Abstract

Chromosome 22 is an acrocentric chromosome containing 500–600 genes, representing 1.5–2% of the total DNA in cells. It was the first human chromosome to be fully sequenced by the Human Genome Project. Several syndromes involving the partial deletion or duplication of chromosome 22 are well descibed, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, 22q11.2 duplication syndrome, 22q11.2 distal deletion syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome caused by a 22q13 deletion or pathogenic variant in SHANK3, and cat-eye syndrome caused by a 22 pter–q11 duplication. This review aims to provide concise information on the clinical characteristics of these syndromes. In particular, the similarities in features among these syndromes, genetic basis, and standard detection techniques are described, providing guidance for diagnosis and genetic counselling.