Molecular analysis of 53 fragile X families with the probe StB12.3

Current molecular insight to reveal the dynamics of CAG repeating units in spinocerebellar ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder with overlapping clinical phenotypes arising from the degeneration of purkinje cells and other regions of the brain. There are approximately 36 different subtypes of SCA, but SCA 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 are most prevalent in the Indian population. Many findings suggested that cerebellar Purkinje cells region may be a uniquely vulnerable neuronal cell type, and more susceptible to a wider variety of genetic or cellular problems than other neuron types. In this review we emphasized mainly five common subtypes of SCA (1, 2, 3, 6 and 7) their pathophysiology, therapeutics, drugs studies and the technical challenges in the field of molecular genetic diagnosis.

Molecular genetic analysis of trinucleotide repeat disorders (TRDs) in Indian population and application of repeat primed PCR

Trinucleotide repeat disorders (TRDs) are a set of genetic disorders caused by trinucleotide repeat expansion in certain genes that exceed the normal, stable threshold, which varies from gene to gene. A dynamic mutation in a healthy gene may increase the repeat count and result in a defective gene. At present there are 14 pathogenic trinucleotide repeat disorders that are known to affect humans. The occurrence of these "triplet repeat diseases" within populations ranges from fairly common (Fragile X syndrome and Myotonic dystrophy type 1) to rare (Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy). In the present study we report a detailed scenario of TRDs in India mostly in respect to the 9 most common disorders namely; Fragile X syndrome, Myotonic dystrophy type 1, Spinocerebellar ataxia (type 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7), Friedreich Ataxia and Huntington Disease.