In vitro reversal of fragile-X expression by exogenous thymidine

The fragile X-chromosome: an evaluation of the results in a routine cytogenetic laboratory in the period 1981-1986

We report on the cytogenetic studies, performed in a routine cytogenetic laboratory between 1981 and 1986, on 428 subjects: 291 probands with non-specific mental retardation, 101 first-degree relatives of fra(X) positive patients and 36 non-retarded patients, referred for other reasons. As a rule 50 cells, cultured in folate-deficient medium were analysed. The results are compared with data collected from the literature and with the data expected from prior genetic risks and fra(X) penetrance. If no more than 50 cells were analysed, the fragile site was found in a lower than expected proportion (69.2%) of the retarded first-degree male relatives. The conclude that in a substantial number of unselected patients with mental retardation the diagnosis fra(X) syndrome will only be confirmed cytogenetically if at least 100 cells are analysed. Five percent of the male and 10% of the female index patients showed a fragile X-like abnormality, probably not associated with the Martin-Bell syndrome.

Increased sister chromatid exchange frequency at Xq27 site in affected fragile X males

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured from normal subjects, fragile X carrier females, and fragile X affected males and in general did not differ among all subjects whether cells were grown in thymidine-deficient or complete medium. However, at the Xq27 site, SCE was significantly increased for fragile X affected males, particularly in cells grown in thymidine-deficient medium.

The fragile X syndrome in a large family. I. Cytogenetic and clinical investigations

Cytogenetic and clinical investigations were performed in 85 members of a large family, in which 18 males and seven females were mentally retarded. In the male patients the fragile site Xq27 was found in 6 to 44% (mean 22.5%) of peripheral blood lymphocytes. One non-retarded male expressed the cytogenetic abnormality in 6% of his cells. In 21 females the fra(X) was found in 3 to 28% (mean 8.7%) of their cells. Two obligate carriers did not express the fragile site. A significant difference in expression between the seven retarded (mean 16.7%) and seven non-retarded female carriers of corresponding age (mean 6.3%) was found (alpha = 0.01). No significant correlation between expression and age could be established, either in males or in females. The cytogenetic results appeared to be consistent. To avoid false positives, a cut-off point was chosen: males were considered to be fra(X) negative if no more than one in 100 cells showed the abnormality; for females the cut-off point was two in 100 cells. Segregation analysis did not detect significant deviations from the expected ratios. The putative presence of a transmitting male is discussed. The results of recombinant DNA analysis will be published elsewhere. Clinical investigations confirmed the findings of others. CT scans showed an enlargement of the ventricular system that exceeded the expected age changes.

Analysis of the fragile-X chromosome: localization and detection of the fragile site in high resolution preparations

Fragile X chromosome preparations were analyzed at levels of up to 850 bands per haploid set. We were able to consistently sublocalize the Xqter fragile site to band Xq27.3 using high-resolution methods. Chromosome length versus the frequency of fragile X expression was also compared. The fragile site appeared at a higher percentage in more condensed chromosome preparations. The importance of this finding is that high-resolution chromosome preparations do not optimize fragile-X detection.