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Published on: August 20, 2019
[Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of MED13L syndrome]
Qing-Jie Meng1, Xue-Lian He, Han Xiao
1Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. xiangyun5272008@163.com.
Insights
This study identifies MED13L syndrome in a young boy with developmental delays and unique facial features. Genome-wide SNP arrays pinpointed a chromosome 12 duplication, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- MED13L syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
- Genetic mutations in the MED13L gene are implicated in its pathogenesis.
- Phenotypic variability exists among patients with MED13L syndrome.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy presented with delayed language and motor development, gait instability, poor eye contact, stereotyped behaviors, and seizures.
- Physical examination revealed distinctive facial features (plagiocephaly, blepharoptosis, wide nasal bridge, down-turned mouth corners, low-set ears) and skeletal anomalies (scoliosis, reduced knuckles).
- Cardiac evaluation showed a ventricular septal defect, and developmental assessments indicated moderate intellectual disability.
Findings:
- Karyotype analysis was normal.
- Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays detected a 1.03 Mb duplication in the 12q24.21 region of chromosome 12, absent in parental samples.
- The patient was diagnosed with MED13L syndrome based on clinical presentation and genetic findings.
Implications:
- Genome-wide SNP arrays are a valuable tool for diagnosing MED13L syndrome, especially in cases with atypical presentations.
- Understanding genotype-phenotype correlations in MED13L syndrome is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Early identification of MED13L syndrome through genetic testing can facilitate timely intervention and support for affected individuals.
Abstract:
A boy aged 4 years and 2 months was found to have delayed language and motor development, instability of gait, poor eye contact, stereotyped behavior, and seizure at the age of 3 years. Physical examination showed special facial features, including plagiocephaly, blepharoptosis, wide nasal bridge, down-turned mouth corners at both sides, and low-set ears. There were only two knuckles at the little finger of the left hand. The anteroposterior and lateral films of the spine showed scoliosis; echocardiography showed ventricular septal defect; the Gesell Developmental Scale showed delayed language development and moderate intellectual disability; there were no abnormalities in the karyotype; genome-wide SNP arrays found a duplication in 12q24.21 region with a size of 1.03 Mb in chromosome 12, while this was not seen in his parents. The boy was diagnosed with MED13L syndrome. Point mutation, deletion, and duplication in the MED13L gene can lead to MED13L syndrome. The patients with different genotypes may have different phenotypes. Genome-wide SNP arrays may help with the diagnosis of this disease.
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