Long-read Oxford nanopore sequencing reveals a de novo case of complex chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosomes 2, 7, and 13.

BACKGROUND

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are associated with high reproductive risk, infertility, abnormalities in offspring, and recurrent miscarriage in women. It is essential to accurately characterize apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements in unaffected individuals.

METHODS

A CCR young couple who suffered two spontaneous abortions and underwent labor induction due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities was studied using long-read sequencing(LRS), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, G-banding karyotype analysis (550-band resolution), and Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

SNP analysis of the amniotic fluid cells during the third pregnancy revealed a 9.9-Mb duplication at 7q21.11q21.2 and a 24.8-Mb heterozygous deletion at 13q21.1q31.1. The unaffected female partner was a carrier of a three-way CCR [46,XX,? ins(7;13)(q21.1;q21.1q22)t(2;13)(p23;q22)]. Subsequent LRS analysis revealed the exact breakpoint locations on the derivative chromosomes and the specific method of chromosome rearrangement, indicating that the CCR carrier was a more complex structural rearrangement comprising five breakpoints. Furthermore, LRS detected an inserted fragment of chromosome 13 in chromosome 7.

CONCLUSIONS

LRS is effective for analyzing the complex structural variations of the human genome and may be used to clarify the specific CCRs for effective genetic counseling and appropriate intervention.