21q21 deletion involving NCAM2: report of 3 cases with neurodevelopmental disorders

Eur J Med Genet. 2015 Jan;58(1):44-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.11.004. Epub 2014 Nov 20.

Abstract

Here we report three patients affected with neurodevelopmental disorders and harbouring 21q21 deletions involving NCAM2 gene. NCAM (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule) proteins are involved in axonal migration, synaptic formation and plasticity. Poor axonal growth and fasciculation is observed in animal models deficient for NCAM2. Moreover, this gene has been proposed as a candidate for autism, based on genome-wide association studies. In this report, we provide a comprehensive molecular and phenotypical characterisation of three deletion cases giving additional clues for the involvement of NCAM2 in neurodevelopment.

Keywords: 21q21 deletion; Array comparative genomic hybridization; Chromosomal abnormalities; Developmental delay; NCAM2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosome Deletion*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 / genetics*
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 / genetics*
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules

Substances

  • NCAM2 protein, human
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules