Chromosomal breakage, endomitosis, endoreduplication, and hypersensitivity toward radiomimetric and alkylating agents: a possible new autosomal recessive mutation in a girl with craniosynostosis and microcephaly.

A high frequency of spontaneous chromosomal breakage, endomitosis, endoreduplication and hypersensitivity toward both the alkylating agent Trenimon and the radiomimetric drug bleomycin was observed in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral lymphocytes from a girl with craniosynostosis, microcephaly, ptosis, bird-like facies, and moderate mental retardation. We also observed abnormal chromosomal spiralization and some aspects of abnormal cellular division. Several fruitless attempts were made to establish a cell line. The parents were consanguineous, supporting the existence of a new, rare, autosomal, recessive condition in man. The mutation might involve a gene involved in DNA repair and/or regulation of the mitotic cycle.