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Gao Y, Wang Z, Long Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Ding D, Teng B, Chen M, Yuan J, Gao F. Unveiling the roles of Sertoli cells lineage differentiation in reproductive development and disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1357594. [PMID: 38699384 PMCID: PMC11063913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, gonadal somatic cell lineage differentiation determines the development of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary or testis. Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the spermatogenic tubules, support spermatogenesis during gonadal development. During embryonic Sertoli cell lineage differentiation, relevant genes, including WT1, GATA4, SRY, SOX9, AMH, PTGDS, SF1, and DMRT1, are expressed at specific times and in specific locations to ensure the correct differentiation of the embryo toward the male phenotype. The dysregulated development of Sertoli cells leads to gonadal malformations and male fertility disorders. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the embryonic origin of Sertoli cells remain elusive. By reviewing recent advances in research on embryonic Sertoli cell genesis and its key regulators, this review provides novel insights into sex determination in male mammals as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the genealogical differentiation of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zican Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Long
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lici Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjian Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongyu Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Teng
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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2
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Oketch DJA, Giulietti M, Piva F. Copy Number Variations in Pancreatic Cancer: From Biological Significance to Clinical Utility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:391. [PMID: 38203561 PMCID: PMC10779192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, characterized by high tumor heterogeneity and a poor prognosis. Inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity in PDAC is a major obstacle to effective PDAC treatment; therefore, it is highly desirable to explore the tumor heterogeneity and underlying mechanisms for the improvement of PDAC prognosis. Gene copy number variations (CNVs) are increasingly recognized as a common and heritable source of inter-individual variation in genomic sequence. In this review, we outline the origin, main characteristics, and pathological aspects of CNVs. We then describe the occurrence of CNVs in PDAC, including those that have been clearly shown to have a pathogenic role, and further highlight some key examples of their involvement in tumor development and progression. The ability to efficiently identify and analyze CNVs in tumor samples is important to support translational research and foster precision oncology, as copy number variants can be utilized to guide clinical decisions. We provide insights into understanding the CNV landscapes and the role of both somatic and germline CNVs in PDAC, which could lead to significant advances in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Although there has been significant progress in this field, understanding the full contribution of CNVs to the genetic basis of PDAC will require further research, with more accurate CNV assays such as single-cell techniques and larger cohorts than have been performed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Giulietti
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Aghaei S, Parvizpour S, Farrokhi E, Molavi N, Hoseinzadeh M, Tabatabaiefar MA. Characterization of a novel androgen receptor gene variant identified in an Iranian family with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS): a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9850-9864. [PMID: 36411944 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2148125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a common form of 46, XY disorder in sex development disease (DSD). It is due to the androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations and includes clinical subgroups of complete AIS (CAIS) and partial AIS (PAIS), along with a vast area of clinical heterogeneity of completely normal female external genitalia to male infertility. In this study, the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was utilized to detect the cause of DSD in a consanguineous Iranian family with two female patients with normal external genitalia and 46, XY karyotype. Sanger sequencing was applied to validate the candidate variant. Next, we predicted the structural alteration induced by the variant on AR protein using bioinformatics analysis such as molecular dynamic (MD) and molecular docking simulations. WES results identified a novel hemizygous p.L763V variant in the AR gene in the proband that was compatible with the X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. Bioinformatics studies confirmed the loss of AR function. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, it was categorized as pathogenic. This study broadens the AR mutation spectrum and introduces the novel p.L763V missense pathogenic variant leading to AR failure to bind to its ligand, and the resulting CAIS clinical subgroup. This study presents a prosperous application of WES and bioinformatics analysis to recognize the underlying cause of DSD in Iran, necessary for its clinical/psychological management.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Aghaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sepideh Parvizpour
- Research center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Effat Farrokhi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Newsha Molavi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Hoseinzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Tabatabaiefar
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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4
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Sreenivasan R, Gonen N, Sinclair A. SOX Genes and Their Role in Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2022; 16:80-91. [PMID: 35760052 DOI: 10.1159/000524453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX genesare master regulatory genes controlling development and are fundamental to the establishment of sex determination in a multitude of organisms. The discovery of the master sex-determining gene SRY in 1990 was pivotal for the understanding of how testis development is initiated in mammals. With this discovery, an entire family of SOX factors were uncovered that play crucial roles in cell fate decisions during development. The importance of SOX genes in human reproductive development is evident from the various disorders of sex development (DSD) upon loss or overexpression of SOX gene function. Here, we review the roles that SOX genes play in gonad development and their involvement in DSD. We start with an overview of sex determination and differentiation, DSDs, and the SOX gene family and function. We then provide detailed information and discussion on SOX genes that have been implicated in DSDs, both at the gene and regulatory level. These include SRY, SOX9, SOX3, SOX8, and SOX10. This review provides insights on the crucial balance of SOX gene expression levels needed for gonad development and maintenance and how changes in these levels can lead to DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Sreenivasan
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
In 46,XY men, testis is determined by a genetic network(s) that both promotes testis formation and represses ovarian development. Disruption of this process results in a lack of testis-determination and affected individuals present with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD), a part of the spectrum of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development/Determination (DSD). A minority of all cases of GD are associated with pathogenic variants in key players of testis-determination, SRY, SOX9, MAP3K1 and NR5A1. However, most of the cases remain unexplained. Recently, unbiased exome sequencing approaches have revealed new genes and loci that may cause 46,XY GD. We critically evaluate the evidence to support causality of these factors and describe how functional studies are continuing to improve our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in genes that are established causes of GD. As genomic data continues to be generated from DSD cohorts, we propose several recommendations to help interpret the data and establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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6
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A Novel WT1 Mutation Identified in a 46,XX Testicular/Ovotesticular DSD Patient Results in the Retention of Intron 9. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121248. [PMID: 34943163 PMCID: PMC8698877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Disorders/differences of sexual development are very diverse. Among them is a condition characterized by the presence of testicular tissue in people with female chromosomes, which is typically manifested by male or ambiguous genitalia. While genetic counseling is beneficial for these people and their families, the genetic causes of these cases are only partially understood. We describe a new mutation in the WT1 gene that results in the presence of testicular tissue in a child with a female karyotype. We propose molecular mechanisms disrupted by this mutation. This finding widened our understanding of processes that govern sexual development and can be used to develop diagnostic tests for disorders/differences of sexual development. Abstract The 46,XX testicular DSD (disorder/difference of sexual development) and 46,XX ovotesticular DSD (46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD) phenotypes are caused by genetic rearrangements or point mutations resulting in imbalance between components of the two antagonistic, pro-testicular and pro-ovarian pathways; however, the genetic causes of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD are not fully understood, and molecular diagnosis for many patients with the conditions is unavailable. Only recently few mutations in the WT1 (WT1 transcription factor; 11p13) gene were described in a group of 46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD individuals. The WT1 protein contains a DNA/RNA binding domain consisting of four zinc fingers (ZnF) and a three-amino acid (KTS) motif that is present or absent, as a result of alternative splicing, between ZnF3 and ZnF4 (±KTS isoforms). Here, we present a patient with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD in whom whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo WT1 c.1437A>G mutation within an alternative donor splice site which is used for −KTS WT1 isoform formation. So far, no mutation in this splice site has been identified in any patient group. We demonstrated that the mutation results in the retention of intron 9 in the mature mRNA of the 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD patient. In cases when the erroneous mRNA is translated, exclusively the expression of a truncated WT1 +KTS protein lacking ZnF4 and no −KTS protein occurs from the mutated allele of the patient. We discuss potential mechanisms and pathways which can be disturbed upon two conditions: Absence of Zn4F and altered +KTS/−KTS ratio.
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Migale R, Neumann M, Lovell-Badge R. Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes. Sex Dev 2021; 15:360-380. [PMID: 34753143 DOI: 10.1159/000519891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, SOX9 and FOXL2, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.
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Ridnik M, Schoenfelder S, Gonen N. Cis-Regulatory Control of Mammalian Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:317-334. [PMID: 34710870 PMCID: PMC8743899 DOI: 10.1159/000519244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is the process by which an initial bipotential gonad adopts either a testicular or ovarian cell fate. The inability to properly complete this process leads to a group of developmental disorders classified as disorders of sex development (DSD). To date, dozens of genes were shown to play roles in mammalian sex determination, and mutations in these genes can cause DSD in humans or gonadal sex reversal/dysfunction in mice. However, exome sequencing currently provides genetic diagnosis for only less than half of DSD patients. This points towards a major role for the non-coding genome during sex determination. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of non-coding, cis-acting gene regulatory elements and discuss how they may control transcriptional programmes that underpin sex determination in the context of the 3-dimensional folding of chromatin. As a paradigm, we focus on the Sox9 gene, a prominent pro-male factor and one of the most extensively studied genes in gonadal cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshi Ridnik
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Stefan Schoenfelder
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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9
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Atlas G, Sreenivasan R, Sinclair A. Targeting the Non-Coding Genome for the Diagnosis of Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2021; 15:392-410. [PMID: 34634785 DOI: 10.1159/000519238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabby Atlas
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Qian Z, Grand K, Freedman A, Nieto MC, Behlmann A, Schweiger BM, Sanchez-Lara PA. Whole genome sequencing identifies a cryptic SOX9 regulatory element duplication underlying a case of 46,XX ovotesticular difference of sexual development. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:2782-2788. [PMID: 34050715 PMCID: PMC8453973 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Ovotesticular differences of sexual development (OT‐DSD) are rare genetic variances defined by the coexistence of both testicular and ovarian tissues. Various molecular etiologies including SRY translocation or SOX9 pathogenic variants with different modes of inheritance have been associated with 46,XX OT‐DSD. Here we describe a child diagnosed with SRY‐negative 46,XX OT‐DSD after completing a series of complex clinical genetic analyses, including chromosomal microarray, DSD gene panel (sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis), whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. Of these, only whole genome sequencing reported a pathogenic duplication in a non‐coding region that contains the RevSex regulatory element, which modifies SOX9 expression and is associated with 46,XX OT‐DSD and complete sex reversal. This is the first clinical RevSex duplication detected by clinical whole genome sequencing. We highlight the utility of whole genome sequencing in shortening the diagnostic odyssey and the importance of optimal counseling through a team‐based multi‐specialty approach for patients with DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katheryn Grand
- Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew Freedman
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maria C Nieto
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Hayward, California, USA
| | | | - Bahareh M Schweiger
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pedro A Sanchez-Lara
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lambert S, Peycelon M, Samara-Boustani D, Hyon C, Dumeige L, Peuchmaur M, Fiot E, Léger J, Simon D, Paye-Jaouen A, Bouligand J, Siffroi JP, Carel JC, McElreavey K, El Ghoneimi A, Brachet C, Bouvattier C, Martinerie L. SRY-negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD: Long-term outcomes and early blockade of gonadotropic axis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 94:667-676. [PMID: 33296530 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SRY-negative 46,XX testicular and ovotesticular disorders/differences of sex development (T/OTDSD) represent a very rare and unique DSD condition where testicular tissue develops in the absence of a Y chromosome. To date, very few studies have described the phenotype, clinical and surgical management and long-term outcomes of these patients. Particularly, early blockade of the gonadotropic axis in patients raised in the female gender to minimize postnatal androgenization has never been reported. DESIGN Retrospective description of sixteen 46,XX T/OTDSD patients. RESULTS Sixteen 46,XX SRY-negative T/OTDSD were included. Most (12/16) were diagnosed in the neonatal period. Sex of rearing was male for six patients and female for ten, while the clinical presentation varied, with an external masculinization score from 1 to 10. Five patients raised as girl were successfully treated with GnRH analog to avoid virilization during minipuberty. Ovotestes/testes were found bilaterally for 54% of the patients and unilaterally for the others (with a contralateral ovary). Gonadal surgery preserved appropriate tissue in the majority of cases. Spontaneous puberty occurred in two girls and one boy, while two boys required hormonal induction of puberty. One of the girls conceived spontaneously and had an uneventful pregnancy. DNA analyses (SNP-array, next-generation sequencing and whole-exome sequencing) were performed. A heterozygous frameshit mutation in the NR2F2 gene was identified in one patient. CONCLUSIONS This study presents a population of patients with 46,XX SRY-negative T/OTDSD. Early blockade of gonadotropic axis appears efficient to reduce and avoid further androgenization in patients raised as girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lambert
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHC, Liège, Belgium
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Peycelon
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Dinane Samara-Boustani
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Necker-Enfants Malades, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Hyon
- INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Dumeige
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S1185, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Michel Peuchmaur
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Fiot
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Juliane Léger
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1141, DHU Protect, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Simon
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Annabel Paye-Jaouen
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jérome Bouligand
- Molecular Genetics and Hormonology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Siffroi
- INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Carel
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1141, DHU Protect, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Department of Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alaa El Ghoneimi
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Brachet
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Bicêtre Hospital, Centre de Référence DEV-GEN, Paris-Saclay University, Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Martinerie
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S1185, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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Vining B, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. Diverse Regulation but Conserved Function: SOX9 in Vertebrate Sex Determination. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040486. [PMID: 33810596 PMCID: PMC8066042 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination occurs early during embryogenesis among vertebrates. It involves the differentiation of the bipotential gonad to ovaries or testes by a fascinating diversity of molecular switches. In most mammals, the switch is SRY (sex determining region Y); in other vertebrates it could be one of a variety of genes including Dmrt1 or dmy. Downstream of the switch gene, SOX9 upregulation is a central event in testes development, controlled by gonad-specific enhancers across the 2 Mb SOX9 locus. SOX9 is a ‘hub’ gene of gonadal development, regulated positively in males and negatively in females. Despite this diversity, SOX9 protein sequence and function among vertebrates remains highly conserved. This article explores the cellular, morphological, and genetic mechanisms initiated by SOX9 for male gonad differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8572-2527
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Ushijima K, Ogawa Y, Terao M, Asakura Y, Muroya K, Hayashi M, Ishii T, Hasegawa T, Sekido R, Fukami M, Takada S, Narumi S. Identification of the first promoter-specific gain-of-function SOX9 missense variant (p.E50K) in a patient with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:1067-1075. [PMID: 33399274 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
SOX9, a transcription factor, is expressed in the undifferentiated XX and XY gonads. SRY induces significant upregulation of SOX9 expression in XY gonads. Loss-of-function SOX9 variants cause testicular dysgenesis in 46,XY patients, while duplication of the total gene or the upstream regulatory region results in testicular development in 46,XX patients. However, gain-of-function (GoF) SOX9 variants have not been reported previously. We report the case of a 16-year-old female patient with a 46,XX karyotype who had masculinized external genitalia and unilateral ovotestis. Next-generation sequencing-based genetic screening for disorders of sex development led to the identification of a novel SOX9 variant (p.Glu50Lys), transmitted from the phenotypically normal father. Expression analysis showed that E50K-SOX9 enhanced transactivation of the luciferase reporter containing the testis enhancer sequence core element compared with that containing the wildtype-SOX9. This GoF activity was not observed in the luciferase reporter containing Amh, the gene for anti-Müllerian hormone. We genetically engineered female mice (Sox9E50K/E50K ), and they showed no abnormalities in the external genitalia or ovaries. In conclusion, a novel SOX9 variant with a promoter-specific GoF activity was identified in vitro; however, the disease phenotype was not recapitulated by the mouse model. At present, the association between the GoF SOX9 variant and the ovotestis phenotype remains unclear. Future studies are needed to verify the possible association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kikumi Ushijima
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Terao
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Asakura
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama city, Japan
| | - Koji Muroya
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama city, Japan
| | - Mie Hayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryohei Sekido
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Narumi
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Pinti E, Piko H, Lengyel A, Luczay A, Karcagi V, Fekete G, Haltrich I. Similar Cause, Different Phenotype: SOX9 Enhancer Duplication in a Family. Horm Res Paediatr 2020; 92:335-339. [PMID: 31661700 DOI: 10.1159/000503299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD), as defined by the Chicago consensus in 2006, is characterized by histologically confirmed testicular and ovarian tissue in an individual with a 46,XX karyotype and a wide phenotypic spectrum from female to male appearance. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of two 46,XX sex determining region Y (SRY) gene-negative siblings and their 46,XY father with an approximately 150 kilobase pair (kbp) duplication upstream of SOX9 (SRY-box 9) gene's transcriptional start site on chromosome 17 (chr17), which involved SOX9's minimal critical 46,XX sex reversal region. This duplication is sufficient to trigger male development in the absence of Y-chromosomal material and can lead to various degrees of masculinization in 46,XX individuals by overexpression of SOX9. Based on anamnestic information and pedigree analysis, another possible carrier of this copy number variation (CNV) could have been the father's sister. DISCUSSION By comparing the duplications of our two sibling patients and previously reported similar cases, we suggest that the small differences between their breakpoints could alternatively modify the inner structure and functioning of SOX9'stopologically associated domain (TAD) due to the differing fine TAD arrangements. Our data support the phenotypic modularity impact - incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity - of very similar but non-identical CNVs, which are possibly inherited across three generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pinti
- II. Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary,
| | - Henriett Piko
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Lengyel
- II. Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Luczay
- I. Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Karcagi
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics, National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Fekete
- II. Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Iren Haltrich
- II. Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Testis formation in XX individuals resulting from novel pathogenic variants in Wilms' tumor 1 ( WT1) gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:13680-13688. [PMID: 32493750 PMCID: PMC7306989 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921676117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals is governed by antagonistic interactions of two genetic pathways, imbalance in which may lead to disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in human. Among 46,XX individuals with testicular DSD (TDSD) or ovotesticular DSD (OTDSD), testicular tissue is present in the gonad. Although the testis-determining gene SRY is present in many cases, the etiology is unknown in most SRY-negative patients. We performed exome sequencing on 78 individuals with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD of unknown genetic etiology and identified seven (8.97%) with heterozygous variants affecting the fourth zinc finger (ZF4) of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) (p.Ser478Thrfs*17, p.Pro481Leufs*15, p.Lys491Glu, p.Arg495Gln [x3], p.Arg495Gly). The variants were de novo in six families (P = 4.4 × 10-6), and the incidence of WT1 variants in 46,XX DSD is enriched compared to control populations (P < 1.8 × 10-4). The introduction of ZF4 mutants into a human granulosa cell line resulted in up-regulation of endogenous Sertoli cell transcripts and Wt1 Arg495Gly/Arg495Gly XX mice display masculinization of the fetal gonads. The phenotype could be explained by the ability of the mutated proteins to physically interact with and sequester a key pro-ovary factor β-CATENIN, which may lead to up-regulation of testis-specific pathway. Our data show that unlike previous association of WT1 and 46,XY DSD, ZF4 variants of WT1 are a relatively common cause of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD. This expands the spectrum of phenotypes associated with WT1 variants and shows that the WT1 protein affecting ZF4 can function as a protestis factor in an XX chromosomal context.
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16
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Grinspon RP, Bergadá I, Rey RA. Male Hypogonadism and Disorders of Sex Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:211. [PMID: 32351452 PMCID: PMC7174651 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are congenital anomalies in which there is a discordance between chromosomal, genetic, gonadal, and/or internal/external genital sex. In XY individuals, the process of fetal sex differentiation can be disrupted at the stage of gonadal differentiation, resulting in gonadal dysgenesis, a form of early fetal-onset primary hypogonadism characterized by insufficient androgen and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production, which leads to the development of ambiguous or female genitalia. The process of sex differentiation can also be disrupted at the stage of genital differentiation, due to isolated defects in androgen or AMH secretion, but not both. These are forms of fetal-onset hypogonadism with dissociated gonadal dysfunction. In this review, we present a perspective on impaired testicular endocrine function, i.e., fetal-onset male hypogonadism, resulting in incomplete virilization at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P. Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Romina P. Grinspon
| | - Ignacio Bergadá
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A. Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Grinspon RP, Rey RA. Molecular Characterization of XX Maleness. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236089. [PMID: 31816857 PMCID: PMC6928850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), secreted by the foetal testis, are responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and the regression of female anlagen. Virilization of the reproductive tract in association with the absence of Müllerian derivatives in the XX foetus implies the existence of testicular tissue, which can occur in the presence or absence of SRY. Recent advancement in the knowledge of the opposing gene cascades driving to the differentiation of the gonadal ridge into testes or ovaries during early foetal development has provided insight into the molecular explanation of XX maleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P. Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Correspondence: (R.P.G.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +54-11-49635931 (R.P.G.)
| | - Rodolfo A. Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Biología Celular, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Correspondence: (R.P.G.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +54-11-49635931 (R.P.G.)
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18
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Karnuta JM, Scacheri PC. Enhancers: bridging the gap between gene control and human disease. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:R219-R227. [PMID: 29726898 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are a class of regulatory elements essential for precise spatio-temporal control of gene expression during development and in terminally differentiated cells. This review highlights signature features of enhancer elements as well as new advances that provide mechanistic insights into enhancer-mediated gene control in the context of three-dimensional chromatin. We detail the various ways in which non-coding mutations can instigate aberrant gene control and cause a variety of Mendelian disorders, common diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaret M Karnuta
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter C Scacheri
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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19
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Abstract
The bipotential nature of cell types in the early developing gonad and the process of sex determination leading to either testis or ovary differentiation makes this an interesting system in which to study transcriptional regulation of gene expression and cell fate decisions. SOX9 is a transcription factor with multiple roles during development, including being a key player in mediating testis differentiation and therefore subsequent male development. Loss of Sox9 expression in both humans and mice results in XY female development, whereas its inappropriate activation in XX embryonic gonads can give male development. Multiple cases of Disorders of Sex Development in human patients or sex reversal in mice and other vertebrates can be explained by mutations affecting upstream regulators of Sox9 expression, such as the product of the Y chromosome gene Sry that triggers testis differentiation. Other cases are due to mutations in the Sox9 gene itself, including its own regulatory region. Indeed, rearrangements in and around the Sox9 genomic locus indicate the presence of multiple critical enhancers and the complex nature of its regulation. Here we summarize what is known about the role of Sox9 and its regulation during gonad development, including recently discovered critical enhancers. We also discuss higher order chromatin organization and how this might be involved. We end with some interesting future directions that have the potential to further enrich our understanding on the complex, multi-layered regulation controlling Sox9 expression in the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Gonen
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Kremen J, Chan YM. Genetic evaluation of disorders of sex development: current practice and novel gene discovery. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2019; 26:54-59. [PMID: 30507699 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As the pace of genetic discovery accelerates, genetic sequencing is increasingly applied to rare disease such as DSD (differences or disorders of sex development,) which has led to an increase in the number of novel variant-containing candidate genes identified. In this review, we will discuss several candidate genes which have recently been proposed as causative of DSD, as well as novel work in understanding gene regulation in the mouse gonad that may have implications for the DSD phenotype in humans. RECENT FINDINGS We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed through August 2018 to identify relevant peer-reviewed publications from 2017 to 2018 on DSD genetics. SUMMARY Seminal work has identified a critical gonadal enhancer of Sox9 in a mouse model. This enhancer is located in a region which had previously been implicated in both XX and XY DSD, though the specific enhancer and its role in Sox9 gene expression had not been defined. Novel candidate genes in XY gonadal dysgenesis (SOX8, ESR2) and XX ovotesticular DSD (NR2F2) have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kremen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Sexual dimorphism in brain transcriptomes of Amami spiny rats (Tokudaia osimensis): a rodent species where males lack the Y chromosome. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:87. [PMID: 30683046 PMCID: PMC6347839 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain sexual differentiation is sculpted by precise coordination of steroid hormones during development. Programming of several brain regions in males depends upon aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen. However, it is not clear the direct contribution that Y chromosome associated genes, especially sex-determining region Y (Sry), might exert on brain sexual differentiation in therian mammals. Two species of spiny rats: Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) and Tokunoshima spiny rat (T. tokunoshimensis) lack a Y chromosome/Sry, and these individuals possess an XO chromosome system in both sexes. Both Tokudaia species are highly endangered. To assess the neural transcriptome profile in male and female Amami spiny rats, RNA was isolated from brain samples of adult male and female spiny rats that had died accidentally and used for RNAseq analyses. Results RNAseq analyses confirmed that several genes and individual transcripts were differentially expressed between males and females. In males, seminal vesicle secretory protein 5 (Svs5) and cytochrome P450 1B1 (Cyp1b1) genes were significantly elevated compared to females, whereas serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3 N (Serpina3n) was upregulated in females. Many individual transcripts elevated in males included those encoding for zinc finger proteins, e.g. zinc finger protein X-linked (Zfx). Conclusions This method successfully identified several genes and transcripts that showed expression differences in the brain of adult male and female Amami spiny rat. The functional significance of these findings, especially differential expression of transcripts encoding zinc finger proteins, in this unusual rodent species remains to be determined. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5426-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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22
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Human sex reversal is caused by duplication or deletion of core enhancers upstream of SOX9. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5319. [PMID: 30552336 PMCID: PMC6293998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are conditions affecting development of the gonads or genitalia. Variants in two key genes, SRY and its target SOX9, are an established cause of 46,XY DSD, but the genetic basis of many DSDs remains unknown. SRY-mediated SOX9 upregulation in the early gonad is crucial for testis development, yet the regulatory elements underlying this have not been identified in humans. Here, we identified four DSD patients with overlapping duplications or deletions upstream of SOX9. Bioinformatic analysis identified three putative enhancers for SOX9 that responded to different combinations of testis-specific regulators. All three enhancers showed synergistic activity and together drive SOX9 in the testis. This is the first study to identify SOX9 enhancers that, when duplicated or deleted, result in 46,XX or 46,XY sex reversal, respectively. These enhancers provide a hitherto missing link by which SRY activates SOX9 in humans, and establish SOX9 enhancer mutations as a significant cause of DSD. SRY and its target SOX9 are known key determinants in testis development. Here the authors by studying duplications and deletions upstream of SOX9 from patient samples with disorders of sex development (DSD) reveal enhancers for SOX9 critical for human sex development and DSD.
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23
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López-Hernández B, Méndez JP, Coral-Vázquez RM, Benítez-Granados J, Zenteno JC, Villegas-Ruiz V, Calzada-León R, Soderlund D, Canto P. Duplication of SOX9 associated with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:107-112. [PMID: 29673731 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ten unrelated SRY-negative individuals with this sex differentiation disorder presented a double dose of SOX9 as the cause of their disease. DESIGN Ten unrelated SRY-negative 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (DSD) subjects were molecularly studied. Multiplex-ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR) for SOX9 were performed. RESULTS The MLPA analysis demonstrated that one patient presented a heterozygous duplication of the entire SOX9 coding region (above 1.3 value of peak ratio), as well as at least a ~ 483 kb upstream duplication. Moreover, no duplication of other SOX9 probes was observed corresponding to the region between -1007 and -1500 kb upstream. A qRT-PCR analysis showed a duplication of at least -581 kb upstream and ~1.63 kb of the coding region that encompasses exon 3. The limits of the duplication were mapped approximately from ~71539762 to 72122741 of Chr17. No molecular abnormalities were found in the remaining nine patients. CONCLUSION This study is thought to be the first report regarding a duplication of SOX9 that is associated with the presence of 46,XX ovotesticular DSD, encompassing at least -581 kb upstream, and the almost entire coding region of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice López-Hernández
- División de Investigación Biomédica, Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional '20 de Noviembre', Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF, México
| | - Juan Pablo Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Clínica de Obesidad, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, México
| | - Ramón Mauricio Coral-Vázquez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México DF, México; Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional '20 de Noviembre', Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF, México
| | - Jesús Benítez-Granados
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Clínica de Obesidad, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, México
| | - Juan Carlos Zenteno
- Departamento de Bioquímica Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Departamento de Genética-Unidad de Investigación, Instituto de Oftalmología 'Conde de Valenciana', México DF, México
| | - Vanessa Villegas-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Departamento de Genética-Unidad de Investigación, Instituto de Oftalmología 'Conde de Valenciana', México DF, México
| | - Raúl Calzada-León
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, México DF, México
| | | | - Patricia Canto
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Clínica de Obesidad, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, México.
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24
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Ouimette JF, Rougeulle C, Veitia RA. Three-dimensional genome architecture in health and disease. Clin Genet 2018; 95:189-198. [PMID: 29377081 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
More than a decade of massive DNA sequencing efforts have generated a large body of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic information that has provided a more and more detailed view of the functional elements and transactions within the human genome. Considerable efforts have also focused on linking these elements with one another by mapping their interactions and by establishing 3-dimensional (3D) genomic landscapes in various cell and tissue types. In parallel, multiple studies have associated genomic deletions, duplications and other rearrangements with human pathologies. In this review, we explore recent progresses that have allowed connecting disease-causing alterations with perturbations of the 3D genome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-F Ouimette
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Center, UMR7216 CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - C Rougeulle
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Center, UMR7216 CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - R A Veitia
- Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
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25
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Carré GA, Siggers P, Xipolita M, Brindle P, Lutz B, Wells S, Greenfield A. Loss of p300 and CBP disrupts histone acetylation at the mouse Sry promoter and causes XY gonadal sex reversal. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:190-198. [PMID: 29145650 PMCID: PMC5886154 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CREB-binding protein (CBP, CREBBP, KAT3A) and its closely related paralogue p300 (EP300, KAT3B), together termed p300/CBP, are histone/lysine acetyl-transferases that control gene expression by modifying chromatin-associated proteins. Here, we report roles for both of these chromatin-modifying enzymes in mouse sex determination, the process by which the embryonic gonad develops into a testis or an ovary. By targeting gene ablation to embryonic gonadal somatic cells using an inducible Cre line, we show that gonads lacking either gene exhibit major abnormalities of XY gonad development at 14.5 dpc, including partial sex reversal. Embryos lacking three out of four functional copies of p300/Cbp exhibit complete XY gonadal sex reversal and have greatly reduced expression of the key testis-determining genes Sry and Sox9. An analysis of histone acetylation at the Sry promoter in mutant gonads at 11.5 dpc shows a reduction in levels of the positive histone mark H3K27Ac. Our data suggest a role for CBP/p300 in testis determination mediated by control of histone acetylation at the Sry locus and reveal a novel element in the epigenetic control of Sry and mammalian sex determination. They also suggest possible novel causes of human disorders of sex development (DSD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenn-Aël Carré
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Marilena Xipolita
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Paul Brindle
- Department of Biochemistry, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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26
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Meyers-Wallen VN, Boyko AR, Danko CG, Grenier JK, Mezey JG, Hayward JJ, Shannon LM, Gao C, Shafquat A, Rice EJ, Pujar S, Eggers S, Ohnesorg T, Sinclair AH. XX Disorder of Sex Development is associated with an insertion on chromosome 9 and downregulation of RSPO1 in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186331. [PMID: 29053721 PMCID: PMC5650465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the mechanisms controlling sex determination, yet the cause for many Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) remains unknown. Of particular interest is a rare XX DSD subtype in which individuals are negative for SRY, the testis determining factor on the Y chromosome, yet develop testes or ovotestes, and both of these phenotypes occur in the same family. This is a naturally occurring disorder in humans (Homo sapiens) and dogs (C. familiaris). Phenotypes in the canine XX DSD model are strikingly similar to those of the human XX DSD subtype. The purposes of this study were to identify 1) a variant associated with XX DSD in the canine model and 2) gene expression alterations in canine embryonic gonads that could be informative to causation. Using a genome wide association study (GWAS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), we identified a variant on C. familiaris autosome 9 (CFA9) that is associated with XX DSD in the canine model and in affected purebred dogs. This is the first marker identified for inherited canine XX DSD. It lies upstream of SOX9 within the canine ortholog for the human disorder, which resides on 17q24. Inheritance of this variant indicates that XX DSD is a complex trait in which breed genetic background affects penetrance. Furthermore, the homozygous variant genotype is associated with embryonic lethality in at least one breed. Our analysis of gene expression studies (RNA-seq and PRO-seq) in embryonic gonads at risk of XX DSD from the canine model identified significant RSPO1 downregulation in comparison to XX controls, without significant upregulation of SOX9 or other known testis pathway genes. Based on these data, a novel mechanism is proposed in which molecular lesions acting upstream of RSPO1 induce epigenomic gonadal mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki N. Meyers-Wallen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Adam R. Boyko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles G. Danko
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Grenier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jason G. Mezey
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jessica J. Hayward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Shannon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Chuan Gao
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Afrah Shafquat
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Rice
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Shashikant Pujar
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stefanie Eggers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Ohnesorg
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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Baetens D, Mendonça BB, Verdin H, Cools M, De Baere E. Non-coding variation in disorders of sex development. Clin Genet 2017; 91:163-172. [PMID: 27801941 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies in Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), representing a wide spectrum of developmental or functional conditions of the gonad, have mainly been oriented towards the coding genome. Application of genomic technologies, such as whole-exome sequencing, result in a molecular genetic diagnosis in ∼50% of cases with DSD. Many of the genes mutated in DSD encode transcription factors such as SRY, SOX9, NR5A1, and FOXL2, characterized by a strictly regulated spatiotemporal expression. Hence, it can be hypothesized that at least part of the missing genetic variation in DSD can be explained by non-coding mutations in regulatory elements that alter gene expression, either by reduced, mis- or overexpression of their target genes. In addition, structural variations such as translocations, deletions, duplications or inversions can affect the normal chromatin conformation by different mechanisms. Here, we review non-coding defects in human DSD phenotypes and in animal models. The wide variety of non-coding defects found in DSD emphasizes that the regulatory landscape of known and to be discovered DSD genes has to be taken into consideration when investigating the molecular pathogenesis of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Baetens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B B Mendonça
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular, LIM/42, Unidade de Adrenal, Disc. de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - H Verdin
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Cools
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E De Baere
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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28
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Symon A, Harley V. SOX9: A genomic view of tissue specific expression and action. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 87:18-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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29
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Sreenivasan R, Gordon CT, Benko S, de Iongh R, Bagheri-Fam S, Lyonnet S, Harley V. Altered SOX9 genital tubercle enhancer region in hypospadias. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 170:28-38. [PMID: 27989796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human mutations in the SOX9 gene or its regulatory region can disrupt testicular development, leading to disorders of sex development (DSDs). Our previous work involving the genomic analysis of isolated DSD patients revealed a 78kb minimal sex determining region (RevSex) far upstream of SOX9 that was duplicated in 46,XX and deleted in 46,XY DSDs. It was postulated that RevSex contains a gonadal enhancer. However, the most highly conserved sub-region within RevSex, called SR4, was neither responsive to sex determining factors in vitro nor active in the gonads of transgenic mice, suggesting that SR4 may not be functioning as a testicular enhancer. Interestingly, SR4 transgenic mice showed reporter activity in the genital tubercle, the primordium of the penis and clitoris, a previously unreported domain of Sox9 expression. SOX9 protein was detected in the genital tubercle, notably in the urethral plate epithelium, preputial glands, ventral surface ectoderm and corpus cavernosa. SR4 may therefore function as a Sox9 genital tubercle enhancer, mutations of which could possibly lead to hypospadias, a birth defect seen in the DSD patients in the RevSex study. SR4 activity and the observed SOX9 expression pattern suggest that SR4 may function as a Sox9 genital tubercle enhancer. However, conditional ablation of Sox9 in the genital tubercle using Shh-Cre/+;Sox9flox/flox mice revealed no genital tubercle abnormalities, possibly due to compensation by similar Sox factors. To conclude, we have identified a novel regulatory enhancer driving Sox9 expression during external genitalia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Sreenivasan
- Molecular Genetics and Development, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gordon
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Sabina Benko
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Robb de Iongh
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Molecular Genetics and Development, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stanislas Lyonnet
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Harley
- Molecular Genetics and Development, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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30
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Ohnesorg T, van den Bergen JA, Belluoccio D, Shankara-Narayana N, Kean AM, Vasilaras A, Ewans L, Ayers KL, Sinclair AH. A duplication in a patient with 46,XX ovo-testicular disorder of sex development refines the SOX9 testis-specific regulatory region to 24 kb. Clin Genet 2017; 92:347-349. [PMID: 28317102 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A custom CGH microarray that covers the SOX9 regulatory region. Log2 ratio scatterplot showing individual data points. Blue box highlights copy number gain with 3' breakpoint region magnified.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ohnesorg
- Molecular Development, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J A van den Bergen
- Molecular Development, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Belluoccio
- Department of Genomics, Agilent Technologies Inc., Mulgrave, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Shankara-Narayana
- Endocrinology & Metabolism Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A-M Kean
- Endocrinology & Metabolism Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Vasilaras
- Endocrinology & Metabolism Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - L Ewans
- Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K L Ayers
- Molecular Development, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A H Sinclair
- Molecular Development, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Abstract
The process of sexual differentiation is central for reproduction of almost all metazoan and therefore for maintenance of practically all multicellular organisms. In sex development we can distinguish two different processes: First, sex determination is the developmental decision that directs the undifferentiated embryo into a sexually dimorphic individual. In mammals, sex determination equals gonadal development. The second process known as sex differentiation takes place once the sex determination decision has been made through factors produced by the gonads that determine the development of the phenotypic sex. Most of the knowledge on the factors involved in sexual development came from animal models and from studies of cases in whom the genetic or the gonadal sex does not match the phenotypical sex, i.e., patients affected by disorders of sex development (DSD). Generally speaking, factors influencing sex determination are transcriptional regulators, whereas factors important for sex differentiation are secreted hormones and their receptors. This review focuses on the factors involved in gonadal determination, and whenever possible, references on the "prismatic" clinical cases are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Biason-Lauber
- Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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32
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Gonen N, Quinn A, O’Neill HC, Koopman P, Lovell-Badge R. Normal Levels of Sox9 Expression in the Developing Mouse Testis Depend on the TES/TESCO Enhancer, but This Does Not Act Alone. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006520. [PMID: 28045957 PMCID: PMC5207396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During mouse sex determination, transient expression of the Y-linked gene Sry up-regulates its direct target gene Sox9, via a 3.2 kb testis specific enhancer of Sox9 (TES), which includes a core 1.4 kb element, TESCO. SOX9 activity leads to differentiation of Sertoli cells, rather than granulosa cells from the bipotential supporting cell precursor lineage. Here, we present functional analysis of TES/TESCO, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in mice. Deletion of TESCO or TES reduced Sox9 expression levels in XY fetal gonads to 60 or 45% respectively relative to wild type gonads, and reduced expression of the SOX9 target Amh. Although human patients heterozygous for null mutations in SOX9, which are assumed to have 50% of normal expression, often show XY female sex reversal, mice deleted for one copy of Sox9 do not. Consistent with this, we did not observe sex reversal in either TESCO-/- or TES-/- XY embryos or adult mice. However, embryos carrying both a conditional Sox9 null allele and the TES deletion developed ovotestes. Quantitative analysis of these revealed levels of 23% expression of Sox9 compared to wild type, and a significant increase in the expression of the granulosa cell marker Foxl2. This indicates that the threshold in mice where sex reversal begins to be seen is about half that of the ~50% levels predicted in humans. Our results demonstrate that TES/TESCO is a crucial enhancer regulating Sox9 expression in the gonad, but point to the existence of additional enhancers that act redundantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Gonen
- The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Quinn
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen C. O’Neill
- The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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33
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Mechanism of Sex Determination in Humans: Insights from Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2016; 10:313-325. [DOI: 10.1159/000452637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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34
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a diverse group of conditions affecting gonadal development, sexual differentiation, or chromosomal sex. In this review, we will discuss recent literature on the genetic causes of DSD, with a focus on novel genetic sequencing technologies, new phenotypes associated with known DSD genes, and increasing recognition of the role of genetic regulatory elements in DSD. RECENT FINDINGS We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed through August 2016 to identify important peer-reviewed publications from 2015 to 2016 on the topic of DSD genetics. SUMMARY Whole-exome sequencing was used to successfully identify genetic causes of DSD in 35% of a cohort of 46,XY patients who had not previously received a genetic diagnosis. A novel mutation in NR5A1 has been identified as a cause of 46,XX testicular and ovotesticular DSD, demonstrating a previously unappreciated role of NR5A1 in preventing testicular differentiation in 46,XX individuals. Genetic regulatory elements of SOX9 have been identified as causes of 46,XX and 46,XY DSD.
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35
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Pannetier M, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC, Pailhoux E. Involvement of FOXL2 and RSPO1 in Ovarian Determination, Development, and Maintenance in Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:167-184. [PMID: 27649556 DOI: 10.1159/000448667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex determination is a process through which the gonad is committed to differentiate into a testis or an ovary. This process relies on a delicate balance between genetic pathways that promote one fate and inhibit the other. Once the gonad is committed to the female pathway, ovarian differentiation begins and, depending on the species, is completed during gestation or shortly after birth. During this step, granulosa cell precursors, steroidogenic cells, and primordial germ cells start to express female-specific markers in a sex-dimorphic manner. The germ cells then arrest at prophase I of meiosis and, together with somatic cells, assemble into functional structures. This organization gives the ovary its definitive morphology and functionality during folliculogenesis. Until now, 2 main genetic cascades have been shown to be involved in female sex differentiation. The first is driven by FOXL2, a transcription factor that also plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis and ovarian fate maintenance in adults. The other operates through the WNT/CTNNB1 canonical pathway and is regulated primarily by R-spondin1. Here, we discuss the roles of FOXL2 and RSPO1/WNT/ CTNNB1 during ovarian development and homeostasis in different models, such as humans, goats, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
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36
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Parma P, Veyrunes F, Pailhoux E. Sex Reversal in Non-Human Placental Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:326-344. [PMID: 27529721 DOI: 10.1159/000448361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonads are very peculiar organs given their bipotential competence. Indeed, early differentiating genital ridges evolve into either of 2 very distinct organs: the testis or the ovary. Accumulating evidence now demonstrates that both genetic pathways must repress the other in order for the organs to differentiate properly, meaning that if this repression is disrupted or attenuated, the other pathway may completely or partially be expressed, leading to disorders of sex development. Among these disorders are the cases of XY male-to-female and XX female-to-male sex reversals as well as true hermaphrodites, in which there is a discrepancy between the chromosomal and gonadal sex. Here, we review known cases of XY and XX sex reversals described in mammals, focusing mostly on domestic animals where sex reversal pathologies occur and on wild species in which deviations from the usual XX/XY system have been documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan University, Milan, Italy
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37
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38
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Amarillo IE, Nievera I, Hagan A, Huchthagowder V, Heeley J, Hollander A, Koenig J, Austin P, Wang T. Integrated small copy number variations and epigenome maps of disorders of sex development. Hum Genome Var 2016; 3:16012. [PMID: 27340555 PMCID: PMC4899613 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2016.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Small copy number variations (CNVs) have typically not been analyzed or reported in clinical settings and hence have remained underrepresented in databases and the literature. Here, we focused our investigations on these small CNVs using chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) data previously obtained from patients with atypical characteristics or disorders of sex development (DSD). Using our customized CMA track targeting 334 genes involved in the development of urogenital and reproductive structures and a less stringent analysis filter, we uncovered small genes with recurrent and overlapping CNVs as small as 1 kb, and small regions of homozygosity (ROHs), imprinting and position effects. Detailed analysis of these high-resolution data revealed CNVs and ROHs involving structural and functional domains, repeat elements, active transcription sites and regulatory regions. Integration of these genomic data with DNA methylation, histone modification and predicted RNA expression profiles in normal testes and ovaries suggested spatiotemporal and tissue-specific gene regulation. This study emphasized a DSD-specific and gene-targeted CMA approach that uncovered previously unanalyzed or unreported small genes and CNVs, contributing to the growing resources on small CNVs and facilitating the narrowing of the genomic gap for identifying candidate genes or regions. This high-resolution analysis tool could improve the diagnostic utility of CMA, not only in patients with DSD but also in other clinical populations. These integrated data provided a better genomic-epigenomic landscape of DSD and greater opportunities for downstream research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina E Amarillo
- Cytogenomics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Isabelle Nievera
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team , St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew Hagan
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St Louis , St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vishwa Huchthagowder
- Cytogenomics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine , St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer Heeley
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Abby Hollander
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joel Koenig
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Austin
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine DSD Team, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine , St Louis, MO, USA
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39
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Grinspon RP, Rey RA. Disorders of Sex Development with Testicular Differentiation in SRY-Negative 46,XX Individuals: Clinical and Genetic Aspects. Sex Dev 2016; 10:1-11. [PMID: 27055195 DOI: 10.1159/000445088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Virilisation of the XX foetus is the result of androgen excess, resulting most frequently from congenital adrenal hyperplasia in individuals with typical ovarian differentiation. In rare cases, 46,XX gonads may differentiate into testes, a condition known as 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development (DSD), or give rise to the coexistence of ovarian and testicular tissue, a condition known as 46,XX ovotesticular DSD. Testicular tissue differentiation may be due to the translocation of SRY to the X chromosome or an autosome. In the absence of SRY, overexpression of other pro-testis genes, e.g. SOX family genes, or failure of pro-ovarian/anti-testis genes, such as WNT4 and RSPO1, may underlie the development of testicular tissue. Recent experimental and clinical evidence giving insight into SRY-negative 46,XX testicular or ovotesticular DSD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinolx00F3;gicas x2018;Dr. Cx00E9;sar Bergadx00E1;' (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-Divisix00F3;n de Endocrinologx00ED;a, Hospital de Nix00F1;os Ricardo Gutix00E9;rrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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40
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Carré GA, Greenfield A. The Gonadal Supporting Cell Lineage and Mammalian Sex Determination: The Differentiation of Sertoli and Granulosa Cells. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:47-66. [PMID: 27300175 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The supporting cell lineage plays a crucial role in nurturing the development of germ cells in the adult gonad. Sertoli cells in the testis support the progression of spermatogonial stem cells through meiosis to the production of motile spermatozoa. Granulosa cells, meanwhile, are a critical component of the ovarian follicle that produces the mature oocyte. It is a distinctive feature of the embryonic gonad that at least some of the supporting cells are derived from a single sexually bipotential precursor lineage. It is the commitment of this somatic lineage to either the Sertoli or granulosa cell fate that defines sex determination. In this chapter we review what is known about the key molecules responsible for this lineage decision in the developing mammalian gonads, relying primarily on data from studies of mice and humans. We focus on recent advances in our understanding of the mutually antagonistic interactions of testis- and ovary-determining pathways and their complexity as revealed by genetic analyses. For the sake of simplicity, we will deal with supporting cells in testis and ovary development in separate sections, but numerous points of contact exist between these accounts of gonadogenesis in male and female embryos, primarily due to the aforementioned mutual antagonisms. The final section will offer a brief synthesis of these organ-specific overviews and a summary of the key themes that emerge in this review of supporting cell differentiation in mammalian sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenn-Aël Carré
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are a genetic and phenotypic heterogeneous group of congenital disorders. This review focuses on the genetics of DSD and aims to recognize and contextualize, in a systematic way, based on the classification and the genetic mechanisms, the latest developments in the field of DSD diagnostics. RECENT FINDINGS Due to the current diagnostic armamentarium, during the past decade, the field of DSD diagnostics has changed dramatically from the recognition of few genes and cytogenetic abnormalities, to the identification of multiple genes and a wide arrange of genetic mechanisms involved in the genesis of DSD. In addition, the phenotypes associated with the genetic mechanism have expanded tremendously. SUMMARY Despite the current diagnostic limitations, the landscape for genetics of DSD is encouraging due to discovery of new genes, their interactions, and the recognition of the variety of mechanisms involved.
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Human sex-determination and disorders of sex-development (DSD). Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:77-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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