We describe an example of incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina, two genetic properties classically associated with mutations in more complex organisms, such as green plants and animals. We show that the knockouts of two TRK-related K(+) transporters of this ascomycete present variability in their phenotype that cannot be attributed to fluc...

Whole-exome sequencing has enabled new approaches for discovering genes associated with monogenic disorders. One such approach is gene-based burden testing, in which the aggregate frequency of "qualifying variants" is compared between case and control subjects for each gene. Despite substantial successes of this approach, the genetic causes for many monogenic disorders remain unknown or only pa...

HE genetics of petal color and venation in the papilionate flower of the pigeon pea (Cajanus mian (L.) Millsp.) has been reported by DAVE (1934) and MENEZES (1 956), who postulated four or five independent loci to govern these characters. In the present study of six different intervarietal crosses, however, evidence was obtained for a different and relatively complex genetic basis involving lin...

A large family is described in which patent ductus arteriosus in association with an unusual facial appearance affected nine family members in three generations. The segregation pattern suggests autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance with respect to the PDA. The facial features included a broad, high forehead, flat profile, and short nose with a broad, flattened tip.

In this issue of Cell, Sparrow et al. propose a new mechanism for sporadically occurring congenital scoliosis in which Notch signaling and hypoxia converge in the embryo on somite patterning via the segmentation clock. This interaction between hypoxia and a predisposed genetic background might underlie other birth defects with incomplete penetrance.

Alias Multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis (MCUL) Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) Note Multiple cutaneous leiomyomatosis (MCUL) is characterized by multiple leiomyomas of the skin and uterus. When associated with renal cell cancer, this syndrome is referred to as hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Inheritance Autosomal dominant with incompl...

Inherited anophthalmia was observed in the progeny of a female rat irradiated with 50 R of X-irradiation at 17 days of age. Observations on the inheritance of the condition indicated that this anophthalmia can be considered as the result of polygenic factors with incomplete penetrance.