Genomic Imprinting Flashcards
What is genomic imprinting?
For most genes, both copies are expressed
For some genes >>> either maternally or paternally derived copy is preferably used >>> this phenomenon is known as >>> Genomic imprinting
(imprinted = inactivated)
Examples of genomic imprinting
The best known:
Prader- Willi syndrome
Angelman syndrome
Others:
Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy
Beckwith-Wiedeman syndrome
Russell Silver symdrome
Familial paraganglionoma
Which parental gene is deleted in Prader Willi syndrome?
Gene deleted from father
Which parental gene is deleted in Angelman syndrome?
Gene is deleted from mother
Cause of genomic imprinting in Prader Willi and Angelman syndrome
Either:
Cytogenetic microdeletions of the same region of chromosome 15 (long arm, q) OR
Uniparental disomy of chromosome 15
What is uniparental disomy?
Both copies of chromosome are derived from one parent
(NO copy from another parent)
Chromosomal and genetic abnormality in Prader Willi syndrome
70% cases: Microdeletion on Paternal (father) chromosome 15 OR
30% cases: Maternal uniparental disomy (= Both copies of chromosome 15 is derived from mother, none from father)
Many of remainder due to mutation in UBE3A gene chromosome 15 (q, long arm)
Chromosomal and genetic abnormality in Angelman syndrome
80% cases: deletion om maternal chromosome 15
2-3% paternal uniparental disomy ( = no maternal contribution)
Incidence of Prader Willi syndrome
1.2-1.3 per 10,000
Lifestyle of a Prader Willi patient
they can achieve high level of functioning to hold down simple part time job
But impossible for them to control appetite, to limit weight gain, or to limit food access
Body structure of Prader Willi syndrome
Short stature
Dysmorphic features
Hypotonia + obesity in late childhood
Limb features of Prader Willi syndrome
Small hand
Small feet
Incurred feet
Club foot
Congenital hip dislocation
Joint anomaly
Facial features of Prader-Willi syndrome
Squint
Almond shaped ears
Deafness
Cleft palate
Trunk features in Prader Willi syndrome
Asthma
Heart disease
Cor pulmonale
Gall stone
Duodenal ulcer
Bowel obstruction
Renal stone
Rectal prolapse
Scoliosis
Behavioural Changes in Prader Willi syndrome
Hyperphagia (starts 1 to 4years)
Moderate Learning difficulties
Behavioural problems in adolescent
Mental retardation
Self-injury
Reproductive features in Prader Willi syndrome
Small genitalia in male, female
Micropenis
Cryptorchidism
Hypogonadism
Infertility
Amenorrhoea in female
Skin problems in Prader Willi syndrome
Acanthosis nigricans
Boils
Hypothermia