Chromosome 13

8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome

A rearrangement (translocation) of genetic material involving chromosome 13 has been identified in most people with a rare blood cancer called 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome. This condition is characterized by an increased number of white blood cells (myeloproliferative disorder) and the development of lymphoma, a blood-related cancer that causes tumor formation in the lymph nodes. The myeloproliferative disorder usually develops into another form of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome most commonly results from a translocation between chromosome 13 and chromosome 8, written as t(8;13)(p11;q12). This genetic change fuses part of the ZMYM2 gene on chromosome 13 with part of the FGFR1 gene on chromosome 8. The translocation occurs only in cancer cells.

The protein produced from the normal FGFR1 gene can turn on cellular signaling that helps the cell respond to its environment, for example by stimulating cell growth. The protein produced from the fused ZMYM2-FGFR1 gene leads to constant FGFR1 signaling. The uncontrolled signaling promotes continuous cell growth and division, leading to cancer.

Feingold syndrome

Feingold syndrome type 2 is caused by genetic changes that remove (delete) small pieces of DNA from the long (q) arm of chromosome 13. These changes are known as 13q31.3 microdeletions. Feingold syndrome type 2 is characterized by abnormalities of the fingers and toes, particularly shortening of the second and fifth fingers (brachymesophalangy). Other common features include an unusually small head size (microcephaly) and learning disabilities. 13q31.3 microdeletions involved in this condition delete the MIR17HG gene and sometimes part or all of other nearby genes. Loss of the MIR17HG gene is thought to underlie the characteristic features of the disorder, although loss of other genes may play a role in some cases.

The MIR17HG gene provides instructions for making the miR-17~92 microRNA (miRNA) cluster, which includes six different miRNAs. MiRNAs are short pieces of RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA. These molecules control gene activity (expression) by blocking protein production. MiRNAs in the miR-17~92 cluster help regulate signaling pathways that direct several cellular processes involved in growth and development before birth.

Deletion of one copy of the MIR17HG gene reduces the amount of miR-17~92 cluster miRNAs available to control the activity of specific genes during development. While it is likely that the resulting disruption of signaling pathways leads to the problems with growth and development characteristic of Feingold syndrome type 2, it is unclear exactly how a shortage of miR-17~92 cluster miRNAs causes the specific features of the condition.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma, a cancer of the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye (the retina) that affects mostly children, is caused by abnormalities of a gene called RB1. This gene is located on a region of the q arm of chromosome 13 designated 13q14. Although most retinoblastomas are caused by variants (also known as mutations) within the RB1 gene, a small percentage of retinoblastomas result from a deletion of the 13q14 region.

In addition to retinoblastoma, deletions of the 13q14 region may cause intellectual disability, slow growth, and characteristic facial features such as prominent eyebrows, a broad nasal bridge, a short nose, and ear abnormalities. A loss of several genes is likely responsible for these developmental problems, although researchers have not determined which other genes in the deleted region are involved.

Trisomy 13

Trisomy 13 occurs when each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 13 instead of the usual two copies. Trisomy 13 can also result from an extra copy of chromosome 13 in only some of the body's cells (mosaic trisomy 13).

In some cases, trisomy 13 occurs when chromosome 13 becomes attached (translocated) to another chromosome during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) or very early in embryonic development. Affected individuals have two copies of chromosome 13, plus extra material from chromosome 13 attached to another chromosome. People with this genetic change are said to have translocation trisomy 13. The physical signs of translocation trisomy 13 may be different from those typically seen in trisomy 13 when only part of chromosome 13 is present in three copies.

Researchers believe that extra copies of some genes on chromosome 13 disrupt the course of normal development, causing the characteristic features of trisomy 13 and the increased risk of medical problems associated with this disorder.

Other chromosomal conditions

Partial monosomy and partial trisomy of chromosome 13 occur when a portion of the q arm of this chromosome is deleted or duplicated, respectively. The effect of missing or extra chromosome material varies with the size and location of the chromosome abnormality. Affected individuals may have developmental delay, intellectual disability, low birth weight, skeletal abnormalities, and other physical features.

Other cancers

Changes in chromosome 13 have been associated with several types of cancer. These genetic changes are somatic, which means they are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. The loss of genetic material from the middle of chromosome 13 is common in cancers of blood-forming cells (leukemias), cancers of immune system cells (lymphomas), and other related cancers.