Unit 2 Flashcards
Genotype
Refers to the DNA sequence
Phenotype
Refers to the observed traits
Dominant trait
A phenotype that is expressed in heterozygotes
Recessive trait
A phenotype that is expressed only in homozygotes or hemizygotes
Semi-dominant trait
When the hetrozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes
Penetrance
The fraction of individuals with a trait genotype who show manifestations of the disease
Expressivity
The degree to which a trait is expressed in an individual (~severity)
Pleitropy
Some mutations have multiple and different phenotypes
Law of segregation
At meiosis, each allele of a single gene separate into different gametes
Law of independent assortment
At meiosis, the segregation of each pair of alleles in multiple genes is independent. Each allele has a 50% chance of gong either way
Autosomal trait
Classic Mendelian gene - on autosomal chromosomes (1-22)
Sex-linked trait
Usually linked to x-chromosome and usuall manifests in males
Mitochondrial trait
Passed on from mother to all offspring
Homozygous
2 identical alleles
Heterozygous
2 different alleles
Hemizygous
Refers mostly to males - single copy of gene
How many nuclear chromosomes?
46 (23 pairs - 22 autosomes, 1 sex)
What contributes to phenotype?
Genotype + Environment
What three chromosomes are most viable in trisomy cases?
13, 18, 21
Tandem Repeats
Salellite DNAs - alpha-satellite repeats (171bp repeats) near centromeric regions
What is Non-Allelic Homologous Recombination (NAHR)?
Between blocks of segmental duplication during meiosis leads to microdeletion and microduplication. May lead to under/over expression of dosage-sensitive genes.
Predisposed to further rounds of NAHR
Gene family
Composed of genes with high sequence similarity (>85%) that may carry out similar but distinct functions
DUF1220
Gene expressed more and more closer to human. Signs of positive selection in primates. Associated with brain size.
ISCN Nomenclature for individual chromosome
Chromosome #; arm (p or q); band number; .sub section
e.x. 1q21.1 (chromosome 1, long arm, 21st band from centromere, 1st sub section).
When should cytogenic studies be ordered?
- Multiple congenital abnormalities
- Developmental delay + minor abnormalities
- History of a familial chromosomal abnormality
- Intrauterine growth reduction or failure to thrive
- History of multiple spontaneous abortions
Mosaicism
Two or more different karyotypes from same individual. Most commonly caused by nondisjunction in early embryonic development.
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of other evolutionary influences.
p + q = 1
p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1
Dispersed repetitive elements
- Alu family (Short INterspersed repetitive Elements - SINE) ~300bp; 500k copies in genome
- L1 family (Long INterspersed repetitive Elements - LINE) ~6kbp; 100k copies in genome
- Facilitate aberrant recombination (non-allelic homologous recombination)
Insertion-Deletion Polymorphisms (indels)
Minisatellites
- Tandem repeated 10-100bp blocks of DNA (VNTR)
Microsatellites
- di-, tri-, tetra-nucleotide repeats ~5 x 10^4 per genome
Prevalence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
1/1,000 bps
Copy number variations (CNVs)
Variation in segments of genome from 200bp - 2Mb
Can range from one additional copy to many
Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH)
How are gene families created
Gene’s duplicated and modified to prevent loss of function of essential genes.
Interhominoid cDNA Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (arrayCGH)
Microarray for cDNA - Fluorescence ratios are dependent on the prevalence of comparable genes. One color means unique gene - hybrid color means shared gene.
Mechanism of DUF1220 proliferation
-> Evolutionary advantage -> Increased 1q21.1 instability -> Increased DUF1220 copy number ->
1q21.1 duplications/deletions
Duplications -> Macrocephaly; autism
Deletion -> Microcephaly; Schizophrenia
Constitutional Karyotype
Congenital aberrations. Can be de novo or familial
Acquired Karyotype
Developed after conception
Metacentric Chromosome
Centromere is in center of chromosome
Submetacentric Chromosome
Centromere is asymmetric along chromosome
Acrocentric Chromosome
Centromere is on one side of centromere with a small nub on otherside
ISCN Nomenclature for chromosome counting
of individual chromosomes, sex chromosomes, abnormalities.
46,XY - normal male
47,XY,+21 - Trisomy 21 male
45,X - Turner syndrome
Ploidy
of homologous chromosome sets
- Diploid: having two sets (46 chromosomes)
- Haploid: having one set (23 chromosomes)
Euploidy
Full set of chromosomes (46)
Polyploidy
Chromosome number more than double
- Triploidy: having three sets (69 chromosomes)
- Tetraploidy: having four sets (92 chromosomes)
Aneuploidy
Incomplete sets
- Trisomy: 47
- Monosomy: 45
Arises during meiosis
Chiasmata
the point where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during chromosomal crossover during meiosis
How many cross-over events/pair of homologous chromosomes?
2-3: reason for genetic variability
Incidence issue of aneuploidy
Spontaneous Abortions: 50-60%
Stillbirth: 4-6%
Newborns: 0.6%
gene-rich area of chromosome
Area where the density of genes is high
gene-poor area of chromosome
Area where the density of genes is low
stable area of chromosome
Majority of chromosome where genomic variation is depressed
unstable area of chromosome
Disease associated regions of chromosome where mutations are more frequent
GC-rich area of chromosome
AT-rich area of chromosome
38% of genome
54% of genome
what is euchromatin
Looser bound parts of DNA containing transcribed genes
what is heterochromatin
Tighter bound parts of DNA containing telomeres and centromeres
Missing Heritability Problem
The “missing heritability” problem can be defined as the fact that single genetic variations cannot account for much of the heritability of diseases, behaviors, and other phenotypes. This is a problem that has significant implications for medicine, since a person’s susceptibility to disease may depend more on “the combined effect of all the genes in the background than on the disease genes in the foreground”.
How big are visible Structural Abnormalities?
What do they require?
5mb of DNA
Required Double Strand Breaks
What are the two major classes of structural abnormalities?
Balanced: Normal complement of chromosomal material
Unbalanced: Abnormal complement of chromosomal material
What is a translocation?
A reciprocal, interchromosomal exchange. A break in an arm of each of two chromosomes and an exchange of material.
What is a balanced translocation?
No apparent gain or loss of genetic material
No phenotypic effect (exception when the breakpoint is in a gene)
What type of splicing is conducive to balanced translocations? Unbalanced?
Balanced: Alternate splicing
Unbalanced: Adjacent splicing
How are reciprocal translocations formed at Meiosis I?
In a reciprocal translocation, two non-homologous chromosomes break and exchange fragments.
What happens during reciprocal translocations?
Centromeres of homologues go to opposite poles
Only mode of segregation that leads to gamete with full and balanced chromosome complement
What happens during adjacent translocations?
Adjacent centromeres go to same pole
Results in trisomy and monosomy for translocated segments
Relationship between size of translocation and possibility of additional translocation? Why?
The larger the translocation the greater the chance of additional translocations. This is because there are additional sequences that can bind to homologue chromosome in incorrect spot.
What are the risks of translocation carriers having unbalanced offspring?
0-30%. Maternal carriers have a greater chance than paternal.
What is a Robertsonian Translocation?
Structural chromosomal rearrangement between acrocentric chromosomes at the centromere.
Short arm lost.
Risks to having offspring with unbalanced karyotypes
What elements of the chromosome are lost in Robertsonian Translocations?
α (centromeric area – some, not all)
β
satelites I-IV
rRNA encoding genes
What are the most common Robertsonian Translocations?
13;14 - 75%
14;21
21;21
Characteristics of balanced Robertson Translocations?
Usually no phenotype
Risk to having offspring with unbalanced karyotype
Increased infertility in balanced RT men
Characteristics of unbalanced Robertson Translocations?
46 chromosomes
Normal homologue PLUS RT homologue - usually leads to trisomy 21 (or 13)
What are chromosomal inversions?
Inverted segment in chromosome
Normal phenotype (usually)
Familial
~1% of population
Can be pericentric or paracentric
What are pericentric inversions?
Inverted segment including centromere
Break in both p and q arm
What are the most common benign pericentric inversions?
9 qh, 16qh, 1qh, Yqh
Not associated with SAB, infertility or recombinant offspring
How do pericentric inversions behave during meiosis?
Form loops to maximize pairing
Potential to form recombinant chromosomes which result in deletions and duplications (~50%) (can result in trisomy phenotype)
What is the rec(8) phenotype?
Normal fetal development
VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect)
Hypertelorism, thin upper lip, wide face
Recurrent risk of 6.7% in families
What are paracentric inversions?
Inversions NOT including centromere
Two breaks within the same arm
What can paracentric inversions lead to?
Aniridia
Turner Syndrome
Chromosomes with either two or zero centromeres which are highly unstable
Deletion or Duplication 22q11.2 syndrome
Critical protein TBX-1 involved in neural crest cells into pharyngeal arches and pouches resulting in cleft lip/palate and heart defects.
Thymus defects: T cell dysfunction
Parathyroid defects: hypocalcemia
What is an epigenetic effect?
Mitotic and meiotically heritable variations in gene expressions that are not caused by changes in DNA.
They are reversible, post-translatable modifications of histones and DNA methylation.
Describe the mechanism by which genes are regulated epigenetically.
DNA gets methylated in CpG islands
MeCP2 recognizes methylated regions and deacetylates histones which causes them to tighten their binding with DNA.
This silences the genes… except when it doesn’t…
Describe sex-dependent epigenetic modulation:
Genes are methylated depending on if they are paternal or maternal. This ensures the proper modulation of genetic material so the proper number of proteins are produced.
Where are DNA methylation marks established?
In the gamete
It is reversible and reestablished during gametogenesis to transmit the appropriate sex-specific imprint to progeny
How is methylation altered after fertilization
It isn’t. It is stable once the embryo is fertilized.
What are two examples of genetic imprinting (methylation) disorders?
Prader-Willi Syndrome: Deletion of paternal 15q11-13
Angelman Syndrome: Deletion of maternal 15q11-13
What is the imprinting center on a gene?
The region on a chromosome proximal to the genes which determine what genes will be expressed.
What is trisomy rescue?
Mitotic disjunction early in gestation which kicks out an extra chromosome, rescuing it from lethality.
Can lead to Prader-Willi or Angelman syndromes
What are the prognoses for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Hypodiploid: Poor
Hyperdiploid: Favorable
3yo female presenting: 2wks intermittent extremity pain; 102deg; Abdomen distention; Irritable; Liver down 7cm; Scattered bruises on shins; high blast count. What’s up?
B-lymphoblastic leukemia
What is FISH?
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization: Used to identify specific chromosomal abnormalities by annealing fluorescent probes to known sequences.
What are FISH dual fusion probes used for?
Translocations
Determining products of gene fusion (BCR/ABL)
Marking chromosomes and then marking specific genes
What causes Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
PML-PAR(alpha)
ABL1-BCR
11yo presents with ++ bleeding; Blasts: 15% ++; Bone marrow: (Blasts:81%++), Auer rods. Sup?
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia 46, XY,t(15;17)
30yo Night sweats; fatigue, weight loss, anemia. Peripheral blood smear shows lobulated large cell. Ugly spleen. What’s going on?
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia 46, XY, t(9;22)
Treat with Gleevec
Chromosomal MicroArray
Targets DNA on a slide
Detects gains and losses
Characteristics of cytogenetic testing
Genome Screen Mitotic Cells Selected Cells Gain/Loss Balanced Rearrangements Technologist Expertise
Characteristics of CMA
Genome Screen Interphase DNA Analyze all cells Gain/Loss only Technology-dependent Detects runs of homozygosity
Advantages of CMA
Detects chromosomal gains/losses of tiny mutations.
Detects abnormalities in known hot spots
Detects abnormalities in backbone
6yo female w/ global development delay, ADHD, lack of coordination and congenital anomaly of aortic arch. Receiving OT. CMA and FISH indicate loss in 22q11.21. What does this chromosomal abnormality indicate?
DiGeorge Syndrome
3yo female w/ hx of failure to thrive, short stature and dysmorphic facies. Admitted to ED w/ cough, vomiting. CMA and FISH indicate loss in 16p11.2 What does the chromosomal malformation indicate?
Autism
Laboratory reporting thresholds of Chromosomal MicroArray
- Deletions
- Duplications
- Runs of Homozygosity (ROH)
- Deletions: >200kb
- Duplications: > 400kb
- ROH: > 5Mb - 10Mb
What are FISH centromere probes used for?
enumeration - ALL panel; prenatal dx
What are the chromosomal abnormalities associated with Down Syndrome?
Trisomy 21: 95%
Unbalanced Translocation involving chromosome 21: 3-4%
Mosaic trisomy 21: 1-2%
What are the phenotypes associated with Down Syndrome?
- Normal growth
- Midfacial hypoplasia
- Upslantng palpebral fissures
- Small Ears
- Protruding tongue
- Low muscle tone, increased joint mobility
- Short fingers, transverse palmar crease, 5th finger incurving, increased space between 1st and 2nd toes
What are the medical problems associated with Down Syndrome?
- Cardiac (50%): Atrioventricular Canal is most common to DS.
- Gastrointestinal (10-15%): Esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, Hirschprung’s (missing ganglion cells in colon)
- Functional GI issues: Feeding problems, constipation, GERD, Celiac Dz
- Ophthalmologic: Blocked tear ducts, myopia, lazy eye, nystagmus, cataracts
- ENT: Chronic ear infections, deafness, chronic nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Endocrine: Thyroid Dz, insulin dependent diabetes, alopecia areata, reduced fertility
- Orthopedic: hips, joint subluxation, atlantoaxial subluxation
- Hematologic Issues: Myeloproliferative disorder, increased risk of leukemia, iron deficiency anemia
What is the developmental and behavioral phenotype of Down Syndrome?
- Hypotonia effects gross motor development
- Spectrum of intellectual disability - average is mild-moderate disabilities
- Speech problems
- Neurologic problems: hypotonia, seizures
- Psychiatric issues: depression, early onset Alzheimer’s, Autism
What prenatal screening is done for Trisomy 21?
1st Trimester
- Ultrasound measurements of nuchal folds
- β-hCG
- PAPP-A
2nd Trimester
- αFP
- Unconjugated estriol and inhibin levels
Describe the chromosomal 15 abnormalities associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and how to test for them.
Genetic information missing from paternal allele of 15q11-q13. Can occur by uniparental disomy or imprinting error. Tested by using FISH or microarray
Describe the role of imprinting in disorders involving chromosome 15.
Prader-Willi Syndrome - errors or deletions in paternal imprinted regions of chromosome 15.
Angelman Syndrome - errors or deletions in maternal imprinted regions of chromosome 15.
Describe the physical features (Phenotype) seen in a patient with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Infancy: hypotonic, almond shaped eyes, undescended testicles (males), feeding problems, lighter pigmentation
Toddler/Preschooler: feeding problems reverse - overeat
Describe the medical problems seen in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Eyes: Strabismus
Orthopedics: scoliosis
Respiratory: Obstructive sleep apnea
Recognize and describe the developmental and behavioral phenotypes of a patient with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Developmentally: Mild-moderate cognitive disabilities, and behavioral issues are common
Describe Inverted Duplicated Isodicentric 15q (IDIC 15)
Autism
Polymorphisms is GABA locus (important neurotransmitter)
Describe Angelman Syndrome
Mildly dismorphic facial features which evolve with age. Hypotonia in infancy which leads to spasticity. Intellectual disability, seizures, Autism
Describe Maternally Derived Interstitial 15q duplications
Phenotypical only from mom.
Autism. NOT dysmorphic, seizures, hypotonia during infancy
Define and distinguish between pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics.
Pharmacogenetics: Study of differences in drug response due to allelic variation in genes affecting drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity (variable response due to individual genes)
Pharmacogenomics: Genomic approach to pharmacogenetics, concerned with the assessment of common genetic variants in the aggregate (variable response due to multiple loci across the genome)
Explain the two major physiologic response to drugs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and briefly contrast Phase I and Phase II drug metabolism steps.
Pharmacokinetics: describes Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) of drugs.
Pharmacodynamics: describes the relationship between the concentration of a drug at its site of action and the observed biological effects.
Explain the central role of the CYP450 enzyme system in drug metabolism.
CYP450 complex are detoxifying proteins active in liver and intestinal epithelium. Most CYPs function to inactivate drugs but rarely are needed for activation (CYP2D6: codeine -> morphine)
What does CYP3A do?
Metabolizes cyclosporine, ketoconazole, rifampin,
grapefruit juice inhibits
What does CYP2D6 do?
Metabolizes codeine (activation into morphine)
What do CYP2C9 + VKORC1 do?
Metabolizes Warfarin
What does NAT (N-Acetyltransferase) do?
Metablozies Isoniazid
What does TPMT (Thiopurine Methyltransferase) do?
Metabolizes 6-mercaptopurine/ 6-thiguanine
prescribed for childhood ALL