Broadening the Phenotypic Range of Xq28 Duplications Involving MECP2: A Case Study from a Family - Report - MDSpire

Broadening the Phenotypic Range of Xq28 Duplications Involving MECP2: A Case Study from a Family

  • By

  • Katerina Gaberova

  • Iliyana Hristova Pacheva

  • Ralitsa Yordanova

  • Tihomir Todorov

  • Albena Todorova

  • Liliyana Grozdanova

  • Margarita Panova

  • Mariyana Georgieva

  • Ivan Stefanov Ivanov

  • April 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Broadening the Phenotypic Range of Xq28 Duplications

Overview

This report describes a family with X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) due to Xq28 duplications, highlighting significant intrafamilial phenotypic variability. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing Xq28 duplications in the differential diagnosis of XLID, particularly when accompanied by neurological impairments.

Background

X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a significant contributor to neurodevelopmental disorders, with X-chromosomal gene variants accounting for a notable percentage of cases in males. The Xq28 duplication syndrome, involving multiple dosage-sensitive genes, presents a complex clinical picture influenced by sex and X-chromosome inactivation patterns. Understanding this condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of affected individuals and their families.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Three affected individuals from a single family exhibited marked phenotypic variability due to Xq28 duplications.
  • Two male siblings presented with severe intellectual disability, speech impairment, and other neurological issues.
  • Their mother showed mild intellectual disability and skin manifestations, indicating variable expressivity.
  • Family history suggested additional affected male relatives with similar or more severe presentations.
  • The duplication of genes within the Xq28 region likely contributes to the multisystem involvement observed.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider Xq28 duplications in the differential diagnosis of XLID, especially in cases with additional neurological impairments. Genetic counseling may be beneficial for families to understand the implications of these duplications and the potential for variable expressivity among family members.

Conclusion

Xq28 duplication syndrome exemplifies the complexity of genetic contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for comprehensive genetic evaluation in affected families.

References

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Phenotypic Associations with SOX9 Upstream Duplications: Advancements in Understanding Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Identification of Deep Intronic PHEX Variants in X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets Using an RNA-First Method
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Genetic Factors and Frequency of de novo MEN2 Syndromes
  4. AAP Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay Guideline Summary, 2025
  5. Structural variant allelic heterogeneity in MECP2 duplication syndrome provides insight into clinical severity and variability of disease expression | Genome Medicine | Full Text
  6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — In-Depth Analysis of Central Precocious Puberty: Genetic and Clinical Evaluations in a Cohort of 90 Patients
  7. AAP Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay Guideline Summary
  8. Structural variant allelic heterogeneity in MECP2 duplication syndrome provides insight into clinical severity and variability of disease expression | Genome Medicine | Full Text
  9. Study Details | NCT06430385 | ATTUNE: A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Intrathecally-Administered ION440 in Participants With Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) Duplication Syndrome (MDS) | ClinicalTrials.gov

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