scholarly journals Wnt Signaling in Ovarian Development Inhibits Sf1 Activation of Sox9 via the Tesco Enhancer

Endocrinology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 901-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Bernard ◽  
Janelle Ryan ◽  
Helena Sim ◽  
Daniel P. Czech ◽  
Andrew H. Sinclair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Ovary Development ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Sox9 Expression ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Culture Models

Genome analysis of patients with disorders of sex development, and gain- and loss-of-function studies in mice indicate that gonadal development is regulated by opposing signals. In females, the Wnt/β-catenin canonical pathway blocks testicular differentiation by repressing the expression of the Sertoli cell-specific gene Sox9 by an unknown mechanism. Using cell and embryonic gonad culture models, we show that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibits the expression of Sox9 and Amh, whereas mRNA and protein levels of Sry and steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1), two key transcriptional regulators of Sox9, are not altered. Ectopic activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in male gonads led to a loss of Sf1 binding to the Tesco enhancer and absent Sox9 expression that we also observed in wild-type ovaries. Moreover, ectopic Wnt/β-catenin signaling induced the expression of the female somatic cell markers, Bmp2 and Rspo1, as a likely consequence of Sox9 loss. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in XY gonads did not, however, affect gene expression of the steroidogenic Leydig cell Sf1 target gene, Cyp11a1, or Sf1 binding to the Cyp11a1 promoter. Our data support a model in ovary development whereby activation of β-catenin prevents Sf1 binding to the Sox9 enhancer, thereby inhibiting Sox9 expression and Sertoli cell differentiation.

scholarly journals Disorders of Sex Development in Individuals Harbouring MAMLD1 Variants: WES and Interactome Evidence of Oligogenic Inheritance

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lele Li ◽  
Fenqi Gao ◽  
Lijun Fan ◽  
Chang Su ◽  
Xuejun Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Development ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Clinical Series ◽  
Oligogenic Inheritance ◽  
Mode Of Inheritance

Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has been shown to play an important role in the process of sexual development and is associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSDs). However, the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs remains disputable. In this study, we have described a clinical series on children from unrelated families with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for each patient. WES data were filtered using common tools and disease customisation algorithms, including comparison against lists of known and candidate MAMLD1-related and DSD-related genes. Lastly, we investigated the hypothesis that MAMLD1-related DSD may follow an oligogenic mode of inheritance. Forty-three potentially deleterious/candidate variants of 18 genes (RET, CDH23, MYO7A, NOTCH2, MAML1, MAML2, CYP1A1, WNT9B, GLI2, GLI3, MAML3, WNT9A, FRAS1, PIK3R3, FREM2, PTPN11, EVC, and FLNA) were identified, which may have contributed to the patient phenotypes. MYO7A was the most commonly identified gene. Specific gene combinations were also identified. In the interactome analysis, MAMLD1 exhibited direct connection with MAML1/2/3 and NOTCH1/2. Through NOTCH1/2, the following eight genes were shown to be associated with MAMLD1:WNT9A/9B, GLI2/3, RET, FLNA, PTPN11, and EYA1. Our findings provide further evidence that individuals with MAMLD1-related 46,XY DSD could carry two or more variants of known DSD-related genes, and the phenotypic outcome of affected individuals might be determined by multiple genes.

scholarly journals Mutational and functional studies on NR5A1 gene in 46,XY disorders of sex development: identification of six novel loss of function mutations

2018 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 1105-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Santa Rocca ◽  
Rita Ortolano ◽  
Soara Menabò ◽  
Federico Baronio ◽  
Alessandra Cassio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Sex Development

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.

Predominant Sertoli cell deficiency in a 46,XY disorders of sex development patient with a new NR5A1/SF-1 mutation transmitted by his unaffected father

2011 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 1788.e5-1788.e9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Philibert ◽  
Michel Polak ◽  
Ana Colmenares ◽  
Stephen Lortat-Jacob ◽  
Françoise Audran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Sex Development

scholarly journals ZNRF3 functions in mammalian sex determination by inhibiting canonical WNT signaling

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (21) ◽  
pp. 5474-5479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Harris ◽  
Pam Siggers ◽  
Silvia Corrochano ◽  
Nick Warr ◽  
Danielle Sagar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Ovary Development ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Mutual Antagonism ◽  
Testis Determination ◽  
Direct Target ◽  
Canonical Wnt ◽  
Xy Female

Mammalian sex determination is controlled by the antagonistic interactions of two genetic pathways: The SRY-SOX9-FGF9 network promotes testis determination partly by opposing proovarian pathways, while RSPO1/WNT-β-catenin/FOXL2 signals control ovary development by inhibiting SRY-SOX9-FGF9. The molecular basis of this mutual antagonism is unclear. Here we show that ZNRF3, a WNT signaling antagonist and direct target of RSPO1-mediated inhibition, is required for sex determination in mice. XY mice lacking ZNRF3 exhibit complete or partial gonadal sex reversal, or related defects. These abnormalities are associated with ectopic WNT/β-catenin activity and reduced Sox9 expression during fetal sex determination. Using exome sequencing of individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development, we identified three human ZNRF3 variants in very rare cases of XY female presentation. We tested two missense variants and show that these disrupt ZNRF3 activity in both human cell lines and zebrafish embryo assays. Our data identify a testis-determining function for ZNRF3 and indicate a mechanism of direct molecular interaction between two mutually antagonistic organogenetic pathways.

scholarly journals Genetic Analysis for the Diagnosis of Disorders of Sexual Development in Indonesia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Sultana MH Faradz
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Development ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Disorders Of Sexual Development ◽  
Sex Development

Disorders of sex development (DSD) is defined by congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical, while in clinical practice this term means any abnormality of the external genitalia. DSD patients have been managed by a multidisciplinary gender team in our center as collaboration between Dr. Kariadi province referral hospital and Faculty of Medicine Diponegoro University. Diagnosis should be established by specific physical examination hormonal, chromosomal and DNA studies; and imaging for most of the cases depending on indication.Since 2004 the involvement of molecular and cytogenetic analysis so far can diagnosed many of the DSD cases. Most of the genetically proven cases were Congenital Adrenal hyperplasia, Androgen Insensitivity syndrome and sex chromosomal DSD that lead abnormal gonadal development.  Many of them remain undiagnosed, further testing such as advanced DNA study should be carried out in collaboration with other center in overseas.The novel genes were found in some cases that contributed for the management of DSD.  Information for medical professionals, patients, family members and community about the availability and necessity of DSD diagnosis should be delivered to improve DSD management and patient quality of life.

Targeting the Non-Coding Genome for the Diagnosis of Disorders of Sex Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Gabby Atlas ◽  
Rajini Sreenivasan ◽  
Andrew Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Enhancer Activity ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Genomic Regions

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a complex group of conditions with highly variable clinical phenotypes, most often caused by failure of gonadal development. DSD are estimated to occur in around 1.7% of all live births. Whilst the understanding of genes involved in gonad development has increased exponentially, approximately 50% of patients with a DSD remain without a genetic diagnosis, possibly implicating non-coding genomic regions instead. Here, we review how variants in the non-coding genome of DSD patients can be identified using techniques such as array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to detect copy number variants (CNVs), and more recently, whole genome sequencing (WGS). Once a CNV in a patient’s non-coding genome is identified, putative regulatory elements such as enhancers need to be determined within these vast genomic regions. We will review the available online tools and databases that can be used to refine regions with potential enhancer activity based on chromosomal accessibility, histone modifications, transcription factor binding site analysis, chromatin conformation, and disease association. We will also review the current in vitro and in vivo techniques available to demonstrate the functionality of the identified enhancers. The review concludes with a clinical update on the enhancers linked to DSD.

scholarly journals FGF9 is a downstream target of SRY and sufficient to determine male sex fate in ex vivo XX gonad culture

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1300-1313
Author(s):  
Yi-Han Li ◽  
Tsung-Ming Chen ◽  
Bu-Miin Huang ◽  
Shang-Hsun Yang ◽  
Chia-Ching Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Male Sex

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an autocrine/paracrine growth factor that plays critical roles in embryonic and organ developments and is involved in diverse physiological events. Loss of function of FGF9 exhibits male-to-female sex reversal in the transgenic mouse model and gain of FGF9 copy number was found in human 46, XX sex reversal patient with disorders of sex development. These results suggested that FGF9 plays a vital role in male sex development. Nevertheless, how FGF9/Fgf9 expression is regulated during testis determination remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that human and mouse SRY bind to −833 to −821 of human FGF9 and −1010 to −998 of mouse Fgf9, respectively, and control FGF9/Fgf9 mRNA expression. Interestingly, we showed that mouse SRY cooperates with SF1 to regulate Fgf9 expression, whereas human SRY-mediated FGF9 expression is SF1 independent. Furthermore, using an ex vivo gonadal culture system, we showed that FGF9 expression is sufficient to switch cell fate from female to male sex development in 12–16 tail somite XX mouse gonads. Taken together, our findings provide evidence to support the SRY-dependent, fate-determining role of FGF9 in male sex development.

Ovotesticular disorders of sex development in FGF9 mouse models of human synostosis syndromes

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (13) ◽  
pp. 2148-2161
Author(s):  
Anthony D Bird ◽  
Brittany M Croft ◽  
Masayo Harada ◽  
Lingyun Tang ◽  
Liang Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Testis Development ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Mouse Mutants ◽  
Skeletal Defects ◽  
Xy Sex Reversal

Abstract In mice, male sex determination depends on FGF9 signalling via FGFR2c in the bipotential gonads to maintain the expression of the key testis gene SOX9. In humans, however, while FGFR2 mutations have been linked to 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), the role of FGF9 is unresolved. The only reported pathogenic mutations in human FGF9, FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G, are dominant and result in craniosynostosis (fusion of cranial sutures) or multiple synostoses (fusion of limb joints). Whether these synostosis-causing FGF9 mutations impact upon gonadal development and DSD etiology has not been explored. We therefore examined embryonic gonads in the well-characterized Fgf9 missense mouse mutants, Fgf9S99N and Fgf9N143T, which phenocopy the skeletal defects of FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G variants, respectively. XY Fgf9S99N/S99N and XY Fgf9N143T/N143T fetal mouse gonads showed severely disorganized testis cords and partial XY sex reversal at 12.5 days post coitum (dpc), suggesting loss of FGF9 function. By 15.5 dpc, testis development in both mutants had partly recovered. Mitotic analysis in vivo and in vitro suggested that the testicular phenotypes in these mutants arise in part through reduced proliferation of the gonadal supporting cells. These data raise the possibility that human FGF9 mutations causative for dominant skeletal conditions can also lead to loss of FGF9 function in the developing testis, at least in mice. Our data suggest that, in humans, testis development is largely tolerant of deleterious FGF9 mutations which lead to skeletal defects, thus offering an explanation as to why XY DSDs are rare in patients with pathogenic FGF9 variants.

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