A balanced t(10;15) translocation in a male patient with developmental language disorder

We report the clinical and cytogenetic findings on a male child with developmental language disorder, no physical abnormalities, and a balanced t(10;15)(q24.1;q21.1) translocation. As the child's parents are unavailable for investigations, it is unclear whether the translocation is inherited or de novo. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were carried out using specific RP11-BAC clones mapping near 15q21.1 and 10q24.1 to refine the location of the breakpoints. The breakpoint on 15q21.1 interrupts the SEMA6D gene and the breakpoint on 10q24.1 is located between the ENTPD1 and CCNJ genes. The SEMA6D gene was further investigated in samples of individuals with developmental language disorders and controls; this investigation offered further evidence of the involvement of SEMA6D with developmental language disorders.

► We report a male child with a balanced t(10;15)(q24.1;q21.1) translocation.
► Breakpoints on chromosomes 15q21.1 interrupt the SEMA6D gene; the other breakpoint 10q24.1 disrupts the ENTPD1 and CCNJ genes.
► We argue that language functioning is a main target of this genomic lesion.