Differences in human X isochromosomes

Two unrelated children with distal long arm deletion of chromosome 7: clinical features, cytogenetic and gene marker studies

Two phenotypically abnormal, unrelated children with deletion of the distal segment of 7q (7q32 leads to pter) are described. In one instance the mother was the carrier of a balanced translocation between chromosomes 6 and 7, and in the second case the deletion was a de novo event. Their phenotype were compared to previously reported cases and found to have many non-specific clinical features in common. Gene marker studies for some of the genes tentatively localized to chromosome 7 showed no anomalous segregation. The Hageman coagulation factor (Factor XII) activity in both probands was normal, and heterozygosity for alleles of the Kidd blood group in the first proband excludes assignment of the Kidd locus to the distal portion of chromosome 7q.

Molecular definition of breakpoints associated with human Xq isochromosomes: implications for mechanisms of formation

To test the centromere misdivision model of isochromosome formation, we have defined the breakpoints of cytogenetically monocentric and dicentric Xq isochromosomes (i(Xq)) from Turner syndrome probands, using FISH with cosmids and YACs derived from a contig spanning proximal Xp. Seven different pericentromeric breakpoints were identified, with 10 of 11 of the i(Xq)s containing varying amounts of material from Xp. Only one of the eight cytogenetically monocentric i(Xq)s demonstrated a single alpha-satellite (DXZ1) signal, consistent with classical models involving centromere misdivision. The remaining seven were inconsistent with such a model and had breakpoints that spanned proximal Xp11.21: one was between DXZ1 and the most proximal marker, ZXDA; one occurred between the duplicated genes, ZXDA and ZXDB; two were approximately 2 Mb from DXZ1; two were adjacent to ALAS2 located 3.5 Mb from DXZ1; and the largest had a breakpoint just distal to DXS1013E, indicating the inclusion of 8 Mb of Xp DNA between centromeres. The three cytologically dicentric i(Xq)s had breakpoints distal to DXS423E in Xp11.22 and therefore contained > or = 12 Mb of DNA between centromeres. These data demonstrate that the majority of breakpoints resulting in i(Xq) formation are in band Xp11.2 and not in the centromere itself. Therefore, we hypothesize that the predominant mechanism of i(Xq) formation involves sequences in the proximal short arm that are prone to breakage and reunion events between sister chromatids or homologous X chromosomes.

Familial transmission of a duplication-deficiency X chromosome associated with partial Turner syndrome

A rearranged X chromosome Xqter-->q13::Xp11.4-->qter was found in a mother and her two daughters, who were affected with short stature, cubitus valgus and hypothyroidism. The mother's menstrual cycles were normal until the age of premenopause. Similar previously reported cases are considered in an attempt to explain the possible origin of this X recombinant, fertility and clinical traits.

Turner syndrome and female sex chromosome aberrations: deduction of the principal factors involved in the development of clinical features

Although clinical features in Turner syndrome have been well defined, underlying genetic factors have not been clarified. To deduce the factors leading to the development of clinical features, we took the following four steps: (1) assessment of clinical features in classic 45,X Turner syndrome; (2) review of clinical features in various female sex chromosome aberrations (karyotype-phenotype correlations); (3) assessment of factors that could lead to Turner features; and (4) correlation of the clinical features with the effects of specific factors. The results indicate that the clinical features in 45,X and in other female sex chromosome aberrations may primarily be determined by: (1) degree of global non-specific developmental defects caused by quantitative alteration of a euchromatic or non-inactivated region; (2) dosage effect of a pseudoautosomal growth gene(s), a Y-specific growth gene(s), and an Xp-Yp homologous lymphogenic gene(s); and (3) degree of chromosome pairing failure in meiocytes that are destined to develop as oocytes in the absence of SRY. 1991; Grumbach and Conte 1992). However, the pertinent factors have not been determined to date. The method to clarify the factors responsible for the development of the Turner phenotype can be broken down into the following steps: (1) assessment of clinical features in classic 45,X Turner syndrome; (2) review of clinical features in various female sex chromosome aberrations (karyotype-phenotype correlations); (3) assessment of factors that could lead to Turner features; and (4) correlation of the clinical features with the effects of specific factors. If the clinical features in 45,X and in other female sex chromosome aberrations are explained by the effects of specific factors, it can be said that such factors contribute to the development of Turner features. In this paper, we take each of the above steps, and propose the principal factors involved in the development of clinical features in Turner syndrome.

Isodicentric X chromosome and mosaicism: report on two cases of 45,X/46,X,idic(Xq)/47,X,idic(Xq),idic(Xq) and review of the literature

We present 2 instances of Ullrich-Turner syndrome with mosaicism 45,X/46,X,idic(Xq)/47, X,idic(Xq),idic(Xq) and X-isochromosomes with 2 C-bands. The mosaicism with the 3 cell lines points to the presence of the isodicentric chromosome in the zygote and a subsequent nondisjunction event.

An aetiological study of isochromosome-X Turner's syndrome

In an attempt to resolve conflicting evidence from the literature concerning the existence of a paternal age effect in 46,X,i(Xq) Turner's syndrome, we have analysed data on all known cases ascertained in the main population centres of Scotland and on others ascertained in England, using population controls matched for year of birth. There was a significant (P = 0.02) increase of 2.3 years in the mean paternal age of the Scottish cases, and a smaller and non-significant increase in their mean maternal age. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the primary association was with paternal, rather than maternal, age. For the English cases, however, there were small and non-significant decreases in their mean maternal and paternal ages. The differences between the two groups were also significant, but cannot be explained by any likely source of ascertainment bias. We therefore conclude that there is no evidence for a universal paternal age effect in this condition, but that at least one mechanism of origin, occurring with variable frequency, may be associated with increased paternal age. Using data from this and earlier published studies, we estimate the incidence of individuals with a 46,X,i(Xq) cell line to be between 3.3 and 13 per 10(5) female livebirths.

Molecular evidence for true isochromosome 21q

In one family a duplicated 21q was shown to be a true isochromosome, which segregates from mosaic mother to non-mosaic child with full Down syndrome phenotype. Densitometric analysis of Southern blots, using probe pPW228C for the distal long arm of chromosome 21, indicated that the 21q duplication contains two copies of the allele detected by the probe. Maternal mosaic karyotype of 45,XX,-21/46,XX/46, XX,-21,+21i(21q) also suggested transverse mitotic centromere division as the origin of the 21q isochromosomes. Morphologic analysis of chromosome heteromorphisms strengthened this interpretation because the free 21 missing in the cell line with 45 chromosomes was also missing in cells with the isochromosome. In a second family the cytogenetic data also suggested transmission of an i(21q) from mosaic mother to non-mosaic Down syndrome child but molecular evidence did not prove identity of alleles in the duplicated chromosome 21.

Familial occurrence of isodicentric X chromosomes with different breakpoints

We report two cases of an idic (X) chromosome found in relatives with Turner's syndrome. A 21-year-old female revealed a non-mosaic form of X isochromosome of the long arms with two C-band regions, i.e. dic(X)(qter----cen----p11::p11----cen----qter). Her 46-year-old aunt with Turner's syndrome had an X chromosome with long arm breakpoints at site q21 and chromosomal mosaicism, i.e. 45,X/46,X, dic(X)(pter----q21::q21----pter)(78/22). The relative rarity of reports about familial Turner's syndrome with structural abnormality may suggest a coincidence. However, it is difficult to exclude familial predisposition to X isochromosome formation in this family.

DNA replication and inactivation patterns in structural abnormality of sex chromosomes. I.X-A translocations, rings, fragments, isochromosomes, and pseudo-isodicentrics

High resolution chromosome analysis and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation have been applied to study patterns of chromosomal replication (inactivation) in two cases of unbalanced X-autosome translocations, seven cases of X and Y chromosome rings or fragments, and five cases of dicentric isochromosomes (Xq). Our results indicate the following: (1) In (X-A) translocations, detailed replicational analysis of the translocated autosomal segment is informative. Absence of "spreading effect" and partial-incomplete spreading effect are the most common observations. (2) Sex chromosome derived fragments and rings can be differentiated based on their replicational features. (3) Dicentric isochromosomes (Xq) can be classified based on intercentromeric distances, replicational asynchrony, and centromere inactivation. (4) A correlation between intercentromeric distance and degree of 45,X mosaicism was observed in dicentric "i(Xq)" chromosomes. Evidence for spreading effect based on our results and on the review of the literature has been critically analyzed and general rules in evaluating spreading effects (SE) proposed. The cytologic detection of active regions on the late replicating X chromosome and the inactivation capacity of the juxtacentromeric region of Xp is evaluated. It is proposed that centromere suppression and underreplication are related phenomena. Finally, the analysis of informative replicational stages is emphasized and the application of their analysis in basic and clinical cytogenetics demonstrated.

Non-random in vitro 7;14 translocations detected in a routine cytogenetic series. 12 examples and their possible significance

This study describes 12 examples of translocations between chromosomes 7 and 14 in short-term peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from 10 patients investigated in a routine cytogenetic series. Only one constant breakpoint was found on 14q, and chromosome 7 had two constant breakpoints, one on 7p and the other on 7q. The cause and true significance of such nonrandom in vitro chromosome translocations is not known at present, but one may speculate as to their possible indication of heterozygosity for a chromosome instability syndrome and thus a predilection for the development of lymphoid or other malignancy.

Turner syndrome patients with a ring X chromosome

A patient with clinical features of Turner syndrome and a 45,X karyotype in repeated blood cultures was re-evaluated when she spontaneously entered puberty. A ring X cell line was found in a small proportion of fibroblasts. A review of 35 previously published ring X cases is presented. All are mosaic, the major cell line in most cases being 45,X. There is wide variation in the frequency with which the abnormalities associated with Turner syndrome are found in these patients. All have short stature. Some are sexually developed and fertile. Cardiovascular anomalies are uncommon. This phenotypic variation may have at least two causes: the size of the deleted portion at each end of the X chromosome, and the relative frequency and distribution of 45,X and 46,X,r(X) cell lines in various body tissues.

Duplication (17p) in a child with an isodicentric (17p) chromosome

We present a child with multiple structural defects due to duplication of the short arm and a small portion of the long arm of chromosome 17. Three children with similar cytogenetic abnormalities have been reported previously. The karyotype contained an isodicentric chromosome derived from chromosome 17. A clue to the mechanism that produced the isochromosome was retained in the genome in the form of a part of the chromosome 17 long arm which was attached to the short arm of a chromosome 10.

Presence of H-Y antigen in patients with Ullrich-Turner syndrome and X-chromosome rearrangements

Cells from eight of ten patients with gonadal dysgenesis and an isochromosome for the long arm of X, (i(Xq)), have been found to be H-Y antigen-positive, using an assay that employs rat antiserum and Raji cells. In addition, two patients with del(Xq) were also found to be H-Y antigen-positive, whereas four patients in whom only a 45,X line was detected were H-Y antigen-negative. These findings suggest that the X chromosome plays a role in the expression of H-Y antigen in the absence of a Y chromosome. Since our patients with i(Xq) show no evidence of testicular differentiation, it is clear that there is not enough H-Y antigen on these patients' cells to direct the development of a testis. These findings are consistent with the view that the normal functioning of genes on the X and the Y chromosomes is necessary for testicular organogenesis to occur.

Human inherited marker chromosome 22 short-arm enlargement: investigation of rDNA gene multiplicity, Ag-band size, and acrocentric association

The banding characteristics of an extreme variant familial chromosome 22 short-arm enlargement are described. Ag-AS staining for nucleolar-organizer regions, identified two areas of rDNA actively coding for 18S and 28S rRNA, the one being a broad distal Ag-band and the other a narrower centromeric Ag-band. The DNA in the major portion of the enlarged short arm was highly methylated, as shown by the binding of antibodies to 5-methylcytidine after UV-denaturation of chromosomal DNA. Mean Ag-band size on the aberrant 22p+ correlated with the mean number of 22p+ associations. Association of 22p+ was no greater than that of other acrocentrics, in spite of a presumed excess number of rDNA gene copies. This case represents only the second such normal variant defined by these techniques.

Homodicentric chromosomes: a distinctive type of dicentric chromosome

This report describes two patients with a distinctive type of dicentric autosomal chromosome formed by breakage and union between homologous chromosomes. These stable chromosomes possess two C bands, implying the presence of two centromeric regions. The first child, evaluated for dysmorphic features was shown to have an abnormal chromosome 16, designated as 46, XX, -16, + dic (16) (pter leads to cen leads to q22::p11 leads to qter). The second case is a child with the typical features of trisomy 18 whose karyotype is designated as 46, XX, -18, + dic (18) (qter leads to p11.1 :: p11.3 leads to cen leads to qter). The stability of these chromosomes is presumably in result of centromere suppression and associated premature centromere division of the suppressed centromere. The possible mechanism of formation of these homodicentric chromosomes is presented, and a comparison is made between them and three patients with dicentric X chromosomes.

Female phenotype and multiple abnormalities in sibs with a Y chromosome and partial X chromosome duplication: H--Y antigen and Xg blood group findings

A mentally retarded female child with multiple congenital abnormalities had an abnormal X chromosome and a Y chromosome; the karyotype was interpreted as 46,dup(X)(p21 leads to pter)Y. Prenatal chromosome studies in a later pregnancy indicated the same chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. The fetus and proband had normal female genitalia and ovarian tissue. H--Y antigen was virtually absent in both sibs, a finding consistent with the view that testis-determining genes of the Y chromosome may be suppressed by regulatory elements of the X. The abnormal X chromosome was present in the mother, the maternal grandmother, and a female sib: all were phenotypically normal and showed the karyotype 46,Xdup(X)(p21 leads to pter) with non-random inactivation of the abnormal X. Anomalous segregation of the Xga allele suggests that the Xg locus was involved in the inactivation process or that crossing-over at meiosis occurred.

Segregation of an X ring chromosome in two generations

A 45,X/46,X,r(X) mosaicism was found in a mother and daughter. Characterisation of the ring by banding studies showed that breakpoints had occurred at bands Xp13 and Xq27. It is confirmed that women heterozygotes for partial deficiencies of the short arm of an X chromosome are fertile. Although the mother developed secondary amenorrhoea at the age of 29, it is suggested that fertility per se may not be affected by deficiencies of the distal part of Xq.

A human liposarcoma cell line

The properties of a new cell line derived from a human retroperitoneal liposarcoma are described. The cells do not grow at low cell concentrations and contain in their cytoplasm large numbers of droplets that stain with Oil Red O. No indication of the presence of endogenous virus particles could be found. The mean chromosome number per cell is 36, with several constant markers, the most conspicuous of which is a large submetacentric marker due to a translocation between chromosomes 4 and 11, which is present in every cell. The liposarcoma cells show an enhanced uptake of [14C]acetate compared to normal human fibroblasts.

A duplication-deficiency X chromosome in a girl with severe mental retardation

Clinical and cytogenetic findings in a 14-year-old girl with severe mental retardation and partial Turner's syndrome are reported. An anomalous X was observed in the patient's karyotype. On the basis of QFQ, GAG and RBA banding studies, an Xq duplication (q12 leads to qter) and an Xp deficiency (p22 leads to pter) were apparent in this chromosome.

Effect of growth hormone and oxandrolone singly and together on growth rate in girls with X chromosome abnormalities

The linear growth effects of oxandrolone, human growth hormone, and Ox + hGH were compared in six girls, age 11 to 15 years, with X chromosome abnormalities (three with X,O karyotype, three with Turner syndrome variants). Over six successive three-month periods, the patient received either no treatment, Ox, hGH, or Ox + hGH. The data demonstrate a significant (P less than 0.001) synergistic effect between Ox and hGH in stimulating linear growth in Turner syndrome and its variants.

Serum and urine polyamines in normal and in short children

The serum and urine polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were measured in 112 normal subjects from 0 to 70 yr of age, and in three groups of short children from 7 to 20 yr: 21 growth hormone (GH) deficient patients, 20 normal variant short stature children, and 9 girls with 45, X Turner's syndrome. Urine polyamines were expressed as micromoles per gram of creatinine or per kilogram body weight, and serum polyamines were expressed as nanomoles per milliliter. In normals, the three polyamines were highest in urine and serum at birth. The mean levels declined progressively with age, the rate of change decreasing with age. The mean for the normal subjects, and its 95% confidence and prediction intervals, were estimated from birth to age 70 for each serum and urine polyamine. In GH-deficient children, serum and urine values were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the age-specific normal values (with the exception of serum spermidine and spermine), averaging 25-55% below normal. This abnormality was corrected during 1 wk of treatment with human GH. In Turner's syndrome, serum and urine values were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), averaging 35-80% below age-specific normals. GH treatment had no corrective effect. In 6 of 20 normal variant short stature children, polyamine levels were significantly (P < 0.01) subnormal, averaging 50-80% below age-specific normals in both serum and urine. Treatment with GH had no corrective effect. These data show that levels of polyamines in serum and urine are correlated with linear growth primarily during the first decade of life. Subnormal polyamine levels are generally associated with growth retardation.

X;15 translocation in a retarded girl: X inactivation pattern and attempt to localise the hexosaminidase A and other loci

Cytogenetic studies on a retarded girl showed a complex S;15 translocation, karyotype 45,X,-15,+t(X15). The translocation X chromosome was non-randomly partially inactivated, the inactivation being mainly confined to the X segment and in some cells only to the X long arm. Gene marker studies failed to show anomalous segregation of the hexosaminidase A gene or any other gene markers tested.

Further dicentric X isochromosomes and deletions, and a new structure i(X)(pter to q2102 to pter)

A new dicentric X isochromosome i(X)(pter to q2102 to pter) of similar size to a normal X is described in a girl with gonadal dysgenesis. In this non-mosaic case with an X short arm duplication, most of the stigmata associated with Turner's syndrome were absent. This structure was compared with that of six i(Xq) and three del(X). The del(Xq) structures all possessed a regular sized C band, but in the i(Xq) this was double sized in each case. Phenotypic comparisons are made in the Xq deletions, and some presumptive short arm isochromosomes are reinterpreted as Xq deletions. Incomplete centromeric suppression is suggested as the causal mechanism of mosaicism of sex isochromosomes with 45,X cells, and it is argued that an exchange event between homologoues is an unlikely mechanism to explain sex isochromosome origin.

A case of Turner's syndrome, with apparently normal sex chromatin and chromosome findings

A case of an infertile female with 46 chromosomes and apparently normal sex chromatin is reported. The clinical findings resemble those of Turner’s syndrome with 45 chromosomes (designated as 45,X) and abnormal sex chromatin findings. A gonadal biopsy revealed streaked ovaries with fibrous connective tissue and no evidence of ovulation or primordial follicles. Chromosome studies of the peripheral blood lymphocytes, skin, and ovarian tissue revealed the presence of 46 chromosomes and an isochromosome of the long arm of the X chromosome, designated as 46,X,i(Xq). There was no evidence of chromosomal mosaicism.

This case emphasizes the importance of performing a complete chromosome analysis in patients who present with the clinical features of Turner’s syndrome, but who have apparently normal sex chromatin findings. The analysis can effectively rule out the syndrome, and can also provide a basis for prognosis and management of the patient, including genetic counseling of the family members.

Single Cd band in dicentric translocations with one suppressed centromere

Six human dicentric translocations involving the presence of a suppressed centromere were studied: one case of t dic(9;22), one of t dic(13;18), one of t dic(14;15), and three of t dic(13;14). All exhibited chromatid separation at an acrocentric centromere and were demonstrated to have two regions of centromeric constitutive heterochromatin. The four that were available for retrospective study showed a single Cd band, with absence of the Cd band at the suppressed centromere.

X-Y translocation in a retarded phenotypic male. Clinical, cytogenetic, biochemical, and serogenetic studies

Cytogenetic studies on a mentally retarded boy revealed an X-Y translocation, karyotype 46,X,t(X;Y)(p22;q11). Only 5 other such cases have been reported and these were all females. The unequivocal male phenotype suggested non-random inactivation of the normal maternally derived X chromosome, and that the non-inactivated X-Y translocation chromosome included the locus for male determination. Confirmation of this was provided by unassociated X and Y chromatin in interphase cells, as well as by reverse banding after BrdU incorporation and autoradiography of metaphase chromosomes. There was anomalous Xg blood group inheritance in the proband, indicating possible localisation of the Xg locus to the terminal portion of the X short arm. Linkage of Xg and a form of X-linked mental retardation is suggested. Close linkage of the Xg locus with the loci for alpha-galactosidase, phosphoglycerate kinase, G-6-PD, and MPS II was excluded.

Number of C-bands of human isochromosome Xqi and relation to 45,X mosaicism

With combination of C and G banding techniques, three morphologically different types of isochromosome for the long arm of X (Xqi) have been identified, i.e. those with one C-band and symmetrical banding patterns of both arms, those with two C-bands and symmetrical banding patterns of two arms, and those with two C-bands but with asymmetrical banding patterns of two arms. The last type is a heterogeneous group with various different asymmetrical patterns. We have studied 6 cases of Xqi with C, G, and Q banding: 3 showed one C-band and symmetrical arms and all these were without 45,X mosaicism; the other 3 cases showed two C-bands, 2 of the cases having symmetrical arms and being mosaic for 45X/46,XXqi/47,XXqiXqi (those 2 were a pair of identical twins). One other had asymmetrical arms and was mosaic for 45,X/46,XXqi. Including our 6 cases, there have been a total of 30 reported cases of Xqi with C and G banding studies. Two-thirds of Xqi's were found to have 2 C-bands and one-third to have 1 C-band. Mosaicism was found in 85% of Xqi's with 2 C-bands and in only 44% of Xqi's with 1 C-band. Apparently, Xqi's with 2 C-bands have a greater tendency for anaphase lag and mitotic nondisjunction. Several possible mechanisms for the formation of the different types of Xqi's are discussed.

Replication patterns of three isodicentric X chromosomes and an X isochromosome in human lymphocytes

Chromosomes from four patients with variants of the Turner syndrome were investigated by G- and C-bandind and DNA replication techniques. Their karyotypes were: 1) 46,X,idic(X)(q28), 2) 45,X/46,X,idic(X)(q24), 3) 45,X/46,X,idic(X)(p11), and 4) 46,X,i(Xq). In patients 1, 2, and 3, the abnormal X was isodicentric, with different break-and-fusion points in each case. In each, the G-band pattern on one side of the breakpoint was a mirror image of that on the other side. Each had two distinct C-bands, only one of which was associated with a primary constriction. The fourth patient had an isochromosome of the long arm of an X in which only one C-band could be discerned. Replication studies were done on lymphocyte cultures by incorporating a thymidine analogue and staining with acridine orange. In addition, replication patterns of normal early- and late-replicating X chromosomes were studied in two normal females. In the four patients, all the normal X chromosomes had normal early-replication patterns. The two idic(X) chromosomes with break-and-fusion points on their long arms almost always had symmetric replication patterns, which demonstrates that the corresponding bands replicated synchronously. In contrast, many of the idic(X)(p11) and i(Xq) chromosomes showed asymmetric or asynchronous replication. In each, the replication pattern of the abnormal X was similar to the equivalent portions of a normal late-replicating X.

Cell division and sister chromatid exchanges in 45,X/46,Xi(Xq) mosaicism

The kinetics of cell division and sister chromatid exchanges were studied in PHA-stimulated short-term cultivations of peripheral blood by means of the BUDR/FPG technique in controls and in five patients with 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) mosaicism. No significant difference in the length of the cell cycle were observed between 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) and control 46,XX cells. The number of SCE on late i(Xq) was only nonsignificantly elevated (0.6 per i(Xq) against the value expected on the basis of its relative length.

The origin and behavior of two isodicentric bisatellited chromosomes

Karyotyping revealed three cell lines in a boy with mental retardation and few other abnormalities. Thirty cells exhibited a normal karyotype, and 54 had an extra acrocentric chromosome of E group size with satellites on the long and short arms. The remaining 20 cells each had, in addition to the first marker (M1), a second tiny bisatellited chromosome (M2). C-banding demonstrated that both markers were dicentric. G-, C-, and Q-banding and satellite association data were consistent with the markers having originated from chromosome 15 material. We propose that M1 was formed from a meiotic breakage and a chromatid fusion in the proximal long arms of an acrocentric pair. This would have produced a symmetrical isodicentric chromosomes, plus one or two acentric fragments. M2 then could have resulted from a dicentric bridge-break-synthesis-reunion phenomenon. This model of abnormal meiotic exchange can be generalized to encompass the formation of other dicentric isochromosome cases of isochromosome X.

Chromosomal and clinical findings in 110 females with Turner syndrome

One hundred and ten patients with abnormal karyotypes who were referred to the Department of Medical Genetics with the possible diagnosis of Turner syndrome were reviewed. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and clinical findings in the different chromosomal types are summarized.

BrdU-33258 Hoechst analysis of DNA replication in human lymphocytes with supernumerary or structurally abnormal X chromosomes

BrdU-33258 Hoechst techniques have been used to characterize DNA replication patterns in lymphocytes from hunam females with supernumerary or structurally abnormal X chromosomes. Fluorescence analysis permits identification of late replicating X chromosomes in a very high proportion of cells and affords a high resolution method for determining the interchange points of X-X and X-autosome translocations. Asynchrony among terminal replication patterns of multiple late replicating X chromosomes within an individual cell can occasionally be demonstrated. The arms of isochromosomes usually exhibit symmetrical fluorescence patterns, with replication terminating in bands Xq21 and Xq23 (predominant pattern) or in bands Xq25 and Xq27 (alternative pattern) in both arms. In the vast majority of lymphocytes containing a balanced X-13 or X-19 translocation, the normal X is late replicating. However, DNA synthesis in the translocation products occasionally appears somewhat delayed relative to that expected for an early replicating X, consistent with possible position effects on replication kinetics.