1
|
Stancampiano MR, Meroni SLC, Bucolo C, Russo G. 46,XX Differences of Sex Development outside congenital adrenal hyperplasia: pathogenesis, clinical aspects, puberty, sex hormone replacement therapy and fertility outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1402579. [PMID: 38841305 PMCID: PMC11150773 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1402579] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The term 'differences of sex development' (DSD) refers to a group of congenital conditions that are associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, and/or anatomical sex. DSD in individuals with a 46,XX karyotype can occur due to fetal or postnatal exposure to elevated amount of androgens or maldevelopment of internal genitalia. Clinical phenotype could be quite variable and for this reason these conditions could be diagnosed at birth, in newborns with atypical genitalia, but also even later in life, due to progressive virilization during adolescence, or pubertal delay. Understand the physiological development and the molecular bases of gonadal and adrenal structures is crucial to determine the diagnosis and best management and treatment for these patients. The most common cause of DSD in 46,XX newborns is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, determining primary adrenal insufficiency and androgen excess. In this review we will focus on the other rare causes of 46,XX DSD, outside CAH, summarizing the most relevant data on genetic, clinical aspects, puberty and fertility outcomes of these rare diseases.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bertini V, Baldinotti F, Parma P, Tyutyusheva N, Sepich M, Bertolucci G, Rosano C, Caligo MA, Peroni D, Valetto A, Bertelloni S. In Tandem Intragenic Duplication of Doublesex and Mab-3-Related Transcription Factor 1 ( DMRT1) in an SRY-Negative Boy with a 46,XX Disorder of Sex Development. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2067. [PMID: 38003010 PMCID: PMC10671459 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112067] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) encompass a group of congenital conditions associated with atypical development of internal and external genital structures. Among those with DSDs are 46,XX males, whose condition mainly arises due to the translocation of SRY onto an X chromosome or an autosome. In the few SRY-negative 46,XX males, overexpression of other pro-testis genes or failure of pro-ovarian/anti-testis genes may be involved, even if a non-negligible number of cases remain unexplained. A three-year-old boy with an SRY-negative 46,XX karyotype showed a normal male phenotype and normal prepubertal values for testicular hormones. A heterozygous de novo in tandem duplication of 50,221 bp, which encompassed exons 2 and 3 of the Doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) gene, was detected using MPLA, CGH-array analysis, and Sanger sequencing. Both breakpoints were in the intronic regions, and this duplication did not stop or shift the coding frame. Additional pathogenic or uncertain variants were not found in a known pro-testis/anti-ovary gene cascade using a custom NGS panel and whole genome sequencing. The duplication may have allowed DMRT1 to escape the transcriptional repression that normally occurs in 46,XX fetal gonads and thus permitted the testicular determination cascade to switch on. So far, no case of SRY-negative 46,XX DSD with alterations in DMRT1 has been described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Bertini
- Section of Cytogenetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Section of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Nina Tyutyusheva
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Margherita Sepich
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Giulia Bertolucci
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Maria Adelaide Caligo
- Section of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Diego Peroni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Angelo Valetto
- Section of Cytogenetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lucas-Herald AK, Mitchell RT. Testicular Sertoli Cell Hormones in Differences in Sex Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:919670. [PMID: 35909548 PMCID: PMC9329667 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.919670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cells of the testes play an essential role during gonadal development, in addition to supporting subsequent germ cell survival and spermatogenesis. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily, which is secreted by immature Sertoli cells from the 8th week of fetal gestation. lnhibin B is a glycoprotein, which is produced by the Sertoli cells from early in fetal development. In people with a Difference or Disorder of Sex Development (DSD), these hormones may be useful to determine the presence of testicular tissue and potential for spermatogenesis. However, fetal Sertoli cell development and function is often dysregulated in DSD conditions and altered production of Sertoli cell hormones may be detected throughout the life course in these individuals. As such this review will consider the role of AMH and inhibin B in individuals with DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Lucas-Herald
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to provide a basic overview on human sex development with a focus on involved genes and pathways, and also to discuss recent advances in the molecular diagnostic approaches applied to clinical workup of individuals with a difference/disorder of sex development (DSD). RECENT FINDINGS Rapid developments in genetic technologies and bioinformatics analyses have helped to identify novel genes and genomic pathways associated with sex development, and have improved diagnostic algorithms to integrate clinical, hormonal and genetic data. Recently, massive parallel sequencing approaches revealed that the phenotype of some DSDs might be only explained by oligogenic inheritance. SUMMARY Typical sex development relies on very complex biological events, which involve specific interactions of a large number of genes and pathways in a defined spatiotemporal sequence. Any perturbation in these genetic and hormonal processes may result in atypical sex development leading to a wide range of DSDs in humans. Despite the huge progress in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying DSDs in recent years, in less than 50% of DSD individuals, the genetic cause is currently solved at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martinez de LaPiscina
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang F, Cai J, Wang J, He M, Mao J, Zhu K, Zhao M, Guan Z, Li L, Jin H, Shu Q. A novel WT1 gene mutation in a chinese girl with denys-drash syndrome. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23769. [PMID: 33942367 PMCID: PMC8128316 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) is defined by the triad of Wilms tumor, nephrotic syndrome, and/or ambiguous genitalia. Genetic testing may help identify new gene mutation sites and play an important role in clinical decision-making. METHODS We present a patient with an XY karyotype and female appearance, nephropathy, and Wilms tumor in the right kidney. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells according to standard protocols. "Next-generation" sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify novel variants. The variant was analyzed with Mutation Taster, and its function was explored by a cell growth inhibition assay. RESULTS We found the first case of Denys-Drash syndrome with the uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in the WT1 gene. In silico analysis, the variant was predicted "disease-causing" by Mutation Taster. The mutated variant showed a weaker effect in inhibiting tumor cells than wild-type WT1. CONCLUSIONS The uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in the WT1 gene may be a crucial marker in DDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faliang Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiabin Cai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junqing Mao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Manli Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghai Guan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linjie Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bertelloni S, Tyutyusheva N, Valiani M, D'Alberton F, Baldinotti F, Caligo MA, Baroncelli GI, Peroni DG. Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Presenting in the Newborn With 46,XY Karyotype. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:627281. [PMID: 33968844 PMCID: PMC8100517 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.627281] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions, resulting in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. The management of a newborn with suspected 46,XY DSD remains challenging. Newborns with 46,XY DSD may present with several phenotypes ranging from babies with atypical genitalia or girls with inguinal herniae to boys with micropenis and cryptorchidism. A mismatch between prenatal karyotype and female phenotype is an increasing reason for presentation. Gender assignment should be avoided prior to expert evaluation and possibly until molecular diagnosis. The classic diagnostic approach is time and cost-consuming. Today, a different approach may be considered. The first line of investigations must exclude rare life-threatening diseases related to salt wasting crises. Then, the new genetic tests should be performed, yielding increased diagnostic performance. Focused imaging or endocrine studies should be performed on the basis of genetic results in order to reduce repeated and invasive investigations for a small baby. The challenge for health professionals will lie in integrating specific genetic information with better defined clinical and endocrine phenotypes and in terms of long-term evolution. Such advances will permit optimization of counseling of parents and sex assignment. In this regard, society has significantly changed its attitude to the acceptance and expansion beyond strict binary male and female sexes, at least in some countries or cultures. These management advances should result in better personalized care and better long-term quality of life of babies born with 46,XY DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Bertelloni
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nina Tyutyusheva
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Valiani
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Caligo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giampiero I Baroncelli
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego G Peroni
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Acién P, Acién M. Disorders of Sex Development: Classification, Review, and Impact on Fertility. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113555. [PMID: 33158283 PMCID: PMC7694247 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the elements included in both sex determination and sex differentiation are briefly analyzed, exposing the pathophysiological and clinical classification of disorders or anomalies of sex development. Anomalies in sex determination without sex ambiguity include gonadal dysgenesis, polysomies, male XX, and Klinefelter syndrome (dysgenesis and polysomies with a female phenotype; and sex reversal and Klinefelter with a male phenotype). Other infertility situations could also be included here as minor degrees of dysgenesis. Anomalies in sex determination with sex ambiguity should (usually) include testicular dysgenesis and ovotesticular disorders. Among the anomalies in sex differentiation, we include: (1) males with androgen deficiency (MAD) that correspond to those individuals whose karyotype and gonads are male (XY and testes), but the phenotype can be female due to different hormonal abnormalities. (2) females with androgen excess (FAE); these patients have ovaries and a 46,XX karyotype, but present varying degrees of external genital virilization as a result of an enzyme abnormality that affects adrenal steroid biosynthesis and leads to congenital adrenal hyperplasia; less frequently, this can be caused by iatrogenia or tumors. (3) Kallman syndrome. All of these anomalies are reviewed and analyzed herein, as well as related fertility problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Acién
- Department of Gynecology, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan Campus, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-670-097-518, +34-965-919-385; Fax: +34-965-919-550
| | - Maribel Acién
- Department of Gynecology, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan Campus, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan University Hospital, San Juan Campus, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|