosome analysis was performed on amniotic fluid cells from a 37-year-old phenotypically normal patient referred for advanced maternal age. All the cells analysed showed a karyotype of 46,XY,1p+. The 1p+ chromosome had extra genetic material of uncertain origin in chromosome band region 1p21-->31. Chromosome analysis on the father revealed a normal 46,XY male karyotype. The mother's karyotype showed the same 1p+ chromosome. C and Q banding, as well as silver staining studies, in both the mother and the fetus support the interpretation that the extra chromosomal material was euchromatic in nature. This 1p+ chromosome may be characterized as a euchromatic heteromorphism. Euchromatic heteromorphisms not associated with phenotypic abnormalities have been reported for chromosomes 9 and 16. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report involving this type of cytogenetic anomaly on chromosome number 1 in a phenotypically normal mother and infant.