What is Superman Syndrome?

Superman syndrome, also known as 47, XYY, is a condition classified as a chromosomal aneuploidy (which is an abnormality in chromosome structure and/or number) in which males have an additional Y chromosome.

y chromosomeImage Credit: Rost9 / Shutterstock.com

The normal male sex chromosomes are XY; in the case of Superman syndrome, males possess one additional Y chromosome in addition to the paternally inherited Y chromosome. As with other sex-linked aneuploidies, which describe sex chromosomal arrangements that differ from the normal 46, XX in females and 46, XY in males, this congenital condition is compatible with life.

The term ‘superman’ refers to the presence of the additional male-defining Y chromosome and affects approximately 1 in every 850 males. The 47, XYY karyotype, which describes the number and appearance of the chromosomes in a cell, is associated with neurodevelopmental impairments, including symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The 47, XYY condition is the most common of all aneuploidies and has generated much scientific interest given early research, which suggested an association between this karyotype and the likelihood of violent crimes. Later research, which examined the association between violent crime and the condition in larger cohorts, debunked this. Instead, these studies uncovered the stronger correlation between the risk of neurodevelopmental difficulties and the possession of the 47, XYY karyotype.

The hallmarks of Superman Syndrome

A present, the neurodevelopmental phenotype of XYY is associated with a lower-than-average intelligence quotient (IQ), impediments in speech and language, learning difficulties, poor performance in school, difficulties with social interaction, and poor attention span.

The deficit in IQ is quantifiably lowered by 10 points on average, according to studies examining cognitive ability in XYY males. This deficit primarily affects the verbal processing centers in the brain and translates to language delays, and associated language development handicap in birth cohorts (in which XYY is diagnosed at birth) as well as clinical cohorts (diagnosis later in life).

With regard to difficulties in academic performance, XYY individuals find difficulty reading and show poor adaptive functioning. Adaptive functioning describes a person’s ability to function interpersonally in social situations. The challenge faced by XYY is surprising, as social function is not associated with lowered IQ.

However, consistent with reduced IQ and social functioning, XYY show statistically greater than average rates of intellectual disability relative to the general population. Most notable impairments in adaptive functioning include neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The association between XYY and ASD is an area of active research, motivated by observing a notable difference between the ratio of ASD in children possessing the normal 46, XY or XX and those with 47, XYYX. In a recent study, the rate of ASD in males with XYY chromosomes was determined at 14%. Other less prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions associated with XYY include mood and anxiety disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, and tic disorder.

General genetic characteristics of 47, XYY

The aneuploidy that is associated with XYY arises when a male receives an additional Y chromosome of paternal origin, resulting in a total chromosomal count of 47. The error that leads to this genotype arises from meiotic divisions in which non-disjunction, in which pairs of homologous chromosomes fail to separate during meiosis, the process of sex chromosome formation.

These structural disorders may be visible at the level of the light microscope i.e., cytogenetically visible; in cases where the structural changes are slightly more subtle, these changes are visible at the sub-microscopic level. The most prevalent structural abnormality is a balanced translocation – here, almost all or part of a chromosome is physically attached to another.

In the chromosome that remains ‘balanced’, genetic information is neither lost nor gained, and this chromosome is not usually associated with any phenotype unless the breakpoint (the point at which the chromosomes separate) is located at a gene. In this case, the chromosomes do not segregate normally, with the fetus at risk of losing or gaining genetic information.

These resultant fetuses are generally incapable of survival, can cause recurrent miscarriage. However, several will proceed to term with a number of mental and physical abnormalities.

Sources

Bardesley, M.D. et al. 47,XYY Syndrome: Clinical Phenotype and Timing of Ascertainment. J Pediatr. (2014) doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.05.037

Geerts, M. et al. The XYY syndrome: a follow-up study on 38 boys. Genet Couns (2003) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14577671

Schiavi, R.C. et al. Sex chromosome anomalies, hormones, and aggressivity. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1984 doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1984.01790120097012

Walzer, S. et al. Cognitive and behavioral factors in the learning disabilities of 47,XXY and 47,XYY boys. Birth Defects. Orig Artic Ser. (1990) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2090328

Bishop, D.A. et al. Autism, language and communication in children with sex chromosome trisomies. Arch Dis Child. (2010) doi: 10.1136/adc.2009.179747

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jan 15, 2020

Hidaya Aliouche

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Hidaya Aliouche

Hidaya is a science communications enthusiast who has recently graduated and is embarking on a career in the science and medical copywriting. She has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from The University of Manchester. She is passionate about writing and is particularly interested in microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry.

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Comments

  1. Carol Meerschaert Carol Meerschaert United States says:

    As the Executive Director of AXYS, the Association for X & Y Variations (genetic.org), an advocacy, education and support organization for individuals with X & Y chromosome variations and their families, I applaud your article helping raise awareness of XYY.

    Many boys and men with 47,XYY have no symptoms at all. Others can demonstrate significant developmental and behavioral issues. Approximately 30 percent of affected boys have mild autism, but nearly all develop functional language skills.

    We offer support groups and information for those with XYY. Please visit genetic.org for more information.

    • Kurtb Kirby Kurtb Kirby United States says:

      I didn't think there were people who were involved in the variations of X and Y.  Your comment is so helpful to me. I was told of a suspected Klinefelters syndrome when I was 15 and hadn't started developing any signs of (male) puberty.  I haven't confirmed it yet as I'm still learning more and more about this syndrome.  I literally had no pubic or body hair up until 18-20 when I was already incarcerated in state prison. Being in prison placed higher level security due to my behavioral issues, but with the looks of a prepubescent teen was a pretty terrible experience.  I paroled at 21 years old at 6'6" tall and no facial hair. Even at 36 years old I still can't grow a beard. Worked out everyday and still little progress with muscle growth. I do have a nice perky set of 'b' cup breasts though.

      I hope to chat with you and others on genetic.org.

  2. Zaber Ahmed Zaber Ahmed Bangladesh says:

    I wonder what would happen to a person who XXYY chromosomes instead of XYY where there is an imbalance of chromosome number pairing. I think that a person with XXYY chromosomes type would be balanced like a regular male human even though maybe huge in size

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
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