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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
A microduplication on chromosome 17p13.1p13.3 including the PAFAH1B1 (LIS1) gene
Kristiina Avela1, Katja Aktan-Collan, Nina Horelli-Kuitunen
1Vaestoliitto, The Family Federation of Finland, Department of Medical Genetics, Helsinki, Finland. kristiina.avela@vaestoliitto.fi
Insights
A microduplication on chromosome 17p13.1p13.3, including the PAFAH1B1 gene, caused developmental delays and unique facial features in a patient. This genetic finding offers new insights into LIS1 gene function and associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurodevelopmental Biology
- Human Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Microduplications in the 17p13 region, particularly involving the PAFAH1B1 gene encoding LIS1, are linked to brain development abnormalities.
- LIS1 overexpression is known to disrupt neuronal migration and reduce brain volume, impacting cognitive and motor functions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a microduplication of 17p13.1p13.3, including PAFAH1B1, translocated to chromosome 4.
- The patient exhibited psychomotor and growth retardation, dysmorphic features, a small ventricular septal defect, and immunoglobulin abnormalities.
- Cranial MRI revealed only subtle abnormalities, contrasting with the significant clinical phenotype.
Findings:
- The patient's facial features were notably similar to those observed in individuals with 17p trisomy.
- This case expands the known spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with 17p13.1p13.3 microduplications.
- The translocation of the microduplicated segment suggests complex genomic rearrangements can occur.
Implications:
- This report highlights the critical role of LIS1 dosage in normal neurodevelopment and the diverse clinical outcomes of 17p13.1p13.3 microduplications.
- Understanding these genetic variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and potential therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research into LIS1 function and the mechanisms underlying these microduplications can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Abstract:
Recently, three children with a microduplication in 17p13 including the PAFAH1B1 gene that encodes LIS1 were reported. LIS1 overexpression has earlier been shown to affect brain development by causing migrational defects and reductions in brain volume [Bi et al., 2009]. Here, we report an additional patient with a microduplication on chromosome 17p13.1p13.3 including the PAFAH1B1 gene, that was inserted into the long arm of chromosome 4. The patient had psychomotor and growth retardation, dysmorphic features, small ventricular septal defect (VSD), and immunoglobulin abnormality. Only subtle abnormalities in brain MRI scan were seen. Interestingly, the facial features of our patient closely resemble those previously reported in 17p trisomy patients.
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