Definition

Biallelic variants in the DLL3 gene (19q13) disrupt the ligand function of DLL3 in the Notch signaling pathway, causing errors in somitogenesis and a resulting skeletal dysplasia with vertebral segmentation defects, rib misalignment, and partial rib fusions.

Gene/region examined

DLL3 - Exon 1, DLL3 - Exon 2, DLL3 - Exon 3, DLL3 - Exon 4, DLL3 - Exon 5, DLL3 - Exon 6, DLL3 - Exon 7, DLL3 - Exon 8, DLL3 - Exon 9

Method

Sequence analysis

Accepted sample types

EDTA blood, AF, CVS

Inheritance

Inherited, autosomal recessive.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

Go to term →

Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

Go to term →

VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

Go to term →

How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

Go to term →

Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

Go to term →