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Herlin MK. Genetics of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: advancements and implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1368990. [PMID: 38699388 PMCID: PMC11063329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1368990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital anomaly characterized by agenesis/aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal external genitalia and a normal female karyotype (46,XX). Patients typically present during adolescence with complaints of primary amenorrhea where the diagnosis is established with significant implications including absolute infertility. Most often cases appear isolated with no family history of MRKH syndrome or related anomalies. However, cumulative reports of familial recurrence suggest genetic factors to be involved. Early candidate gene studies had limited success in their search for genetic causes of MRKH syndrome. More recently, genomic investigations using chromosomal microarray and genome-wide sequencing have been successful in detecting promising genetic variants associated with MRKH syndrome, including 17q12 (LHX1, HNF1B) and 16p11.2 (TBX6) deletions and sequence variations in GREB1L and PAX8, pointing towards a heterogeneous etiology with various genes involved. With uterus transplantation as an emerging fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and increasing evidence for genetic etiologies, the need for genetic counseling concerning the recurrence risk in offspring will likely increase. This review presents the advancements in MRKH syndrome genetics from early familial occurrences and candidate gene searches to current genomic studies. Moreover, the review provides suggestions for future genetic investigations and discusses potential implications for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Krogh Herlin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Su K, Liu H, Ye X, Jin H, Xie Z, Yang C, Zhou D, Huang H, Wu Y. Recurrent human 16p11.2 microdeletions in type I Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome patients in Chinese Han population. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2280. [PMID: 37789575 PMCID: PMC10767395 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a severe congenital malformation of the female genital tract, is a highly heterogeneous disease which has no clear etiology. Previous studies have suggested that copy number variations (CNVs) and single-gene mutations might contribute to the development of MRKH syndrome. In particular, deletions in 16p11.2, which are suggested to be involved in several congenital diseases, have been reported in Chinese type II MRKH patients and European MRKH patients. However, few CNVs including 16p11.2 microdeletions were identified in Chinese type I MRKH cases although it accounted for the majority of MRKH patients in China. Thus, we conducted a retrospective study to identify whether CNVs at human chromosome 16p11.2 are risk factors of type I MRKH syndrome in the Chinese Han population. METHODS We recruited 143 patients diagnosed with type I MRKH between 2012 and 2014. Five hundred unrelated Chinese without congenital malformation were enrolled in control group, consisting of 197 from the 1000 Genomes Project and 303 from Fudan University. Quantitative PCR, array comparative genomic hybridization, and sanger sequencing were conducted to screen and verify candidate variant. RESULTS Our study identified recurrent 16p11.2 microdeletions of approximately 600 kb in two out of the 143 type I MRKH syndrome patients using high-density array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), while no 16p11.2 deletion was found in the control group. We did not find any mutations in TBX6 gene in our samples. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study identify 16p11.2 deletion in Chinese MRKH I patients for the first time, as well as support the contention that 16p11.2 microdeletions are associated with MRKH syndrome in both types across populations. It is suggested that 16p11.2 microdeletions should be included in molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling of female reproductive tract disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhen Su
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical SpecialtyShanghaiChina
| | - Han Liu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical SpecialtyShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoqun Ye
- Women's HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Hangmei Jin
- Women's HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Zhenwei Xie
- Women's HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Chunbo Yang
- Women's HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Daizhan Zhou
- Bio‐X Institutes of Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalInstitute of Reproduction and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Units of Embryo Original DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056)ShanghaiChina
| | - Yanting Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalInstitute of Reproduction and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Units of Embryo Original DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056)ShanghaiChina
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Dube R, Kar SS, Jhancy M, George BT. Molecular Basis of Müllerian Agenesis Causing Congenital Uterine Factor Infertility-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:120. [PMID: 38203291 PMCID: PMC10778982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010120] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects around 1 in 5 couples in the world. Congenital absence of the uterus results in absolute infertility in females. Müllerian agenesis is the nondevelopment of the uterus. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a condition of uterovaginal agenesis in the presence of normal ovaries and the 46 XX Karyotype. With advancements in reproductive techniques, women with MA having biological offspring is possible. The exact etiology of MA is unknown, although several genes and mechanisms affect the development of Müllerian ducts. Through this systematic review of the available literature, we searched for the genetic basis of MA. The aims included identification of the genes, chromosomal locations, changes responsible for MA, and fertility options, in order to offer proper management and counseling to these women with MA. A total of 85 studies were identified through searches. Most of the studies identified multiple genes at various locations, although the commonest involved chromosomes 1, 17, and 22. There is also conflicting evidence of the involvement of various candidate genes in the studies. The etiology of MA seems to be multifactorial and complex, involving multiple genes and mechanisms including various mutations and mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Dube
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Subhranshu Sekhar Kar
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Malay Jhancy
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Biji Thomas George
- Department of General Surgery, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates;
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Identification of Genetic Causes in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9070961. [PMID: 35883945 PMCID: PMC9322756 DOI: 10.3390/children9070961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital condition characterizing females with absence of the uterus and part of the vagina. Several genetic defects have been correlated with the presence of MRKH; however, the exact etiology is still unknown due to the complexity of the genetic pathways implicated during the embryogenetic development of the Müllerian ducts. A systematic review (SR) of the literature was conducted to investigate the genetic causes associated with MRKH syndrome and Congenital Uterine Anomalies (CUAs). This study aimed to identify the most affected chromosomal areas and genes along with their associated clinical features in order to aid clinicians in distinguishing and identifying the possible genetic cause in each patient offering better genetic counseling. We identified 76 studies describing multiple genetic defects potentially contributing to the pathogenetic mechanism of MRKH syndrome. The most reported chromosomal regions and the possible genes implicated were: 1q21.1 (RBM8A gene), 1p31-1p35 (WNT4 gene), 7p15.3 (HOXA gene), 16p11 (TBX6 gene), 17q12 (LHX1 and HNF1B genes), 22q11.21, and Xp22. Although the etiology of MRKH syndrome is complex, associated clinical features can aid in the identification of a specific genetic defect.
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Kyei-Barffour I, Margetts M, Vash-Margita A, Pelosi E. The Embryological Landscape of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome: Genetics and Environmental Factors. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:657-672. [PMID: 34970104 PMCID: PMC8686787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder caused by Müllerian ducts dysgenesis affecting 1 in 5000 women with a typical 46,XX karyotype. The etiology of MRKH syndrome is complex and largely unexplained. Familial clustering suggests a genetic component and the spectrum of clinical presentations seems consistent with an inheritance pattern characterized by incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Mutations of several candidate genes have been proposed as possible causes based on genetic analyses of human patients and animal models. In addition, studies of monozygotic twins with discordant phenotypes suggest a role for epigenetic changes following potential exposure to environmental compounds. The spectrum of clinical presentations is consistent with intricate disruptions of shared developmental pathways or signals during early organogenesis. However, the lack of functional validation and translational studies have limited our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this condition. The clinical management of affected women, including early diagnosis, genetic testing of MRKH syndrome, and the implementation of counseling strategies, is significantly impeded by these knowledge gaps. Here, we illustrate the embryonic development of tissues and organs affected by MRKH syndrome, highlighting key pathways that could be involved in its pathogenesis. In addition, we will explore the genetics of this condition, as well as the potential role of environmental factors, and discuss their implications to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kyei-Barffour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape
Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Miranda Margetts
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity,
Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Alla Vash-Margita
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive
Sciences, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Yale University
School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of
Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Passos IDMPE, Britto RL. Diagnosis and treatment of müllerian malformations. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 59:183-188. [PMID: 32127135 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7% in women with recurrent miscarriage. The main findings are primary amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, sexual difficulties and low self-esteem. The major impact on the quality of life in women stricken by these problems justifies this study, whose objective is to analyze their most important aspects such as etiopathogeny, classification, diagnostic methods and proposed treatments. The research was performed on the Medline-PubMed database from 1904 to 2018. The American Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy classify malformations as: Class 1/U5bC4V4: agenesis or hypoplasia of uterus and vagina; Class 1/U5aC4V4: cervical hypoplasia, associated with total or partial vaginal agenesis; Class 2/U4: unicornuate uterus; Class 3/U3bC2V1 or Class3/U3bC2V2: uterus didelphys; Class 4/U3C0: bicornuate uterus; Class 5/U2: septate uterus; Class 6: arcuate uterus; Class 7/U1: induced by diethylstilbestrol, represented by a T-shaped uterus; and V3: transverse vaginal septum. The diagnostic methods are the two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound, MRI, hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography, X-ray hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Some müllerian malformations are healed with surgery and/or self-dilatation. For vaginal agenesis, dilatation by Frank technique shows good results while malformations with obstruction of the menstrual flow need to be rapidly treated by surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itana de Mattos Pinto E Passos
- Center for Women's Health, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Renata Lopes Britto
- Center for Women's Health, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Herlin MK, Petersen MB, Brännström M. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: a comprehensive update. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:214. [PMID: 32819397 PMCID: PMC7439721 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01491-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal secondary sex characteristics and a normal female karyotype (46,XX). MAIN BODY The diagnosis is often made during adolescence following investigations for primary amenorrhea and has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 live female births. MRKH syndrome is classified as type I (isolated uterovaginal aplasia) or type II (associated with extragenital manifestations). Extragenital anomalies typically include renal, skeletal, ear, or cardiac malformations. The etiology of MRKH syndrome still remains elusive, however increasing reports of familial clustering point towards genetic causes and the use of various genomic techniques has allowed the identification of promising recurrent genetic abnormalities in some patients. The psychosexual impact of having MRKH syndrome should not be underestimated and the clinical care foremost involves thorough counselling and support in careful dialogue with the patient. Vaginal agenesis therapy is available for mature patients following therapeutical counselling and education with non-invasive vaginal dilations recommended as first-line therapy or by surgery. MRKH syndrome involves absolute uterine factor infertility and until recently, the only option for the patients to achieve biological motherhood was through gestational surrogacy, which is prohibited in most countries. However, the successful clinical trial of uterus transplantation (UTx) by a Swedish team followed by the first live-birth in September, 2014 in Gothenburg, proofed the first available fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and UTx is now being performed in other countries around the world allowing women with MRKH syndrome to carry their own child and achieve biological motherhood. CONCLUSION Several advances in research across multiple disciplines have been made in the recent years and this kaleidoscopic review provides a current status of various key aspects in MRKH syndrome and provides perspectives for future research and improved clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Krogh Herlin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Brendstrupgårdsvej 21C, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Michael Bjørn Petersen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zhang W, Zhou X, Liu L, Zhu Y, Liu C, Pan H, Xing Q, Wang J, Wang X, Zhang X, Cao Y, Wang B. Identification and functional analysis of a novel LHX1 mutation associated with congenital absence of the uterus and vagina. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8785-8790. [PMID: 28061432 PMCID: PMC5352441 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital absence of the uterus and vagina (CAUV) is the most extreme female Müllerian duct abnormality. Several researches proposed that genetic factors contributed to this disorder, whereas the precise genetic mechanism is far from full elucidation. Here, utilizing whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified one novel missense mutation in LHX1 (NM_005568: c.G1108A, p.A370T) in one of ten unrelated patients diagnosed with CAUV. This mutation was absent from public databases and our internal database. Through the luciferase reporter analysis, we found that the mutation could change the transcriptional activity of LHX1 and its effect on the regulation of the downstream target gene GSC, which might be associated with urogenital system development. In short, we concluded that the LHX1 may be a pathogenic gene of CAUV. Our results demonstrate the power of whole exome sequencing and gene prioritization approach as diagnostic tools in clinical practice that help make genetic diagnosis of CAUV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xueya Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, TNLIST/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Genomic Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liyang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, TNLIST/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunmei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, TNLIST/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
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Jacquinet A, Millar D, Lehman A. Etiologies of uterine malformations. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:2141-72. [PMID: 27273803 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ranging from aplastic uterus (including Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome) to incomplete septate uterus, uterine malformations as a group are relatively frequent in the general population. Specific causes remain largely unknown. Although most occurrences ostensibly seem sporadic, familial recurrences have been observed, which strongly implicate genetic factors. Through the study of animal models, human syndromes, and structural chromosomal variation, several candidate genes have been proposed and subsequently tested with targeted methods in series of individuals with isolated, non-isolated, or syndromic uterine malformations. To date, a few genes have garnered strong evidence of causality, mainly in syndromic presentations (HNF1B, WNT4, WNT7A, HOXA13). Sequencing of candidate genes in series of individuals with isolated uterine abnormalities has been able to suggest an association for several genes, but confirmation of a strong causative effect is still lacking for the majority of them. We review the current state of knowledge about the developmental origins of uterine malformations, with a focus on the genetic variants that have been implicated or associated with these conditions in humans, and we discuss potential reasons for the high rate of negative results. The evidence for various environmental and epigenetic factors is also reviewed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Jacquinet
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Center for Human Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Debra Millar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: A historical perspective. Gene 2015; 555:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Chen X, Mu Y, Li C, Li G, Zhao H, Qin Y, Chen ZJ. Mutation screening of HOXA7 and HOXA9 genes in Chinese women with Müllerian duct abnormalities. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:595-9. [PMID: 25246116 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HOXA genes in groups 7-13 have been proven to play a role in determining positional identity along the genitalia axis. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between HOXA7 and HOXA9 mutations and Müllerian duct abnormalities (MDA). One hundred and ninety-two Chinese patients with MDA abnormalities and 192 healthy controls were recruited. All coding regions of HOXA7 and HOXA9 were amplified and sequenced directly. Rs2301721 and rs2301720 in HOXA7, rs35355140 and rs7810502 in HOXA9 were identified in patients with MDA and controls. One rare single nucleotide polymorphism rs189587233 in 3' UTR of HOXA9 gene was detected in one patient with didelphic uterus and absent in the 192 controls. This polymorphism, however, is known to exist in the normal Chinese population. Our results indicated that variants in the HOXA7 and HOXA9 genes were not common in Chinese women with Müllerian duct abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxia Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China; School of Nursing, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yulan Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, 10 Yuexing Erdao, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, 145 Middle Shandong Rd, Shanghai 200001, China.
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Abstract
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome consists of Mullerian aplasia with or without other anomalies, most commonly renal and skeletal. The genetic etiology of MRKH syndrome is unknown for most patients, but supportive evidence exists for heterozygous mutations in WNT4, LHX1, and HNF1B. Chromosomal microarray analyses have demonstrated chromosomal regions with copy number variants in multiple patients - deletions in17q12 and 16p11.2, and either deletions or duplications in 22q11.2. Genomic analyses of expression and methylation have also suggested potential molecular pathways. Positional cloning in MRKH patients with chromosomal rearrangements and exome sequencing are likely to result in new genes. Although some single gene defects and copy number variant regions have been identified, the molecular basis for the vast majority of MRKH remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C Layman
- a Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Neuroscience Program, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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13
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Mutations in HOXA11 are not responsible for Müllerian duct anomalies in Chinese patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:739-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Wang M, Li Y, Ma W, Li H, He F, Pu D, Su T, Wang S. Analysis of WNT9B mutations in Chinese women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 28:80-5. [PMID: 24268733 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital female genital anomaly, which is caused by aplasia of the caudalportion of the Müllerian duct. The WNT9B gene encodes a secretory glycoprotein essential for the caudal extension of the Müllerian duct during embryonic development in mice. Coding regions and exon/intron boundaries of the WNT9B gene were amplified and sequenced in 42 Chinese women with MRKH syndrome and 42 controls. Two novel heterozygous mutationswere identified,which were absent in controls. Onewas amissensemutation in exon 1, and the other was located in the 30-untranslated region. Both variants were detected in one out of 42 patients. The two novel mutations may be pathogenic variants in MRKH patients and warrant further functional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenqing Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Haixia Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fuxian He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Demin Pu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tiefen Su
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Sandbacka M, Laivuori H, Freitas É, Halttunen M, Jokimaa V, Morin-Papunen L, Rosenberg C, Aittomäki K. TBX6, LHX1 and copy number variations in the complex genetics of Müllerian aplasia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:125. [PMID: 23954021 PMCID: PMC3847609 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Müllerian aplasia (MA) is a congenital disorder of the female reproductive tract with absence of uterus and vagina with paramount impact on a woman’s life. Despite intense research, no major genes have been found to explain the complex genetic etiology. Methods and Results We have used several genetic methods to study 112 patients with MA. aCGH identified CNVs in 8/50 patients (16%), including 16p11.2 and 17q12 deletions previously associated with MA. Subsequently, another four patients were shown to carry the ~0.53 Mb deletion in 16p11.2. More importantly, sequencing of TBX6, residing within 16p11.2, revealed two patients carrying a splice site mutation. Two previously reported TBX6 variants in exon 4 and 6 were shown to have a significantly higher frequency in patients (8% and 5%, respectively) than in controls (2% each). We also sequenced LHX1 and found three apparently pathogenic missense variants in 5/112 patients. Altogether, we identified either CNVs or variations in TBX6 or LHX1 in 30/112 (26.8%) MA patients. CNVs were found in 12/112 (10.7%), patients, novel variants in TBX6 or LHX1 in 7/112 (6.3%), and rare variants in TBX6 in 15/112 (13.4%) patients. Furthermore, four of our patients (4/112, 3.6%) were shown to carry variants in both TBX6 and LHX1 or a CNV in combination with TBX6 variants lending support to the complex genetic etiology of MA. Conclusions We have identified TBX6 as a new gene associated with MA. Our results also support the relevance of LHX1 and CNVs in the development of this congenital malformation.
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Ekici AB, Strissel PL, Oppelt PG, Renner SP, Brucker S, Beckmann MW, Strick R. HOXA10 and HOXA13 sequence variations in human female genital malformations including congenital absence of the uterus and vagina. Gene 2013; 518:267-72. [PMID: 23376215 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Congenital genital malformations occurring in the female population are estimated to be 5 per 1000 and associate with infertility, abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery and other organ abnormalities. Complete aplasia of the uterus, cervix and upper vagina (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome) has an incidence of 1 per 4000 female live births. The molecular etiology of congenital genital malformations including MRKH is unknown up to date. The homeobox (HOX) genes HOXA10 and HOXA13 are involved in the development of human genitalia. In this investigation, HOXA10 and HOXA13 genes of 20 patients with the MRKH syndrome, 7 non-MRKH patients with genital malformations and 53 control women were sequenced to assess for DNA variations. A total of 14 DNA sequence variations (10 novel and 4 known) within exonic and untranslated regions were detected in HOXA10 and HOXA13 among our cohorts. Four HOXA10 and two HOXA13 DNA sequence variations were found solely in patients with genital malformations. In addition to mutations resulting in synonymous amino acid substitutions, in the HOXA10 gene a missense mutation was identified and predicted by computer analysis as probably damaging to protein function in two non-MRKH patients, one with a bicornate and the other patient with a septated uterus. A novel exonic HOXA10 cytosine deletion was also identified in a non-MRKH patient with a septate uterus and renal malformations resulting in a premature stop codon and loss of the homeodomain helix 3/4. This cytosine deletion and the missense mutation in HOXA10 were analysed by real time PCR and sequencing, respectively, in two additional larger cohorts of 103 patients with MRKH and 109 non-MRKH patients with genital malformations. No other patients were found with the cytosine deletion however one additional patient was identified regarding the missense mutation. Rare DNA sequence variations in the HOXA10 gene could contribute to the misdevelopment of female internal genitalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif B Ekici
- Institute for Human Genetics, University-Clinic Erlangen, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Müllerian agenesis with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia syndrome. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:948-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.01.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Rall K, Barresi G, Walter M, Poths S, Haebig K, Schaeferhoff K, Schoenfisch B, Riess O, Wallwiener D, Bonin M, Brucker S. A combination of transcriptome and methylation analyses reveals embryologically-relevant candidate genes in MRKH patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6:32. [PMID: 21619687 PMCID: PMC3123171 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-6-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is present in at least 1 out of 4,500 female live births and is the second most common cause for primary amenorrhea. It is characterized by vaginal and uterine aplasia in an XX individual with normal secondary characteristics. It has long been considered a sporadic anomaly, but familial clustering occurs. Several candidate genes have been studied although no single factor has yet been identified. Cases of discordant monozygotic twins suggest that the involvement of epigenetic factors is more likely. METHODS Differences in gene expression and methylation patterns of uterine tissue between eight MRKH patients and eight controls were identified using whole-genome microarray analyses. Results obtained by expression and methylation arrays were confirmed by qRT-PCR and pyrosequencing. RESULTS We delineated 293 differentially expressed and 194 differentially methylated genes of which nine overlap in both groups. These nine genes are mainly embryologically relevant for the development of the female genital tract. CONCLUSION Our study used, for the first time, a combined whole-genome expression and methylation approach to reveal the etiology of the MRKH syndrome. The findings suggest that either deficient estrogen receptors or the ectopic expression of certain HOXA genes might lead to abnormal development of the female reproductive tract. In utero exposure to endocrine disruptors or abnormally high maternal hormone levels might cause ectopic expression or anterior transformation of HOXA genes. It is, however, also possible that different factors influence the anti-Mullerian hormone promoter activity during embryological development causing regression of the Müllerian ducts. Thus, our data stimulate new research directions to decipher the pathogenic basis of MRKH syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Rall
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gianmaria Barresi
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sven Poths
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karina Haebig
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin Schaeferhoff
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Birgitt Schoenfisch
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Diethelm Wallwiener
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bonin
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sara Brucker
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
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HOX A10 and HOX A11 mutation scan in congenital malformations of the female genital tract. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:126-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2009] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sandbacka M, Painter J, Puhakka M, Halttunen M, Laivuori H, Aittomäki K. Does the Y chromosome have a role in Müllerian aplasia? Fertil Steril 2009; 94:120-5. [PMID: 19324347 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Revised: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether Y chromosomal genetic material has a role in the development of Müllerian aplasia in Finland. We have studied the TSPY1 gene and 38 additional male-specific fragments covering areas of both the long and short arms of the Y chromosome in Finnish patients with Müllerian aplasia. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING University hospital and genetic laboratory. PATIENT(S) A sample set of 110 Finnish patients with well-diagnosed Müllerian aplasia and 20 healthy relatives (13 mothers, 4 fathers, and 3 sisters from different families) were included in the study. One hundred healthy female controls with a background of at least one normal pregnancy with delivery were used as controls. INTERVENTION(S) Blood samples for DNA extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Detection of Y chromosomal fragments by polymerase chain reaction in female patients with Müllerian aplasia. RESULT(S) None of the female patients showed presence of the earlier reported TSPY1 gene or 38 additional Y chromosomal markers. CONCLUSION(S) Our results indicate that the studied Y-specific fragments, namely TSPY1 and 38 Y chromosomal markers, are not responsible for the syndrome in these Finnish patients with Müllerian aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sandbacka
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Wu HH, Wang NM, Lin CY, Tsai HD. Genetic alterations of HOXA10 and their effect on the severity of endometriosis in a Taiwanese population. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:416-24. [PMID: 18339267 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60604-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological diseases and evidence has suggested that it may be inherited as a complex genetic trait. HOXA10, a homeobox gene, is expressed in the developing uterus and participates in endometrium development and may contribute to endometriosis. In this study, the HOXA10 gene was analysed in 112 patients with endometriosis and in 54 women without endometriosis, as diagnosed laparoscopically. The entire HOXA10 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and sequencing. Association between the polymorphism and the clinical parameters of endometriosis were examined. There were 7.23% patients with HOXA10 genetic alterations; however, there was no significant increase in the endometriosis patients compared with the controls. Most of these DNA variants were found to be novel mutations that reside within the HOXA10 homeobox domain. Six variants generate amino acid changes in the protein and one harbours a premature stop codon. It was found that patients with HOXA10 polymorphism were associated with a lower serum cancer antigen-125, a lower American Fertility Society score and less severe obliterated cul-de-sac. It is postulated that genetic alterations in the homeobox domain might lead to less specificity for HOXA10 protein binding to a DNA molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hung Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
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