Molecular Pathology Flashcards
What is a loss of function mutation?
A single base or multiple bases that are either mutated or deleted.
Where are loss of function mutations found?
Frequently within the coding region but also within splice sites or gene promoter regions.
Does a mutation always have an effect?
No. Mutations may sometimes represent a polymorphism and have no effect on the function of the encoded protein.
What does a mutation in one of two alleles lead to?
Haplotype Insufficiency and a Dominant Negative Effect
What are DNA changes associated with?
Loss of function mutations, usually very heterogeneous. Recessive Diseases
What are gain of function mutations usually associated with?
Dominant Phenotypes and an increase in number of tri-nucleotide repeats
What are the key attributes of micro satellite repeats?
Highly Polymorphic
Where are micro satellite repeats usually found?
Throughout the genome, fairly evenly spaced along each chromosomal arm
What form do micro satellite repeats usually take?
(CA)n or (CGG)n
What is gene tracking?
A method for determining the inheritance of a particular gene in a family?
How is gene tracking carried out?
RFLP’s situated in or near the locus of interest and are identified using gene probes.
When would a marker not be clinically useful?
When everyone has the same heterogeneous genotype
What are the features of the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy gene?
79 Exons
2400kb Genomic DNA
X-linked Recessive
Passed on to males but females can only be carriers
Why are micro sattelite markers special in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
They lie within the gene itself
What are the major mechanisms for loss of function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Deletion of one or more exons
What is linkage disequilibrium?
Linkage disequilibrium is the non-random association of alleles at two or more loci, that descend from single, ancestral chromosomes. Linkage disequilibrium is wholly a measurement of proximal genomic space