Background information
Comprising nearly 4% of human DNA, chromosome 13 contains around 114 million base pairs and 400 genes. Key tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 13 include the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, and the RB1 (retinoblastoma) gene. RB1 encodes a crucial tumor suppressor protein which, when defective, leads to malignant growth in the retina and has been implicated in a variety of other cancers. The gene SLITRK1, which is associated with Tourette syndrome, is on chromosome 13. As with most chromosomes, polysomy of part or all of chromosome 13 is deleterious to development and decreases the odds of survival. Trisomy 13, also known as Patau syndrome, is quite deadly and the few who survive past one year suffer from permanent neurologic defects, difficulty eating and vulnerability to serious respiratory infections. The LOC728591 gene product has been provisionally designated LOC728591 pending further characterization.
