Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2008 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Molecular Genetics and Fetal Brain

Ana Stavljenic-Rukavina

Keywords : Fetal brain,molecular mechanism,chromosomes,DNA,PCR,FISH

Citation Information : Stavljenic-Rukavina A. Molecular Genetics and Fetal Brain. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2008; 2 (3):87-99.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1069

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-09-2009

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2008; The Author(s).


Abstract

Molecular aspects of genetic diseases that affect the nervous system are in the focus of scientific interest investigators from many fields of medicine and the knowledge of genetic abnormalities as well as phenotypic heterogeneity is rapidly expanding. This review is aimed to provide clinician's practical insight into molecular aspects of certain brain abnormalities and disorders based on prenatal ultrasound assessment and clinical findings. Additionally some risk determinants are included in order to elucidate its contribution to molecular mechanism underlying the disease development. Making a specific diagnosis of a genetically determined neurological disorder or defects requires access to a laboratory that can assist in arranging for appropriate testing to be carried out. Therefore this review contains technological aspects of molecular genetic testing, international guidelines and policies related to genetic testing and recommendation for application in clinical medicine.


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