Chromosome 10

Type: Genetic

Associated disorders:

10q26 deletion syndrome is a condition that results from the loss (deletion) of a small piece of chromosome 10 in each cell. The deletion occurs in the long arm (q) of the chromosome in a position designated as 10q26. The signs and symptoms of 10q26 deletion syndrome vary widely, even among affected members of the same family. Affected individuals may have distinctive facial features, growth problems, mild to moderate intellectual disability, developmental delay, genital abnormalities in men or skeletal or cardiac defects. Signs and symptoms of 10q26 deletion syndrome are probably related to the loss of one or more genes in the deleted region. However, it is not clear which missing genes contribute to the specific characteristics of the disorder.


Various types of cancer. A loss of all or part of chromosome 10 is often found in Gliomas (brain tumors), particularly in aggressive and rapidly growing gliomas. The association of cancerous tumors with the loss of chromosome 10 suggests that some genes on this chromosome play critical roles in the control of cell growth and division.

A translocation of genetic material between chromosomes 10 and 11 is associated with several types of leukemia. This chromosomal abnormality is found only in cancer cells. It fuses part of a specific gene on chromosome 11 (the KMT2A gene) with part of another gene on chromosome 10 (the MLLT10 gene). The abnormal protein produced from this fused gene tells cells to divide without control or order, which leads to the development of cancer.


Other anomalies. Several anomalies have been found on chromosome 10 such as extra or missing genetic material, translocations and rings. The disorders can be very varied, the most common being: intellectual disability, stunted growth or development, distinctive facial features or heart defects.


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