Molecular Breakpoint Mapping of 6q11-q14 Interstitial Deletions in Seven Patients

Interstitial deletions involving 6q11-q14 have been reported in less than 20 patients, with the breakpoints studied by G-banding alone. We report on seven patients with 6q11-q14 interstitial deletions of variable size. The breakpoints were studied by G-banding, dual-color BAC-FISH and SNP array. The results showed the molecular breakpoints differed significantly from the ones obtained from G-banding. The breakpoints studied by BAC-FISH were consistent with the ones from SNP array. Some characteristics from this cohort are consistent with previous reports, but many typical features are lacking in our patients. The cardinal features of 6q11-q14 interstitial deletions in this cohort include: umbilical hernia, hypotonia, short stature, characteristic facial features of upslanting palpebral fissures, low set and/or dysplastic ears, high arched palate, urinary tract anomalies, and skeletal/limb anomalies. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.