Genetic Modifiers of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a disorder caused by the deletion of a small piece of chromosome 22. Most people with this disorder are missing a sequence of about 3 million DNA building blocks on chromosome 22 within each cell. This disorder affects many areas of the body. People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome may have heart defects, immune deficiency, kidney abnormalities, hearing loss, and cleft palate or other facial deformities. Many children experience developmental delays and learning disabilities, and they have an increased risk of developing mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, dep…