Identification of each human chromosome with a modified Giemsa stain.

Differential staining of human chromosomes can be obtained when the pH of Giemsa stain is changed to 9.0 from the usual 6.8. Such staining permits identification of all homolog pairs and distinct regions within chromosome arms. In most instances, the pattern is quite similar to that obtained with quinacrine mustard fluorescence staining. Certain regions, such as the paracentric constrictions in chromosomes Al and C9, and the distal end of the long arm of the Y chromosome stain differently with the Giemsa 9 technique. The technique is considerably simpler than the quinacrine mustard fluorescence technique and identification of homologs is also easier than in cells stained by the latter.

Chromosomal abnormalities in the human population: estimation of rates based on New Haven newborn study.

The incidence of gross chromosomal abnormality was measured in a large (4500), relatively unbiased sample of New Haven infants born during 1 year. The frequency of infants with abnormal chromosomal constitutions was 0.5 percent. For mothers over age 34, 1.5 percent of newborns were chromosomally abnormal. Only one in four of these infants could have been detected by phenotypic criteria alone. Methods are discussed whereby this fraction of the newborn population might be detected and possibly reduced.

Specific reading disability: identification of an inherited form through linkage analysis.

Linkage analysis in families with apparent autosomal dominant reading disability produced a lod score of 3.241. Since the traditionally accepted significance level for linkage is a lod score of 3.0, these results strongly suggest that a gene playing a major etiologic role in one form of reading disability is on chromosome 15.

Genetic polymorphisms of human mitochondrial glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase.

In a survey of 860 unselected human placental extracts, three variants of mitochondrial glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were found, all of which were common enough to be considered polymorphisms. Family studies showed that this enzyme is under the control of nuclear rather than mitochondrial DNA.

A new X linked mental retardation (XLMR) syndrome with short stature, small testes, muscle wasting, and tremor localises to Xq24-q25.

METHODS: A large family is described in which mental retardation segregates as an X linked trait. Six affected males in three generations were studied by linkage and clinical examination. RESULTS: Characteristic clinical features include short stature, prominent lower lip, small testes, muscle wasting of the lower legs, kyphosis, joint hyperextensibility, abnormal gait, tremor, and decreased fine motor coordination. Affected subjects also had impaired speech and decreased attention span. A carrier female was mildly affected. A similar disorder was not found on review of our XLMR Database of 124 syndromes. Linkage analysis of 37 markers resulted in a lod score of 2.80 at DXS1212 and 2.76 at DXS425. The limiting markers were DXS424 and DXS1047. Ten of 124 XLMR syndromes and eight of 58 MRX families overlap this region. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this family appears to have a new XLMR syndrome localising to Xq24-q25.

Computerized approach to X-linked mental retardation syndromes.

Photographs of normal and abnormal relatives with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) and clinical data are combined in a Macintosh II computer system to provide an objective and versatile means of evaluating developmental abnormalities. The system includes a flatbed scanner for the entry of photographs and text, additional memory to enhance resolution of photographs, and several programs which facilitate searches for keywords. The primary advantages of the system include an easy interaction between descriptive words and photographs, and rapid comparison of whole faces and specific traits from many individuals. Information within families and between disorders can easily be compared in coded or uncoded fashion. Data from the 34 currently described syndromes emerging from the category of "non-specific XLMR" are being used to develop and test this approach. Neither standard photographs nor most computerized diagnostic systems permit this flexibility. Ultimately, this approach will provide a valuable diagnostic and teaching aid.

Size and pericentric inversion heteromorphisms of secondary constriction regions (h) of chromosomes 1, 9, and 16 as detected by CBG technique in Caucasians: classification, frequencies, and incidence.

Eighty normal Caucasians were studied by CBG technique for estimation of size and inversion heteromorphisms of chromosomes 1, 9, and 16. Size heteromorphisms were classified into one of five sizes using 16p as a reference standard: very small, small, intermediate, large, and very large. Inversion heteromorphisms were also classified into 5 categories - eg, no inversion; partial inversion - minor; half inversion; partial inversion - major; and complete inversion. The frequencies of size heteromorphisms for chromosomes 1, 9, and 16 were 11.3%, 47.5%, and 7.5%, respectively. Thirty-four chromosomes were found to have inversions. Of these, 16 were in chromosome 1, and 18 were in chromosome 9. No inversions were found in chromosome 16. An increase in the size of the h region was more frequently associated with inversion, suggesting that there is a possible relationship between size and inversion. For example, there were 118 chromosomes that were classified as "intermediate" by size; 23 (19.5%) had inversions. In contrast, there were 225 that were "small" in size, and only 10 (4.4%) had inversions. There was no significant difference between males and females for size and position heteromorphisms.

Restudy of the original marker X family.

Restudy of the original marker-X family confirmed recent observations that this XLMR disorder is associated with large testes and slightly abnormal ears. However, other aspects of the phenotype were variable and a distinct facies was not evident. Significant differences in marker-X frequency between two laboratories processing the same samples were observed. Possibly, the combination of more cells and a longer culture time in one laboratory led to a greater depletion of critical nutrients and a higher frequency of the marker-X, but additional studies are needed. No evidence was found of a diminishing frequency of the marker-X over a 15 year period.

A form of X-linked mental retardation with marfanoid habitus.

A kindred has been studied in which mental retardation and marfanoid clinical features are present in several individuals. The pedigree is consistent with X-linked recessive inheritance. Four affected males aged 12-18 years and four obligate carriers have been identified. Clinical findings in the 4 affected males included a tall slender habitus (3) (the fourth was tall but muscular), a long-narrow face (3), large head (4), highly arched palate (4), small mandible (4), abnormal speech (4), hypernasal voice (3), joint hyperextensibility (3), borderline to large testes (3), pectus excavatum (2), atrial septal defect (1), and a double row of teeth (1). Mental retardation (4) ranged from mild to severe; abnormal behavior included hyperactive and aggressive behavior (2), autistic-like (1) and jovial behavior (1). One and possibly two, males had absence of the corpus callosum. Chromosome studies on all were normal; no marker X was observed. We believe this family probably represents a new form of X-linked mental retardation.

XLMR genes: update 1994.

We provide a comprehensive list of all known forms of X-linked mental retardation. It comprises 127 entries, subdivided into 5 categories (syndromes, dominant disorders, metabolic disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and nonspecific mental retardation). Map location of 69 putative loci demonstrates several overlaps, which will only be resolved by more refined mapping or cloning of the respective genes. The ultimate goal of identifying all the genes on the X chromosome whose mutations cause mental retardation will require a concerted effort between clinical and molecular investigators.

XLMR genes: update 1990.

We have identified 39 X-linked conditions in which mental retardation seems to be the primary characteristic, although pathogenesis is unknown. These conditions can be subdivided into syndromal and non-syndromal, depending on the existence of a recognizable pattern of minor anomalies and/or malformations, or lack thereof. Seventeen genes have been regionally mapped onto the X chromosome. However, in 14 instances the data were derived from a single family and most lod scores were less than 3.0.

XLMR genes: update 1992.

Up to now, we have identified 77 X-linked conditions in which mental retardation is the primary or a major component manifestation. These conditions were subdivided into 2 categories, designated respectively "X-linked mental retardation syndromes" and "Non-specific X-linked mental retardation". Forty genes have been regionally mapped onto the X chromosome. However, in several instances the data were derived from a single family and most lod scores were less than 3.0.

XLMR genes: update 1996.

A current list of all known forms of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) and a slightly revised classification are presented. The number of known disorders has not increased because 6 disorders have been combined based on new molecular data or on clinical grounds and only 6 newly described XLMR disorders have been reported. Of the current 105 XLMR disorders, 34 have been mapped, and 18 disorders and 1 nonspecific XLMR (FRAXE) have been cloned. The number of families with nonspecific XLMR with a LOD score of > or = 2.0 has more than doubled, with 42 (including FRAXE) now being known. a summary of the localization of presumed nonspecific mental retardation (MR) genes from well-studied X-chromosomal translocations and deletions is also included. Only 10-12 nonoverlapping loci are required to explain all localizations of nonspecific MR from both approaches. These new trends mark the beginning of a significantly improved understanding of the role of genes on the X chromosome in producing MR. Continued close collaboration between clinical and molecular investigators will be required to complete the process.

Study of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR): summary of 61 families in the Miami/Greenwood Study.

The initial goal of this study was to localize as many genes as possible that lead to syndromic and nonspecific XLMR. More recently, this goal has been redefined to include narrowing these localizations and cloning specific genes. In the last 5 years, 61 families have participated in this study; 34 have a projected or actual lod score greater than 2.0. Restudy of 12 families reported previously has been a particularly productive aspect of this study and has led to clinical redefinition and new or improved localization of most of these syndromes. Five possible new XLMR syndromes have been identified. Five large families with nonspecific XLMR have been regionally localized. Since many XLMR conditions are based on only 1 or 2 family reports, one of the major purposes of this summary is to provide clinical data on the study families so that collaborative projects can be undertaken with other centers that have similar families.

MRX8: an X-linked mental retardation condition with linkage to Xq21.

A family in which 6 males have X-linked mental retardation has been studied with polymorphic DNA probes. The males differ from unaffected males only in impaired intellect and in smaller head size. The gene that causes mental retardation in the family appears to be located in band Xq21 on the basis of linkage with 3 markers: DXS250, DXS345 and DXS3 (theta max = 0.00; Zmax = 1.6). A multipoint lod score of 2.36 was obtain with no recombination relative to DXS326 in Xq21. This family is considered to have nonspecific X-linked mental retardation and has been given the designation MRX8.

Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome: clinical and linkage studies on a second family.

We restudied a family with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) originally reported in abstract form by Davis et al. [1981]. All 8 living affected males were examined. Characteristics included severe mental retardation, spastic paraplegia, dysarthria, muscle wasting, scoliosis, broad shallow pectus excavatum, long face, large ears with minor modeling anomalies, foot deformities, joint contractures, and neck drop. Stature, OFC, testicular volume, high resolution chromosome and fragile X studies, and plasma amino acids were all normal. Their manifestations closely resemble those of a large family with XLMR originally reported by Allan et al. [1944] and restudied by Stevenson et al. [1990]. This condition has been termed the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS). As AHDS has been mapped to Xq21, mapping studies were undertaken to determine if this family maps to the same location. These studies demonstrate tight linkage to Xq21, with a maximum lod score of 2.88 obtained with probe pX65H7 (DXS72). Multipoint analysis located the mutant gene quite close to pX65H7 (multipoint Z = 4.14), slightly more proximal in Xq21 than was suggested by the data from the original AHDS family. It appears likely that this family is the second reported family with AHDS.

XLMR database.

The computer database on X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) disorders developed by Arena and Lubs in 1991 has now been updated to include all currently known XLMR disorders and nonspecific (MRX) families. Currently, it includes 123 syndromes, 59 nonspecific XLMR families, and 60 families from the Miami/Greenwood study. The older clinical reports have been reviewed and revised. The search mechanism has also been revised and now includes 740 individual "keywords." Each of these keywords recognizes several of clinical descriptive terms, as used in published literature reports. Searches can be made according to any clinical finding or combination of findings. For each disorder, the database presents a graphic display that contains a revised and more complete set of clinical findings, references, keywords, map localization, molecular information, access to pictures, and OMIM number.

X-linked mental retardation syndrome with short stature, small hands and feet, seizures, cleft palate, and glaucoma is linked to Xq28.

Of the gene-rich regions of the human genome, Xq28 is the most densely mapped. Mutations of genes in this band are responsible for 10 syndromal forms of mental retardation and 5 nonsyndromal forms. Clinical and molecular studies reported here add an additional syndromic form of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) to this region. The condition comprises short stature, small hands and feet, seizures, cleft palate, and glaucoma. One affected male died at age 19 years in status epilepticus, but others have survived to old age. Carrier females do not have somatic anomalies or mental impairment. The gene is localized to the terminal 8 Mb of Xq28 with markers distal to DXS8011 showing linkage to the disorder with a lod score of 2.11 at zero recombination.

X-linked mental retardation syndrome with seizures, hypogammaglobulinemia, and progressive gait disturbance is regionally mapped between xq21.33 and Xq23.

We identified a family with three males in two generations with moderate mental retardation. The two oldest were first cousins whose mothers were sisters. The third affected was a grandson through a daughter of one of the sisters, strongly suggesting X- linked inheritance. The affected males had prominent glabella, synophrys, prognathism, generalized hirsutism, and bilateral single palmar creases. All developed seizures in childhood. The two oldest have had a slow deterioration in neurological status with poor gait and balance and progressive weakness. No deterioration in their mental status has been observed. The oldest had cerebellar atrophy confirmed on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain and prolonged nerve conduction velocity. Two of the males had hypogammaglobulinemia (IgA deficient). Two-point linkage analysis using 27 microsatellite markers on the X chromosome resulted in a maximum LOD score of 2.23 at straight theta = 0 for locus DSX101. Recombination was observed at locus DSX1170 in Xq21.33 and locus DXS8067 in Xq23. We conclude that this family represents an X-linked disorder associated with a recognizable phenotype, progressive neurological deterioration, and variable hypogammaglobulinemia. The gene appears to lie between Xq21.33 and Xq23.

Gene for apparently nonsyndromic X-linked mental retardation (MRX32) maps to an 18-Mb region of Xp21.2-p22.

We studied a family with 11 males having X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) using microsatellite markers. Aside from the mental retardation, the affected males do not appear to differ from their unaffected brothers or uncles. The gene for this XLMR condition has been linked to DXS451 in Xp22.13 with a lod score of 5.18 at straight theta = 0. Recombination was detected at DXS992 (Xp21.3) and DXS1053 (Xp22.2), thereby defining the limits of the localization. This family is considered to have nonsyndromic XLMR and has been assigned the designation MRX32.