National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion


Other Names:
15q25.2 deletion; 15q25.2 deletion syndrome
Chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion is a chromosome abnormality that can affect many parts of the body. People with this condition are missing a small piece (deletion) of chromosome 15 at a location designated q25.2. The signs and symptoms vary but usually include mild to moderate intellectual disability and developmental delay. Some people may also have poor growth, anemia and/or physical abnormalities. Most cases are not inherited, although affected individuals can pass the deletion on to their children. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 11/5/2014
The features of chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion are not well described because it is very rare with only nine affected people reported to date. The known signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:[1][2][3]
Last updated: 11/5/2014
Chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion often occurs sporadically as a random event when the egg or the sperm is made. There is nothing that an individual can do to cause or prevent this deletion from happening.

Most people with this deletion are missing a piece of chromosome 15 that contains 27 genes. Although many of these genes are poorly understood, it is suspected that the absence of these genes contributes to the different signs and symptoms seen with this deletion.[2]
Last updated: 11/5/2014
Chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion is usually not inherited.[2] The deletion often occurs sporadically as a random event during the formation of the egg or sperm. In this case, an individual would have no family history of the condition but could pass the deletion on to children.

Rarely, this deletion is passed down from parent to child.[3] However, the symptoms and severity can vary between family members.
Last updated: 11/5/2014
Because chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion affects many different systems of the body, medical management is often provided by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Treatment for this deletion varies because it depends on the signs and symptoms present in each person. For example, babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia may need surgery. Children with bone or muscle abnormalities and/or delayed motor milestones (i.e. walking) may be referred for physical or occupational therapy. Speech therapy may be recommended for children with delayed speech. Certain medications may be prescribed to treat seizures. Because people with this deletion are at risk for anemia and certain types of cancer (acute myeloid leukemia, osteosarcoma), they may be screened regularly for these conditions.[1][3]

Please speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your personal medical management plan.
Last updated: 11/5/2014

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These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Chromosome 15q25.2 microdeletion. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Wat MJ, Enciso VB, Wiszniewski W, Resnick T, Bader P, Roeder ER, Freedenberg D, Brown C, Stankiewicz P, Cheung SW, Scott DA. Recurrent microdeletions of 15q25.2 are associated with increased risk of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cognitive deficits and possibly Diamond--Blackfan anaemia. Med Genet. November, 2010; 47(11):777-781. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225959/.
  2. Palumbo O, Palumbo P, Palladino T, Stallone R, Miroballo M, Piemontese MR, Zelante L, Carella M. An emerging phenotype of interstitial 15q25.2 microdeletions: clinical report and review. Am J Med Genet. December, 2012; 158A(12):3182-3189.
  3. Doelken SC, Seeger K, Hundsdoerfer P, Weber-Ferro W, Klopocki E, Graul-Neumann L. Proximal and distal 15q25.2 microdeletions-genotype-phenotype delineation of two neurodevelopmental susceptibility loci. Am J Med Genet. January, 2013; 161A(1):218-224.