Precise location of breakpoints in a frequent reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22

One of the most frequent chromosomal translocations in human beings is 11q/22q, which results in the "partial trisomy of 22q syndrome." However, the breakpoint on the long arms of chromosomes 11 and 22 is still a matter of controversy. In the present study, we have used chromosomes from lymphocytes of a neonate who happened to have this classical abnormality, and by R-banding prometaphase chromosomes with acridine orange it has been possible to establish that the translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22 resulted from 3:1 meiotic maternal nondisjunction. A detailed analysis of the chromosome regions involved in this translocation revealed that the breakpoints on chromosomes 11 and 22 were at 11q23.3 and 22q11.1, respectively.