Bassem Bejjani

University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

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Publications (8)10.62 Total impact

  • Article: Deletions flanked by breakpoints 3 and 4 on 15q13 may contribute to abnormal phenotypes.
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    ABSTRACT: Non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between segmental duplications in proximal chromosome 15q breakpoint (BP) regions can lead to microdeletions and microduplications. Several individuals with deletions flanked by BP3 and BP4 on 15q13, immediately distal to, and not including the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (PW/AS) critical region and proximal to the BP4-BP5 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome region, have been reported; however, because the deletion has also been found in normal relatives, the significance of these alterations is unclear. We have identified six individuals with deletions limited to the BP3-BP4 interval and an additional four individuals with deletions of the BP3-BP5 interval from 34 046 samples submitted for clinical testing by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Of four individuals with BP3-BP4 deletions for whom parental testing was conducted, two were apparently de novo and two were maternally inherited. A comparison of clinical features, available for five individuals in our study (four with deletions within BP3-BP4 and one with a BP3-BP5 deletion), with those in the literature show common features of short stature and/or failure to thrive, microcephaly, hypotonia, and premature breast development in some individuals. Although the BP3-BP4 deletion does not yet demonstrate statistically significant enrichment in abnormal populations compared with control populations, the presence of common clinical features among probands and the presence of genes with roles in development and nervous system function in the deletion region suggest that this deletion may have a role in abnormal phenotypes in some individuals.
    European journal of human genetics: EJHG 01/2011; 19(5):547-54. · 3.56 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparative analysis of copy number detection by whole-genome BAC and oligonucleotide array CGH
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a powerful diagnostic tool for the detection of DNA copy number gains and losses associated with chromosome abnormalities, many of which are below the resolution of conventional chromosome analysis. It has been presumed that whole-genome oligonucleotide (oligo) arrays identify more clinically significant copy-number abnormalities than whole-genome bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) arrays, yet this has not been systematically studied in a clinical diagnostic setting. Results To determine the difference in detection rate between similarly designed BAC and oligo arrays, we developed whole-genome BAC and oligonucleotide microarrays and validated them in a side-by-side comparison of 466 consecutive clinical specimens submitted to our laboratory for aCGH. Of the 466 cases studied, 67 (14.3%) had a copy-number imbalance of potential clinical significance detectable by the whole-genome BAC array, and 73 (15.6%) had a copy-number imbalance of potential clinical significance detectable by the whole-genome oligo array. However, because both platforms identified copy number variants of unclear clinical significance, we designed a systematic method for the interpretation of copy number alterations and tested an additional 3,443 cases by BAC array and 3,096 cases by oligo array. Of those cases tested on the BAC array, 17.6% were found to have a copy-number abnormality of potential clinical significance, whereas the detection rate increased to 22.5% for the cases tested by oligo array. In addition, we validated the oligo array for detection of mosaicism and found that it could routinely detect mosaicism at levels of 30% and greater. Conclusions Although BAC arrays have faster turnaround times, the increased detection rate of oligo arrays makes them attractive for clinical cytogenetic testing.
    Molecular Cytogenetics. 01/2010;
  • Article: Impact of genotype-first diagnosis: the detection of microdeletion and microduplication syndromes with cancer predisposition by aCGH.
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    ABSTRACT: The use of microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization has allowed the genetic diagnosis of some conditions before their full clinical presentation. This "genotype-first" diagnosis has the most clinical implications for genomic alterations that confer an elevated risk of cancer. In these cases, diagnosis before the manifestation of the patient's full phenotype dramatically impacts genetic counseling, clinical management, and eventual prognosis and survivability. Using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization, we tested 18,437 individuals with indications such as developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies. We identified 34 (0.18%) individuals with DNA copy number gains or losses that encompassed gene regions associated with recognized genetic conditions with an increased risk for cancer. Three of the 34 individuals (8.8%) had a previously abnormal cytogenetic study which microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization confirmed and/or further characterized. Seven of the 34 individuals (20.6%) either had the correct disease specified in the clinical indication for study or had clinical features highly indicative of that syndrome. The remaining 24 patients (70.6%) had indications for study that were not specific to the diagnosed syndrome, such as "developmental delay" or "dysmorphic features." The ability of microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization to rapidly and objectively interrogate the genome for chromosomal imbalances has led to the opportunity to optimize medical management and outcome. This has an even more profound impact and clinical utility in conditions associated with cancer predisposition syndromes.
    Genetics in medicine: official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 05/2009; 11(5):314-22. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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    Article: Identification of a rare de novo three-way complex t(5;20;8)(q31;p11.2;p21) with microdeletions on 5q31.2, 5q31.3, and 8p23.2 in a patient with hearing loss and global developmental delay: case report.
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    ABSTRACT: Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs), which involve more than two breakpoints on two or more chromosomes, are uncommon occurrences. Although most CCRs appear balanced at the level of the light microscope, many demonstrate cryptic, submicroscopic imbalances at the translocation breakpoints. We report a female with hearing loss and global developmental delay with a complex three-way unbalanced translocation (5;20;8)(q31;p11.2;p21) resulting in microdeletions on 5q31.2, 5q31.3, and 8p23.2 identified by karyotyping, microarray analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The microdeletion of bands 8p23.2 may be associated with the hearing impairment. Furthermore, the characterization of this patient's chromosomal abnormalities demonstrates the importance of integrated technologies within contemporary cytogenetics laboratories.
    Molecular Cytogenetics 02/2009; 2:2.
  • Article: Expanding the clinical phenotype of the 3q29 microdeletion syndrome and characterization of the reciprocal microduplication
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Interstitial deletions of 3q29 have been recently described as a microdeletion syndrome mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination between low-copy repeats resulting in an ~1.6 Mb common-sized deletion. Given the molecular mechanism causing the deletion, the reciprocal duplication is anticipated to occur with equal frequency, although only one family with this duplication has been reported. Results In this study we describe 14 individuals with microdeletions of 3q29, including one family with a mildly affected mother and two affected children, identified among 14,698 individuals with idiopathic mental retardation who were analyzed by array CGH. Eleven individuals had typical 1.6-Mb deletions. Three individuals had deletions that flank, span, or partially overlap the commonly deleted region. Although the clinical presentations of individuals with typical-sized deletions varied, several features were present in multiple individuals, including mental retardation and microcephaly. We also identified 19 individuals with duplications of 3q29, five of which appear to be the reciprocal duplication product of the 3q29 microdeletion and 14 of which flank, span, or partially overlap the common deletion region. The clinical features of individuals with microduplications of 3q29 also varied with few common features. De novo and inherited abnormalities were found in both the microdeletion and microduplication cohorts illustrating the need for parental samples to fully characterize these abnormalities. Conclusion Our report demonstrates that array CGH is especially suited to identify chromosome abnormalities with unclear or variable presentations.
    Molecular Cytogenetics. 01/2008;
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    Article: Primary congenital glaucoma and Rieger's anomaly: extended haplotypes reveal founder effects for eight distinct CYP1B1 mutations.
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    ABSTRACT: Mutations in the cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) gene are a frequent cause of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in different ethnic groups. Cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases, which catalyze many reactions involved in the metabolism of drugs as well as steroids and other lipids. The repeated occurence of several mutations in various ethnic groups raises the question if founder effects or mutation-prone sites in CYP1B1 are the cause for this observation. A total of 30 individuals (26 PCG patients, three Rieger's anomaly patients, and one variant carrier), presenting 17 variants in CYP1B1 (15 mutations and two variations) were included in our study. We sequenced the entire genomic region of CYP1B1 and analyzed microsatellites flanking the gene in all individuals and constructed haplotypes for all variations using a combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites. For the CYP1B1 genomic region, we identified five extended haplotypes associated with 17 variations. These haplotypes were complemented with microsatellite information from the region surrounding this gene. A total of eight CYP1B1 mutations were found more than once, each of them presenting one identical haplotype in different individuals. Six mutations were represented in different ethnic groups. Our results confirm founder effects for most of CYP1B1 mutations. Most of these mutations must have occurred as unique events in the past.
    Molecular vision 02/2006; 12:523-31. · 2.20 Impact Factor
  • Article: Coarctation of the aorta and mild to moderate developmental delay in a child with a de novo deletion of chromosome 15(q21.1q22.2)
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Deletion of 15q21q22 is a rare chromosomal anomaly. To date, there have been nine reports describing ten individuals with different segmental losses involving 15q21 and 15q22. Many of these individuals have common features of growth retardation, hypotonia and moderate to severe mental retardation. Congenital heart disease has been described in three individuals with interstitial deletion involving this region of chromosome 15. Case presentation We report a child with coarctation of the aorta, partial agenesis of corpus callosum and mild to moderate developmental delay, with a de novo deletion of 15q21.1q22.2, detected by the array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH). We utilized chromosome 15-specific microarray-based CGH to define the chromosomal breakpoints in this patient. Conclusion This is the first description of mapping of an interstitial deletion involving the chromosome 15q21q22 segment using the chromosome 15-specific array-CGH. The report also expands the spectrum of clinical phenotype associated with 15q21q22 deletion.
    BMC Medical Genetics. 01/2006;
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    Article: Molecular basis of Peters anomaly in Saudi Arabia.
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    ABSTRACT: Peters anomaly (PA) and primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) are genetically and phenotypically distinct conditions. Mutations in cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) are the most common cause of PCG in Saudi Arabia. Recent evidence suggests that there may be common genetic factors to these conditions. To determine the molecular basis of PA, 11 study subjects with PA from 10 Saudi Arabian families were recruited. Experienced ophthalmologists examined all affected subjects and most of their available unaffected relatives. The diagnosis of PA was confirmed by pathological examination of excised corneal buttons in seven subjects. The coding exons of FOXC1, PITX2, and PAX6 were screened and those of CYP1B1 and FOXE3 sequenced. Homozygous CYP1B1 mutations were identified in six individuals in five families. Five individuals were homozygous for G61E and one was homozygous for 143del10. No mutations were identified in FOXC1, PITX2, PAX6, or FOXE3. The clinical or pathologic phenotype of the subjects with CYP1B1 mutations was not different from that of the other PA patients in this study. Two families included at least one individual with homozygous CYP1B1 mutations and no ocular anomalies (nonpenetrant). Mutations in CYP1B1 may be a substantive cause for PA in this population. Thus, PA and PCG may share a common molecular pathophysiology. Indeed, PA and PCG may share the same spectrum of anterior segment dysgenesis. Finally, the occurrence of PA, PCG, and unaffected individuals with identical homozygous CYP1B1 mutations in the same sibship suggests the presence of modifiers that modulate the clinical severity of the phenotypic expression of the same CYP1B1 mutation(s).
    Ophthalmic Genetics 01/2005; 25(4):257-70. · 0.93 Impact Factor