22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q), also known as Velocardiofacial Syndrome or DiGeorge Syndrome, is one of the most common genetic syndromes with an incidence of 1 in 2500 to 1 in 4000 (Wang et al., 2009). It is the most identified human chromosomal microdeletion syndrome to date (Wang et al., 2009). 22q is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical features including various palate, cardiac, and immunological abnormalities (Lynch et al., 1995; Wang et al., 2009). 22q is also the most common genetic cause of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). Posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and cervical spine variations may influence velopharyngeal (VP) port closure. Although some studies have analyzed PCF size in individuals with 22q, there has not been extensive analysis of skull base anomalies and their correlation to velopharyngeal depth. The purpose of this study was to examine PCF measures and their effects on VP dimensions in children with 22q using a non-sedated imaging protocol. 34 participants, 17 with 22q and 17 with normal VP anatomy (age range: 4-12 years) completed the study. Participants were imaged using a 3D anatomical scan. MRIs were transferred into Amira 6.4 Visualization Volume Modeling software. Linear and angular measures were obtained in the sagittal image plane on the 3D MRI scans. Measures included: distance from the palatal plane to C1, pharyngeal depth, anterior cranial base angle, posterior cranial base angle, length of the clivus, McRae line and supraocciput of the PCF, angle of clivus, and the PCF angle formed by the McRae line and the supraocciput. It is hypothesized that shorter clivus length and smaller PCF angle between McRae line and supraocciput noted in individuals with 22q DS could be related to larger pharyngeal depth, which contributes to hypernasality typically seen in 22q. Results from this study indicate that children with 22q demonstrate larger pharyngeal depth, a more obtuse anterior cranial base angle (NSB angle), a more acute posterior cranial base angle (SBO angle), shorter length of the clivus, longer supraocciput length, and a more obtuse angle of clivus. The NSB angle was positively correlated with pharyngeal depth while the SBO angle was negatively correlated with pharyngeal depth. The angle of clivus was positively correlated with both pharyngeal depth and resonance severity.

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Stress and anxiety negatively impact the working memory system by competing for executive resources. Broad memory deficits have been reported in individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). We investigated anxiety and physiological stress reactivity in relation to visuospatial working memory impairments in 20 children with 22q11.2DS and 32 typically developing children (M = 11.10 years, SD = 2.95). Results indicate reduced post-stress RSA recovery and overall increased levels of cortisol in children with 22q11.2DS. Additionally, anxiety mediated the relationship between 22q11.2DS and visuospatial working memory impairment. However, there was no indication that stress response physiology mediated this association. Results suggest that anxiety exacerbates impaired working memory in children with 22q11.2DS. Thus, treatment and intervention methods for children with 22q11.2DS should address anxiety related symptomology.

Orientadores: Vera Lúcia Gil da Silva Lopes, Iscia Teresinha Lopes Cendes / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T11:59:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Monteiro_FabiolaPaoliMendes_M.pdf: 4745618 bytes, checksum: 220053db4f2a750f68c332b998074576 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: A deleção 22q11. 2 é a mais frequente deleção intersticial na espécie humana, ocorrendo em aproximadamente 1/4000 nascidos vivos. Esta pode manifestar-se através de amplo espectro fenotípico, já sendo descritas mais de 180 manifestações clínicas asociadas. Frequências da deleção variando de 0% a 75% têm sido encontradas em diferentes estudos dependendo da manifestação primária escolhida, bem como do desenho do estudo e critérios de inclusão utilizados. Muitos estudos foram realizados com o propósito de definir quais pacientes deveriam ser triados para a deleção 22q11.2 em populações com distintas manifestações da mesma, visando uma abordagem com maior custo-efetividade, porém ainda hoje um consenso não foi atingido e a questão ainda é debatida. Até o presente momento, não existem estudos direcionados a definir, de maneira objetiva, qual ou quais destes dismorfismos sugestivos têm maior relevância durante a avaliação dismorfológica de indivíduos com diferentes manifestações do espectro da deleção. Com o objetivo de contribuir na definição de critérios clínicos e dismorfológicos que possam otimizar a indicação da realização de exame confirmatório, foram investigados 194 pacientes divididos em quatro grupos clínicos - Suspeita de deleção com alterações palatais {Grupo 1), suspeita de deleção sem alterações palatais (Grupo 11), malformações cardíacas associadas ao espectro da deleção 22ql1.2 {Grupo III) e indivíduos com dignóstico de esquizofrenia {Grupo IV). Todos foram testados para a deleção 22q11.2 por meio da técnica de Multiplex Ligant-Probe Amplification (MLPA). Para cada grupo, um checklist específico, incluindo dismorfismos e outras características clínicas, foi desenvolvido e aplicado. Pacientes do Grupo IV foram examinados independentemente por dois geneticistas clínicos, a fim de definir a presença de dismorfismos relacionados às síndromes de deleção 22ql1.2 (22q11.2DS) e a concordância na indicação de testes confirmatórios. A deleção 22q11.2 foi detectada em 45 pacientes {23,2%), assim distribuídos: 35/101 {34;7%) do Grupo I, 4/18 (22,2%) do Grupo 11, 6/52 {11,5%) do Grupo III e em nenhum indivíduo do Grupo IV. A taxa de concordância entre os dois observadores para indicação de exame confirmatório para o Grupo IV foi de 91,3%. Os dados clínicos foram analisados por distribuição de frequência e estatisticamente em cada um dos grupos e subgrupos. Cada grupo clínico foi discutido de forma independente e seus resultados comparados àqueles previamente descritos por outros pesquisadores. Sinais clínicos entre indivíduos com deleção e sem deleção foram comparados, sendo signifcantes para a suspeição das 22q11.2DS: face alongada (p<0,001), pálpebras "hooded" (p=0,015), nariz típico (p=0,041), conformação tubular do nariz (p=0,046) e hipoplasia alar (p=0,012). Os resultados demonstram objetivamente que algumas características dismórficas têm maior probabilidade de estarem associadas à presença da deleção 22q11.2. Baseados nos resultados obtidos e na revisão da literatura, é proposta uma abordagem sistemática para triagem de pacientes com manifestações distintas do espectro da deleção 22q11.2, visando uma melhor relação de custo-efetividade / Abstract: The 22q11.2 deletion is the most frequent intersticial deletion in the human species, occurring in approximately 1/4000 live births. It is associated with a wide phenotypic spectrum, with over 180 clinical manifestations already described. Distinct approaches have detected frequencies of the deletion ranging from 0% to 75%, depending on the primary manifestation of the studied population and selection criteria. Many studies have been conducted to define which patients would be eligible for screening for the 22q11.2 deletion, though so far the issue is still up for debate. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been directed towards objectively defining which suggestive dysmorphisms are relevant while evaluating individuals with distinct manife.stations of the 22q11.2 deletion syndromes (22q11.2DS) . In order to contribute to the delineation of possible clinical and dysmorphologic guidelines and to optimize decision to proceed with confirmatory testing, 194 individuals were evaluated. Group I- clinical suspicion of 22q11.2DS with palatal anomalies, Group II -clinical suspicion without palatal anomalies, Group Ill -cardiac malformations associated with the 22q11.2DS and Group IV- schizophrenic patients. All of them were evaluated and tested for the 22q11.2 deletion using Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (M LPA). Group-specific checklists were developed to collect dysmorphologic and clinical data. Also, patients from Group IV were examinated independently by two clinical geneticists, in order to define the presence of suggestive 22ql1.2DS dysmorphisms and concordance rate in indication to proceed with laboratorial investigation. The 22q11.2 deletion was detected in 45 patients (23.2%), distributed as such: Group I 35/101 (34.7%), Group 114/18 (22.2%), Group Ill 6/52 (11.5%) and none from Group IV. Concordance of clinical features and indication of confirmatory test in Group IV by two examiners was 91.3%. Clinical data was analyzed by frequency and statistical tests. Each group was independently discussed and the results compared to those previously described by other researchers. Several independent dysmorphisms were compared between individuals with and without the 22q11.2 deletion, and a long face (p<0.001), hooded eyelids (p=0.015), a tubular conformation (p=0.046) or other forms of typical nose (p=0.041), and alar hypoplasia (p=0.012) were statiscally more likely to be found in patients that tested positive for the deletion. Conclusions: The results objectively demonstrate that some dysmorphic features have a higher probability of being correlated to the presence of the 22q11.2DS. Based on these results and the review of the literature, a systematic approach for screening patients with distinct manifestations of the 22ql1.2DS in a more cost-effective way is proposed / Mestrado / Genetica Medica / Mestra em Ciências Médicas

The development of new high throughput technologies able to multiplex disease biomarkers as well as advances in medical treatments has lead to the recent expansion of the newborn screening panel to include DNA-based targets. Four rare disorders; deletion 22q11.2 syndrome and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV), are potential candidates for inclusion to the newborn screening panel within the next few years. The major focus of this study was to determine whether 5’-hydrolysis assays developed for the four distinct disorders with specific detection needs and analytical ranges could be combined on the OpenArray system and in multiplexed qPCR reactions. SNP detection of homozygous SMN1 deletions in SMA, CNV detection in the 22q11.2 critical region, and quantification of the SCID biomarker, T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and CMV were all required for disease confirmation. SMA and 22q11.2 gene deletions were accurately detected using the OpenArray system, a first for the technology. The medium density deletion 22q11.2 multiplex successfully identified deletion carriers having either the larger 3 Mb deletion or the smaller 1.5 Mb deletions. Both TREC and CMV targets were detected but with a decrease in sensitivity when compared to their singleplex counterparts. Lastly, copy number detection of the TBX1 was performed when multiplexed with the TREC assay, without a decrease in detection limit of either assay. Here, we provide proof of principal that qPCR multiplexing technologies are amenable to implementation with a newborn screening laboratory.