Williams-Beuren syndrome: a challenge for genotype-phenotype correlations

Hum Mol Genet. 2003 Oct 15:12 Spec No 2:R229-37. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddg299. Epub 2003 Sep 2.

Abstract

Many human chromosomal abnormality syndromes include specific cognitive and behavioural components. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome lack a paternally derived copy of the proximal long arm of chromosome 15, and eat uncontrollably; in Angelman syndrome lack of a maternal contribution of 15q11-q13 results in absence of speech, frequent smiling and episodes of paroxysmal laughter; deletions on 22q11 can be associated with obsessive behaviour and schizophrenia. The neurodevelopmental disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), is caused by a microdeletion at 7q11.23 and provides us with one of the most convincing models of a relationship that links genes with human cognition and behaviour. The hypothesis is that deletion of one or a series of genes causes neurodevelopmental abnormalities that manifest as the fractionation of mental abilities typical of WBS. Detailed molecular characterization of the deletion alongside well-defined cognitive profiling in WBS provides a unique opportunity to investigate the neuromolecular basis of complex cognitive behaviour, and develop integrated approaches to study gene function and genotype-phenotype correlations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Genomic Imprinting
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Phenotype
  • Williams Syndrome / genetics*
  • Williams Syndrome / physiopathology

Associated data

  • OMIM/194050