The First Neocentric, Discontinuous, and Complex Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome Composed of 7 Euchromatic Blocks Derived from 5 Different Chromosomes

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes in prenatal diagnosis-molecular characterization and clinical outcomes

Introduction: Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are infrequent findings in prenatal diagnostics, however they pose a great challenge for prenatal genetic counseling. Methods: We report prenatal 12 sSMC cases detected in a single center during 10 years period, their molecular characterization by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or chromosomal microarray (CMA). Those cases were found among 9620 prenatal diagnostic analyzes by GTG-banding technique. In selected cases, additional UPD testing was also done. Results: Incidence of sSMCs in our study was 0.12%. sSMC characterization was done by FISH in 9 cases, in the remainder of three CMA was employed. The most common sSMC shape was centric minute, followed by inverted duplication and one case with ring conformation. sSMCs originating from acrocentric chromosomes (chromosomes 14, 21 and 22), sex chromosomes (X, Y) and non-acrocentric autosomal chromosomes (chromosome 4 and 18) were confirmed in 3 cases each; no result could be obtained in 3 further cases. Discussion: No anomalies were detected by prenatal ultrasound in any of the cases. In 58% of the cases, outcome was reported as normal at birth, while anomalies at birth were described in one case. Only two patients opted for pregnancy termination. Preterm labor occurred in case of twin pregnancy resulting in stillbirth and early neonatal death of twins. Overall, our study highlights the importance of a sSMC characterization by molecular cytogenomic methods in order to make appropriate genotype-phenotype correlations and ensure adequate genetic counseling.

Molecular combing and its application in clinical settings

Molecular combing technology (MCT) is an effective means for stretching DNA molecules and making them thus accessible for in situ studies. MCT uses the force exerted in the process of liquid flow via surface tension to stretch DNA molecules and spread them on solid surfaces, i.e. glass cover slips. Many DNA molecules can be stretched at the same time in parallel and neatly arranged side-by-side, making the approach convenient for statistical analysis. Accordingly, DNA replication and transcription can be studied at the single molecule level. In this paper, the principle, experimental methods, important applications, advantages and shortcuts of MCT in medical field are presented and discussed.