Autosomal dominant brachydactyly, coloboma and anterior segment dysgenesis
S M Quinn1, G C M Black, S Biswas
1Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester. shauna.quinn@cmmc.nhs.uk
Ophthalmic Genetics
|December 29, 2004
Abstract:
A three-generation family presenting with ocular developmental abnormalities, including anterior segment dysgenesis and coloboma, associated with brachydactyly and clinodactyly is presented. Several conditions incorporating ocular and bony limb abnormalities have been described. However, we believe that this family manifests a previously undescribed syndrome due to autosomal dominant or possibly x-linked inheritance with variable expression.
Related Concept Videos
Genetic Lingo
Overview
Pedigree Analysis
Overview
Pleiotropy
Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
Sex-linked Disorders
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Desmosomes
The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein complexes comprising desmosomal...


