Movement of the X chromosome in epilepsy.
The position of selected chromosomes was assessed in samples of normal and epileptic human cortex with biotinylated probes specific for individual chromosome domains. Optical sectioning provided a rapid method for three-dimensional resolution of in situ hybridization signals in interphase cells, and solid models were reconstructed from digitized images for detailed rotational studies. There was a dramatic repositioning of the X chromosome in neurons of both males and females in electrophysiologically defined seizure foci. Other chromosomes (1, 9, and Y) showed more subtle positional changes. Specifically altered nuclear patterns involving the X chromosome may become established and create the genetic memory for intractable seizure activity.
Borden
J
J
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Manuelidis
L
L
D001253:Astrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015342:DNA Probes; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009685:Nuclear Envelope / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D014960:X Chromosome
D015342:DNA Probes