FRAXE Syndrome: AFF2 Gene Deletion/Duplication
Condition Description
In patients who have the cytogenetic changes of Fragile X Syndrome but lack the molecular changes characteristic of that disorder (i.e., are FMR1-mutation negative), a second site of fragility, symbolized FRAXE, has been demonstrated to be expanded. Data suggests that an etiologic relationship may exist between FRAXE and nonspecific x-linked intellectual disability. Loss of expression of the gene AFF2 has been correlated with FRAXE expansion. Sequence analysis and deletion/duplication analysis are also available to identify mutations in the AFF2 gene.
For patients with suspected FRAXE syndrome, repeat expansion testing and methylation analysis are recommended as the first step in mutation identification. For patients in whom mutations are not identified, full gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis are also available.
Please note that AFF2 and FMR2 are the same gene. This test is therefore a single-gene test.
Genes (2)
Indications
This test is indicated for:
- Confirmation of a clinical/biochemical diagnosis of FRAXE syndrome in an individual in whom sequencing analysis was negative.
- Carrier testing in adult females with a family history of FRAXE syndrome in whom sequencing analysis was negative.
Methodology
DNA isolated from peripheral blood is hybridized to a CGH array to detect deletions and duplications. The targeted CGH array has overlapping probes which cover the entire genomic region.
Detection
Detection is limited to duplications and deletions. The CGH array will not detect point mutations or intronic mutations. Results of molecular analysis must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical and/or biochemical phenotype.
Specimen Requirements
Infants and Young Children (<2 years of age): 2-3 ml
Children > 2 years of age to 10 years old: 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml
Autopsy: 2-3 ml unclotted cord or cardiac blood
3µg
Isolation using the Perkin Elmer™Chemagen™ Chemagen™ Automated Extraction method or Qiagen™ Puregene kit for DNA extraction is recommended.
Special Instructions
Please submit copies of diagnostic biochemical test results along with the sample, if appropriate. Contact the laboratory if further information is needed. Sequence analysis is required before deletion/duplication analysis by targeted CGH array. If sequencing is performed outside of EGL Genetics, please submit a copy of the sequencing report with the test requisition form.
Related Tests
- Repeat expansion testing and methylation analysis are available and are strongly recommended as the first step in mutation identification.
- FRAXE Syndrome: AFF2 Gene Sequencing is required before deletion/duplication analysis.
- X-Linked Intellectual Disability Panel
- Testing for Fragile X Syndrome at the FRAXA site is available by repeat expansion/methylation analysis, FMR1 sequencing, and FMR1 deletion/duplication analysis.
- Prenatal Custom Diagnostics is available to adult females who are confirmed carriers of mutations. Please contact the laboratory genetic counselor to discuss appropriate testing prior to collecting a prenatal specimen.