Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum(OAVS)is one of common birth defects, which involves primarily optical, aural, maxillomandibular and spinal abnormal development. To date, the hereditary basis of OAVS has been generally accepted, but the responsible gene remains unclear. This article reviewed the possible etiology of OAVS in chromosome analysis, genome copy number detection, gene identification and mouse model, and analyzed the strategy for OAVS research.

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a family with hypokalemic periodic paralysis(HOKPP).Methods The clinical data of one HOKPP family were retrospectively analyzed.Results The proband presented with periodic paralysis,limb weakness and decreased serum potassium(1-2 mmol/L).The proband's father and cousin had similar symptoms.A heterozygous missense variant c.2006G＞A(p.R669H)in SCN4A gene was identified in the proband,his father,younger aunt and cousin using gene detection.However,the variant was absent in his elder aunt and younger uncle.Conclusions The family shows irregular dominant inheritance.The severity,frequency and age of onset of male heterozygotes were different,while female heterozygotes had no clinical phenotype.The study first confirms that the R669H variant in SCN4A gene causes complete penetrance in males and carriers in females in Asian populations.

Adult ; Aged ; Contracture ; congenital ; genetics ; Fingers ; abnormalities ; Hand Deformities, Congenital ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVE: The population density and diversity of Sinomenium acutum (Menispermaceae) have been greatly reduced recently by overharvesting for medicinal purposes in China. Therefore, it is urgent that the remaining populations are investigated, and that strategies for the utilization and conservation of this species are developed. This study aimed to find the possible glacial refugia and define the genetic diversity of S. acutum for its proper utilization and conservation. METHODS: A total of 77 S. acutum samples were collected from four locations, Qinling Mountains, Daba Mountains, Dalou Mountains, and Xuefeng Mountains, in subtropical China. Genetic diversity among and between these populations were phylogenetically analyzed using four chloroplast DNA molecular markers (atpI-atpH, trnQ-5'rps16, trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF). RESULTS: A total of 14 haplotypes (C1 to C14) were found in collected samples. Haplotypes C1 and C3 were shared among all populations, with C3 as the ancestral haplotype. Haplotypes C11 and C12 diverged the most from C3 and other haplotypes. No obvious phylogeographic structure was found in four locations using the GST/NST test. There is no evidence of rapid demographic expansion in S. acutum based on the mismatch distribution, and the results of Tajima's D test, and Fu's FS test. Our analyses of molecular variance revealed a high level of genetic variation within populations. In contrast, the genetic differentiation among S. acutum populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. CONCLUSION Xuefeng, Dalou, and Daba Mountains were possible glacial refugia for the populations of S. acutum. C1, C3, C11 and C12 haplotypes of S. acutum should be carefully preserved and managed for their genetic value.