[Chromosome breakage syndrome and fragile X syndrome]

Chromosome instability is a characteristic cytogenetic feature of a number of genetically determined human disorders collectively known as chromosome breakage syndromes. Included among the disorders are Bloom's syndrome (BS), Fanconi's anemia (FA), ataxia telangiectasia (AT). In each of the syndromes chromosome instability exists in the form of increased frequencies of breaks and interchanges occurring either spontaneously or following treatment with various DNA-damaging agents. These diseases have in common an autosomal recessive transmission and an increased tendency to develop malignancies. The blood cells of subjects with AT, BS, or FA are significantly more radiosensitive than those of controls, particularly in the occurrence of chromosome aberrations.