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Ring chromosome 21 transmitted from mother to daughter: its stability in a lymphoblastoid cell line

T Ikeuchi1, K Yamamoto, F Qiao

  • 1Department of Genetics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.

Annales De Genetique
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

A ring chromosome 21 (r(21)) was identified in a female infant with distinct features, inherited from her healthy mother. This ring chromosome 21 remained stable in cell cultures, indicating its consistent genetic behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cytogenetics
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Ring chromosome 21 (r(21)) is a rare chromosomal abnormality.
  • Understanding the stability and behavior of ring chromosomes is crucial for genetic counseling and diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A female infant presented with a high-pitched cry and hypertelorism, carrying a karyotype of 46,XX,r(21)(p11.2q22.3).
  • The r(21) was inherited from her phenotypically normal mother.
  • The r(21) exhibited stable structure and behavior in peripheral lymphocyte cultures for both mother and infant.

Findings:

  • The stability of the r(21) was further confirmed in a lymphoblastoid cell line derived from the proband.
  • The normal-sized r(21) persisted in most cells during prolonged culture (over 5 months).

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for phenotypically normal carriers of ring chromosomes.
  • The stability of this specific r(21) suggests predictable behavior in cellular environments.
  • Further research into ring chromosome stability can inform genetic diagnostics and risk assessment for families.

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