Molecular Characteristics of Sequence Variants in GATA4 in Patients with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development without Cardiac Defects

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 240-245
Author(s):  
Jin-Ho Choi ◽  
Yena Lee ◽  
Arum Oh ◽  
Gu-Hwan Kim ◽  
Han-Wook Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Heart Defects ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Pathogenic Mutation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Sequence Variants ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Stimulation Tests

A <i>GATA4</i> haploinsufficiency has been well described in patients with congenital heart defects (CHDs), whilst only a few studies have reported mutations related to a 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD) phenotype. This study investigated the clinical phenotypes and molecular characteristics of two 46,XY DSD patients harboring <i>GATA4</i> variants. Mutation analysis was performed using a targeted gene panel or whole-exome sequencing. The transactivation activity of each variant protein was examined by in vitro luciferase reporter assay using the <i>AMH</i> and <i>SRY</i> promoters. Subject 1 presented with a micropenis and hypospadias. Subject 2 showed complete female external genitalia with a 46,XY karyotype. Both patients were responsive to hCG stimulation tests and did not manifest CHD. A novel heterozygous variant, c.643A>G (p.R215G), in <i>GATA4</i> was identified in Subject 1, whereas Subject 2 harbored a previously reported variant, c.1220C>A (p.P407Q), in <i>GATA4</i> and a previously known pathogenic mutation, i.e., c.226C>T (p.Q76*) in the <i>AR</i> gene. The reporter assays using the <i>SRY</i> and <i>AMH</i> promoters revealed decreased transcriptional activity of both p.P407Q and p.R215G. However, the <i>GATA4</i> p.P407Q variant was classified as likely benign. In conclusion, it is essential to integrate clinical features and endocrine findings when interpreting sequence variants.

scholarly journals SUN-074 Loss-Of-Function Mutations in GATA4 in Patients with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development Without Cardiac Defects

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yena Lee ◽  
Arum Oh ◽  
Han-Wook Yoo ◽  
Jin-Ho Choi
Keyword(s):  
Heart Defects ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Incomplete Penetrance ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background: Disorders of sex development (DSD) encompass a wide range of conditions associated with numerous causative genes. In about 50-60% of 46,XY DSD individuals, the underlying molecular cause remains uncertain. GATA4 haploinsufficiency has been described in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD), while only a few studies reported mutations related to 46,XY DSD phenotype. This study investigated clinical phenotypes and molecular characteristics of two 46,XY DSD patients with GATA4 mutations. Methods: Mutation analysis was performed in patients with 46,XY DSD by whole exome sequencing (WES) using Illumina NextSeq platform. Clinical and endocrine characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. GATA4 variants identified by WES were verified by Sanger sequencing. Functional activity of GATA4 variants was tested by luciferase reporter assay on the SRY and AMH promoter using two different cell systems including HEK293 and NCI-H295R. Results: Subject 1 presented with micropenis and hypospadias at the age of 5 months. Karyotype was 46,XY. Mullerian duct remnants were not found in pelvic ultrasound. The patient underwent urethroplasty at the age of 10 months and was reared as a male. Subject 2 with complete female external genitalia was referred to our hospital because of 46,XY karyotype on G-scanning. The patient underwent laparoscopic orchiectomy at the age of 1.8 years and was assigned as a female. Both patients were responsive to hCG stimulation tests and did not have CHD. Subject 1 harbored a novel heterozygous variant of c.643A&gt;G (p.R215G)] in GATA4, whereas a previously reported variant of c.1220C&gt;A (p.P407Q) was identified in Subject 2. In vitro luciferase reporter assays using SRY and AMH promoter revealed decreased transcriptional activity of both p.P407Q and p.R215G. Conclusions: This study expanded phenotypic spectrum of mutations in GATA4 in patients with 46,XY DSD without CHD. GATA4 mutations in patients with 46,XY DSD may not be associated with CHD. Possible explanations for phenotypical variability comprise incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity, and oligogenic mechanisms.

scholarly journals A Survey of Compound Heterozygous Variants in Pediatric Cancers and Structural Birth Defects

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin B. Miller ◽  
Stephen R. Piccolo
Keyword(s):  
Heart Defects ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Compound Heterozygous ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Alternative Mechanism ◽  
Disease Development ◽  
Data Resource ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Gene Copies ◽  
Compound Heterozygous Variants

Compound heterozygous (CH) variants occur when two recessive alleles are inherited and the variants are located at different loci within the same gene in a given individual. CH variants are important contributors to many different types of recessively inherited diseases. However, many studies overlook CH variants because identification of this type of variant requires knowing the parent of origin for each nucleotide. Using computational methods, haplotypes can be inferred using a process called “phasing,” which estimates the chromosomal origin of most nucleotides. In this paper, we used germline, phased, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data to identify CH variants across seven pediatric diseases (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: n = 16, congenital heart defects: n = 709, disorders of sex development: n = 79, ewing sarcoma: n = 287, neuroblastoma: n = 259, orofacial cleft: n = 107, and syndromic cranial dysinnervation: n = 172), available as parent-child trios in the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center. Relatively little is understood about the genetic underpinnings of these diseases. We classified CH variants as “potentially damaging” based on minor allele frequencies (MAF), Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion scores, variant impact on transcription or translation, and gene-level frequencies in the disease group compared to a healthy population. For comparison, we also identified homozygous alternate (HA) variants, which affect both gene copies at a single locus; HA variants represent an alternative mechanism of recessive disease development and do not require phasing. Across all diseases, 2.6% of the samples had a potentially damaging CH variant and 16.2% had a potentially damaging HA variant. Of these samples with potentially damaging variants, the average number of genes per sample was 1 with a CH variant and 1.25 with a HA variant. Across all samples, 5.1 genes per disease had a CH variant, while 35.6 genes per disease had a HA variant; on average, only 4.3% of these variants affected common genes. Therefore, when seeking to identify potentially damaging variants of a putatively recessive disease, CH variants should be considered as potential contributors to disease development. If CH variants are excluded from analysis, important candidate genes may be overlooked.

scholarly journals Characterising SRD5A2 Gene Variants in 37 Indonesian Patients with 5-Alpha-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nanis S. Marzuki ◽  
Firman P. Idris ◽  
Hannie D. Kartapradja ◽  
Alida R. Harahap ◽  
Jose R. L. Batubara
Keyword(s):  
Autosomal Recessive ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Compound Heterozygous ◽  
Phenotypic Characteristics ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Srd5a2 Gene ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
Autosomal Recessive Condition

The 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5ARD2) is an autosomal recessive condition associated with impairment in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This condition leads to undervirilisation in 46,XY individuals. To date, there have been more than 100 variations identified in the gene responsible for 5ARD2 development (steroid 5-alpha-reductase 2, SRD5A2). However, few studies have examined the molecular characterisation of Indonesian 5ARD2 cases. In the current study, we analysed 37 subjects diagnosed with 46,XY DSD (disorders of sex development) with confirmed variations in the SRD5A2 gene. We examined results from testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) and urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone (Et/An) ratios, as well as from molecular and clinical analyses. Twelve variants in the SRD5A2 gene were identified, and 6 of which were novel, namely, c.34–38delGinsCCAGC, p.Arg50His, p.Tyr136∗, p.Gly191Arg, p.Phe194Ile, and p.Ile253Val variants. Moreover, we determined that 20 individuals contained harmful mutations, while the remaining 17 variants were benign. Those containing harmful mutations exhibited more severe phenotypes with median external genitalia masculinisation scores (EMS) of 3 (1.5–9) and were more likely to be diagnosed at a later age, reared as female, and virilised at pubertal age. In addition, the respective sensitivities for detecting severe 5ARD2 cases using T/DHT (cutoff: 10) and urinary Et/An ratios (cutoff: 0.95) were 85% and 90%, whereas mild cases were only identified with 64.7% and 47.1% sensitivity, respectively. Although we were unable to identify clear correlations between genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in this study, we clearly showed that individuals who were homozygous or compound heterozygous for any of the harmful mutations were more likely to exhibit classic 5ARD2 phenotypes, lower EMS, female assignment at birth, and virilisation during puberty. These results serve to inform the development of improved clinical and molecular 5ARD2 diagnostic approaches, specifically in Indonesian patients.

scholarly journals Analysis of the gene coding for steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1, NR5A1) in a cohort of 50 Egyptian patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development

2014 ◽  
Vol 170 (5) ◽  
pp. 759-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Tantawy ◽  
Inas Mazen ◽  
Hala Soliman ◽  
Ghada Anwar ◽  
Abeer Atef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Steroidogenic Factor 1 ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Future Fertility

ObjectiveSteroidogenic factor 1 (SF1, NR5A1) is a key transcriptional regulator of genes involved in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Recently, SF1 mutations were found to be a frequent cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) in humans. We investigate the frequency of NR5A1 mutations in an Egyptian cohort of XY DSD.DesignClinical assessment, endocrine evaluation and genetic analysis of 50 Egyptian XY DSD patients (without adrenal insufficiency) with a wide phenotypic spectrum.MethodsMolecular analysis of NR5A1 gene by direct sequencing followed by in vitro functional analysis of the two novel missense mutations detected.ResultsThree novel heterozygous mutations of the coding region in patients with hypospadias were detected. p.Glu121AlafsX25 results in severely truncated protein, p.Arg62Cys lies in DNA-binding zinc finger, whereas p.Ala154Thr lies in the hinge region of SF1 protein. Transactivation assays using reporter constructs carrying promoters of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), CYP11A1 and TESCO core enhancer of Sox9 showed that p.Ala154Thr and p.Arg62Cys mutations result in aberrant biological activity of NR5A1. A total of 17 patients (34%) harboured the p.Gly146Ala polymorphism.ConclusionWe identified two novel NR5A1 mutations showing impaired function in 23 Egyptian XY DSD patients with hypospadias (8.5%). This is the first study searching for NR5A1 mutations in oriental patients from the Middle East and Arab region with XY DSD and no adrenal insufficiency, revealing a frequency similar to that in European patients (6.5–15%). We recommend screening of NR5A1 in patients with hypospadias and gonadal dysgenesis. Yearly follow-ups of gonadal function and early cryoconservation of sperms should be performed in XY DSD patients with NR5A1 mutations given the risk of future fertility problems due to early gonadal failure.

177. A MECHANISM UNDERLYING DISORDERS OF SEX DEVELOPMENT CAUSED BY DAX1 DUPLICATION

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
L. Ludbrook ◽  
R. Sekido ◽  
R. Lovell-Badge ◽  
V. Harley
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Nuclear Hormone Receptor ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Sox9 Expression ◽  
Transgenic Mouse Line ◽  
Sex Development

The DAX1 protein is an orphan nuclear hormone receptor expressed in developing and adult hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal and gonadal tissues. In humans, duplication of the DAX1 gene at locus Xp21 causes Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), whereby XY individuals develop as females, due to the failure of testicular development. DAX1 acts as a co-factor for nuclear receptor-mediated transcription of steroidogenic genes. In mice, overexpression of a Dax1 transgene causes delayed testis cord formation, a milder phenotype than that seen in human (1). Exactly how DAX1 duplication interferes with typical testicular development is unclear but a ‘window' of DAX1 activity was proposed (2). In order to identify the mechanism of DAX1 action when overexpressed in the developing XY gonad, we have used both in vivo and in vitro approaches. We hypothesised that, when present in excess, DAX1 must repress the action of early testis-forming genes. We investigated the effect of Dax1 over expression, using the Dax1 transgenic mouse line, Dax1812 (1), on expression of Sox9, a critical testis-forming gene. Immunostaining of Dax1812 gonads revealed reduced Sox9 expression, suggesting excess Dax1 antagonises Sox9 upregulation during the early stages of sex determination. To determine whether antagonism of Sox9 was occurring at the transcriptional level we assessed the effect of excess Dax1 on the activity of the Testis-Specific Enhancer of Sox9 (TES), which drives Sox9 transcription in the developing XY gonad (3). In combination, the in vivo and in vitro evidence strongly suggests that Dax1, when present in excess, can repress Sox9 expression through TES and that this repression occurs through inhibition of Steroidogenic Factor-1 activity. With this work we have identified a potential mechanism for disruption of the male-specific sex determination pathway caused by DAX1 duplication and leading to DSD in XY individuals.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Hypothalamus Reveals Genes Associated With Disorders of Sex Development in Pigs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuwen Tan ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Haiquan Zhao ◽  
Jinhua Wu ◽  
Hui Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Rna Isolation ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Regulation Mechanism ◽  
Normal Female ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Mirna Expression Profiles ◽  
Hormone Biosynthesis

Abstract Background Disorders of sex development (DSD) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, pathological osteogenesis, and endocrine abnormality. However, its genetic etiology remains mostly unknown. In addition, little research focuses on the regulation mechanism from the view of transcriptomics in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA). The hypothalamus is the integrated center of the HPGA mediating neural, hormonal, and environmental stimulus to sex development. Methods Three XX-DSD (SRY-negative) pig (DSD) and three NF pigs (five months old, 40 kg ± 5 kg) were selected by external genitalia observation and sex determining region Y gene (SRY) detection. The hypothalamus were sampled for RNA isolation, and the mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA expression profiles were analyzed by sequencing. Results A total of 1,258 lncRNAs, 1,086 mRNAs, and 61 microRNAs were found to differentially express in XX-DSD pigs compared with normal female pigs. Many genes in hormone biosynthesis and secretion pathway are significantly up-regulated, and the up-regulation of GNRH1, KISS1 and AVP may be the candidate genes leading the abnormal secretion of GnRH. Next, we predicted the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression triplets and constructed three competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) potentially associated with DSD. Functional enrichment suggested TCONS_00340886, TCONS_00000204 and miR-181a were related to GnRH secretion. Conclusions Our research revealed the first transcriptomic profile in the hypothalamus of XX-DSD pigs and provided new insight in coding and non-coding RNAs that may be associated with DSD in pigs.

scholarly journals MAMLD1 and Differences/Disorders of Sex Development: An Update

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mami Miyado ◽  
Maki Fukami ◽  
Tsutomu Ogata
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Gene Interactions ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Ovarian Dysfunction ◽  
Causative Gene ◽  
Fetal Testis ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Age Dependent

<i>MAMLD1</i> (alias <i>CXorf6</i>) was first documented in 2006 as a causative gene of 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). <i>MAMLD1</i>/<i>Mamld1</i> is expressed in the fetal testis and is predicted to enhance the expression of several Leydig cell-specific genes. To date, hemizygous <i>MAMLD1</i> variants have been identified in multiple 46,XY individuals with hypomasculinized external genitalia. Pathogenic <i>MAMLD1</i> variants are likely to cause genital abnormalities at birth and are possibly associated with age-dependent deterioration of testicular function. In addition, some <i>MAMLD1</i> variants have been identified in 46,XX individuals with ovarian dysfunction. However, recent studies have raised the possibility that <i>MAMLD1</i> variants cause 46,XY DSD and ovarian dysfunction as oligogenic disorders. Unsolved issues regarding MAMLD1 include the association between <i>MAMLD1</i> variants and 46,XX testicular DSD, gene-gene interactions in the development of <i>MAMLD1</i>-mediated DSD, and intracellular functions of MAMLD1.

scholarly journals AMH and AMHR2 Involvement in Congenital Disorders of Sex Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Franco G. Brunello ◽  
Rodolfo A. Rey
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Female Fetus ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Mullerian Ducts ◽  
Gene Maps

Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is 1 of the 2 testicular hormones involved in male development of the genitalia during fetal life. When the testes differentiate, AMH is secreted by Sertoli cells and binds to its specific receptor type II (AMHR2) on the müllerian ducts, inducing their regression. In the female fetus, the lack of AMH allows the müllerian ducts to form the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the upper part of the vagina. The human <i>AMH</i> gene maps to 19p13.3 and consists of 5 exons and 4 introns spanning 2,764 bp. The <i>AMHR2</i> gene maps to 12q13.13, consists of 11 exons, and is 7,817 bp long. Defects in the AMH pathway are the underlying etiology of a subgroup of disorders of sex development (DSD) in 46,XY patients. The condition is known as the persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), characterized by the existence of a uterus and fallopian tubes in a boy with normally virilized external genitalia. Approximately 200 cases of patients with PMDS have been reported to date with clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic characterization. An updated review is provided in this paper. With highly sensitive techniques, AMH and AMHR2 expression has also been detected in other tissues, and massive sequencing technologies have unveiled variants in <i>AMH</i> and <i>AMHR2</i> genes in hitherto unsuspected conditions.

scholarly journals Disorders of Sex Development of Adrenal Origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela P. Finkielstain ◽  
Ana Vieites ◽  
Ignacio Bergadá ◽  
Rodolfo A. Rey
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Hydroxylase Deficiency ◽  
Trophic Effect ◽  
Salt Wasting ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
21 Hydroxylase Deficiency

Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are anomalies occurring in the process of fetal sexual differentiation that result in a discordance between the chromosomal sex and the sex of the gonads and/or the internal and/or external genitalia. Congenital disorders affecting adrenal function may be associated with DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals, but the pathogenic mechanisms differ. While in 46,XX cases, the adrenal steroidogenic disorder is responsible for the genital anomalies, in 46,XY patients DSD results from the associated testicular dysfunction. Primary adrenal insufficiency, characterized by a reduction in cortisol secretion and overproduction of ACTH, is the rule. In addition, patients may exhibit aldosterone deficiency leading to salt-wasting crises that may be life-threatening. The trophic effect of ACTH provokes congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Adrenal steroidogenic defects leading to 46,XX DSD are 21-hydroxylase deficiency, by far the most prevalent, and 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to StAR defects, and cytochrome P450scc and P450c17 deficiencies cause DSD in 46,XY newborns. Mutations in SF1 may also result in combined adrenal and testicular failure leading to DSD in 46,XY individuals. Finally, impaired activities of 3βHSD2 or POR may lead to DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of the above-mentioned disorders are critically reviewed, with a special focus on the latest biomarkers and therapeutic development.

scholarly journals Disorders of Sex Development: Can You Be Sure This Baby Is A Boy or Girl? We Must See Beyond The Diagnosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
Mohammed Shadrul Alam ◽  
Mirza Kamrul Zahid ◽  
Paritosh Kumar Palit ◽  
Abhi Kumar Chakraborty ◽  
Nirupama Saha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Newborn Children

Throughout the pregnancy, the parents have anticipated whether their child will be a boy or a girl. No part of a newborn baby’s anatomy arouses as much interest initially as the external genitalia. Most newborn children have the typical features of a boy or girl, but in some cases the baby’s sex can’t be clearly identified. Infants born with ambiguous or abnormal genitalia may have indeterminate phenotypic sex.1 Disorders of sex development (DSDs), formerly termed intersex conditions, are congenital conditions in which development of the chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex is atypical and may affect up to 1:1000 individuals in the population.2 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2018, Vol.10(2); 103-110

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