Intergenerational Regulation of Mosaic Supernumerary Chromosomes: Evidence for a Developmental Correction Mechanism from Clinical and Computational Models
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ABSTRACT: Objective This study presents a rare case of father-to-offspring mosaic transmission of a supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC) and, through integration of literature analysis and computational modeling, proposes a novel embryonic selection-based regulatory mechanism. Methods Karyotyping and SNP-array were performed on amniotic fluid, cord blood, and parental samples. A systematic review identified 35 additional mosaic SMC transmission cases. Four computational frameworks—agent-based simulation, logistic regression, Bayesian inference, and Markov chain modeling—were used to test the hypothesis of selective regulation during early embryogenesis. Results The father carried a mosaic SMC at 11p11 (57%), transmitted to the fetus (38% in amniotic fluid, 45% in cord blood), with both individuals phenotypically normal and no pathogenic CNVs detected. Literature analysis showed consistent patterns of equal or reduced mosaicism in offspring. Modeling revealed that mild selection pressures could replicate observed retention patterns, supporting a non-random, developmentally regulated mechanism. Conclusion The combined clinical, literature-based, and computational evidence supports a model in which early embryos selectively eliminate SMC+ cells to maintain mosaicism at non-pathogenic levels. This proposed “Shepherd Mechanism” may underlie intergenerational mosaic regulation and provides a theoretical foundation for improved prenatal counseling in mosaic cases.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE302224 | GEO | 2025/12/10
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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