Autism spectrum disorder profile in neurofibromatosis type I.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant single-gene disorder, in which the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has attracted considerable research interest recently with prevalence estimates of 21-40%. However, detailed characterization of the ASD behavioral phenotype in NF1 is still lacking. This study characterized the phenotypic profile of ASD symptomatology presenting in 4-16 year old children with NF1 (n = 36) using evidence from parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale and researcher autism diagnostic observation Scale-2.

The social behavioral phenotype in boys and girls with an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter syndrome and Trisomy X): a comparison with autism spectrum disorder.

The present study aimed to gain more insight in the social behavioral phenotype, and related autistic symptomatology, of children with an extra X chromosome in comparison to children with ASD. Participants included 60 children with an extra X chromosome (34 boys with Klinefelter syndrome and 26 girls with Trisomy X), 58 children with ASD and 106 controls, aged 9 to 18 years. We used the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Social Responsiveness Scale, Social Anxiety Scale and Social Skills Rating System.

Early detection of chromosome 9q22.32q31.1 microdeletion and the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

We report on a patient with a microdeletion of chromosome region 9q22.32q31.1 including the PTCH1 gene (human homologue of the Drosophila patched 1 gene), review the findings in the reported patients with similar array CGH findings, and highlight the non nevoid basal cell carcinoma/non-Gorlin syndrome findings at an earlier age.

X-linked mental retardation, short stature, microcephaly and hypogonadism maps to Xp22.1-p21.3 in a Belgian family.

X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) is a heterogeneous disorder that can be classified as either non-specific (MRX), when mental retardation is the only feature, or as syndromic mental retardation (MRXS). Genetic defects underlying XLMR are being identified at a rapid pace, often starting from X-chromosomal aberrations and XLMR families with a well-defined linkage interval. Here, we present a new family with a syndromic form of XLMR, including mild mental retardation, short stature, microcephaly and hypogonadism.

Screening for FMR-1 premutations in 122 older Flemish males presenting with ataxia.

Recently, Hagerman et al described the occurrence of a late-onset neurological disorder in five male carriers of the fragile-X (FMR-1) premutation. The major characteristics of this disorder, designated the Fragile-X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS), are progressive intention tremor, cerebellar ataxia and cognitive decline. Most cases of FXTAS published thus far were ascertained through families with a known fragile-X proband.

Inv(X)(p21.1;q22.1) in a man with mental retardation, short stature, general muscle wasting, and facial dysmorphism: clinical study and mutation analysis of the NXF5 gene.

We describe a 59-year-old male (patient A059) with moderate to severe mental retardation (MR) and a pericentric inversion of the X-chromosome: inv(X)(p21.1;q22.1).

A distinct neurocognitive phenotype in female fragile-X premutation carriers assessed with visual attention tasks.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) and underlying hormonal changes are recognized as a distinct phenotype in female fragile-X premutation carriers. Neurocognitive deficits, in particular mental retardation, are associated with the full mutation in males and females. In female full mutation carriers this neurocognitive phenotype is expressed more mildly than in males.

Clinical study and haplotype analysis in two brothers with Partington syndrome.

Partington et al. [1988] described a three-generation family (MRXS1, MIM *309510, PRTS) with a syndromic form of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). The clinical features in 10 affected males included mild to moderate MR, dystonic movements of the hands, and dysarthria.