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Chen J, Jia Y, Zhong J, Zhang K, Dai H, He G, Li F, Zeng L, Fan C, Xu H. Novel mutation leading to splice donor loss in a conserved site of DMD gene causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy with cryptorchidism. J Med Genet 2024; 61:741-749. [PMID: 38621993 PMCID: PMC11287555 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-109896] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the most common congenital abnormalities in male births, cryptorchidism has been found to have a polygenic aetiology according to previous studies of common variants. However, little is known about genetic predisposition of rare variants for cryptorchidism, since rare variants have larger effective size on diseases than common variants. METHODS In this study, a cohort of 115 Chinese probands with cryptorchidism was analysed using whole-genome sequencing, alongside 19 parental controls and 2136 unaffected men. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 editing of a conserved variant was performed in a mouse model, with MRI screening used to observe the phenotype. RESULTS In 30 of 115 patients (26.1%), we identified four novel genes (ARSH, DMD, MAGEA4 and SHROOM2) affecting at least five unrelated patients and four known genes (USP9Y, UBA1, BCORL1 and KDM6A) with the candidate rare pathogenic variants affecting at least two cases. Burden tests of rare variants revealed the genome-wide significances for newly identified genes (p<2.5×10-6) under the Bonferroni correction. Surprisingly, novel and known genes were mainly found on X chromosome (seven on X and one on Y) and all rare X-chromosomal segregating variants exhibited a maternal inheritance rather than de novo origin. CRISPR-Cas9 mouse modelling of a splice donor loss variant in DMD (NC_000023.11:g.32454661C>G), which resides in a conserved site across vertebrates, replicated bilateral cryptorchidism phenotypes, confirmed by MRI at 4 and 10 weeks. The movement tests further revealed symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in transgenic mice. CONCLUSION Our results revealed the role of the DMD gene mutation in causing cryptorchidism. The results also suggest that maternal-X inheritance of pathogenic defects could have a predominant role in the development of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Chen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yangying Jia
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jie Zhong
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongzheng Dai
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guanglin He
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuping Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanzhu Fan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Huayan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Li X, Yao R, Chang G, Li Q, Song C, Li N, Ding Y, Li J, Chen Y, Wang Y, Huang X, Shen Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Wang X. Clinical Profiles and Genetic Spectra of 814 Chinese Children With Short Stature. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:972-985. [PMID: 34850017 PMCID: PMC8947318 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Data and studies based on exome sequencing for the genetic evaluation of short stature are limited, and more large-scale studies are warranted. Some factors increase the likelihood of a monogenic cause of short stature, including skeletal dysplasia, severe short stature, and small for gestational age (SGA) without catch-up growth. However, whether these factors can serve as predictors of molecular diagnosis remains unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the diagnostic efficiency of the associated risk factors and their exome sequences for screening. METHODS We defined and applied factors that increased the likelihood of monogenic causes of short stature in diagnostic genetic tests based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 814 patients with short stature and at least 1 other factor. RESULTS Pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in genes, copy number variations, and chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 361 patients. We found P/LP variants among 111 genes, and RASopathies comprised the most important etiology. Short stature combined with other phenotypes significantly increased the likelihood of a monogenic cause, including skeletal dysplasia, facial dysmorphism, and intellectual disability, compared with simple severe short stature (<-3 SD scores). We report novel candidate pathogenic genes, KMT2C for unequivocal growth hormone insensitivity and GATA6 for SGA. CONCLUSION Our study identified the diagnostic characteristics of NGS in short stature with different risk factors. Our study provides novel insights into the current understanding of the etiology of short stature in patients with different phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruen Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoying Chang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Song
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism disease, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Niu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yirou Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongnian Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Cryptorchidism, i.e., undescended testis, is one of the most common genital malformations in newborn male babies. The birth rate of cryptorchidism varies from 1.6 to 9.0 %. Etiology of disrupted testicular descent is complex and predisposing causes include genetic, hormonal, environmental, lifestyle and maternal factors. Testicular descent occurs in two major steps and testicular hormones and normal function of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis are important for normal descent. Several gene mutations are associated with syndromic cryptorchidism but they are rarely found in boys with isolated undescended testis. Testicular regression can also cause an empty scrotum. Normal male genital phenotype indicates that the boy has had functioning testis during development. Torsion of the testis can cause testicular regression but in many cases the reason for vanishing testis remains elusive. In this narrative review we discuss genetics of cryptorchidism and testicular regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi P Elamo
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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Han H, Dong H, Chen Q, Gao Y, Li J, Li W, Dang R, Lei C. Transcriptomic Analysis of Testicular Gene Expression in Normal and Cryptorchid Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010102. [PMID: 31936283 PMCID: PMC7022935 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation that results in impaired fertility in horses. The high abdominal temperature and the effects of this disease lead to differences in gene expression between retained testes and descended testes (DTs). Here, we focus on the genetic effects of cryptorchidism. All the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between undescended testes (UDTs) and DTs were analyzed in this study. A total of 84 DEGs were associated with functions related to sperm development and male reproductive performance. Our study has provided fundamental transcriptomic data for future studies on equine testes and cryptorchidism. Abstract Testes produce sperm, and investigations into gene expression in the testes will enhance the understanding of the roles of testicular genes in male reproduction. Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotal sac, is a common congenital malformation in horses. The major clinical consequence of this abnormality is impaired fertility. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression patterns of testicular genes and to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in testes between cryptorchid and normal horses. In this study, the gene expression patterns in equine testes and the DEGs between mature descended testes (DTs) and undescended testes (UDTs) were identified by RNA-seq and validated by real-time qPCR. Our results provide comprehensive transcriptomic data on equine testes. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 11 affected genes that were downregulated in UDTs, possibly as a result of the higher temperature in the abdomen than in the scrotal sac. These 11 genes have previously been associated with male reproduction, and their downregulation might explain the impaired fertility of cryptorchid horses. Two homozygous missense mutations detected in horses with cryptorchidism were absent in normal horses and were listed as potential pathogenic mutations; these mutations should be verified in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyuan Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450046, China (J.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hong Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Qiuming Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450046, China (J.L.)
| | - Wantao Li
- Henan Genetic Protection Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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Wang Y, Gray DR, Robbins AK, Crowgey EL, Chanock SJ, Greene MH, McGlynn KA, Nathanson K, Turnbull C, Wang Z, Devoto M, Barthold JS. Subphenotype meta-analysis of testicular cancer genome-wide association study data suggests a role for RBFOX family genes in cryptorchidism susceptibility. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:967-977. [PMID: 29618007 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can subphenotype analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from subjects with testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) provide insight into cryptorchidism (undescended testis, UDT) susceptibility? SUMMARY ANSWER Suggestive intragenic GWAS signals common to UDT, TGCT case-case and TGCT case-control analyses occur in genes encoding RBFOX RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their neurodevelopmental targets. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UDT is a strong risk factor for TGCT, but while genetic risk factors for TGCT are well-known, genetic susceptibility to UDT is poorly understood and appears to be more complex. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a secondary subphenotype analysis of existing GWAS data from the Testicular Cancer Consortium (TECAC) and compared these results with our previously published UDT GWAS data, and with data previously acquired from studies of the fetal rat gubernaculum. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Studies from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), United Kingdom (UK) and University of Pennsylvania (Penn) that enrolled white subjects were the source of the TGCT GWAS data. We completed UDT subphenotype case-case (TGCT/UDT vs TGCT/non-UDT) and case-control (TGCT/UDT vs control), collectively referred to as 'TECAC' analyses, followed by a meta-analysis comprising 129 TGCT/UDT cases, 1771 TGCT/non-UDT cases, and 3967 unaffected controls. We reanalyzed our UDT GWAS results comprising 844 cases and 2718 controls by mapping suggestive UDT and TECAC signals (defined as P < 0.001) to genes using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®). We compared associated pathways and enriched gene categories common to all analyses after Benjamini-Hochberg multiple testing correction, and analyzed transcript levels and protein expression using qRT-PCR and rat fetal gubernaculum confocal imaging, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found suggestive signals within 19 genes common to all three analyses, including RBFOX1 and RBFOX3, neurodevelopmental paralogs that encode RBPs targeting (U)GCATG-containing transcripts. Ten of the 19 genes participate in neurodevelopment and/or contribute to risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Experimentally predicted RBFOX gene targets were strongly overrepresented among suggestive intragenic signals for the UDT (117 of 628 (19%), P = 3.5 × 10-24), TECAC case-case (129 of 711 (18%), P = 2.5 × 10-27) and TECAC case-control (117 of 679 (17%), P = 2 × 10-21) analyses, and a majority of the genes common to all three analyses (12 of 19 (63%), P = 3 × 10-9) are predicted RBFOX targets. Rbfox1, Rbfox2 and their encoded proteins are expressed in the rat fetal gubernaculum. Predicted RBFOX targets are also enriched among transcripts differentially regulated in the fetal gubernaculum during normal development (P = 3 × 10-31), in response to in vitro hormonal stimulation (P = 5 × 10-45) and in the cryptorchid LE/orl rat (P = 2 × 10-42). LARGE SCALE DATA GWAS data included in this study are available in the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP accession numbers phs000986.v1.p1 and phs001349.v1p1). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These GWAS data did not reach genome-wide significance for any individual analysis. UDT appears to have a complex etiology that also includes environmental factors, and such complexity may require much larger sample sizes than are currently available. The current methodology may also introduce bias that favors false discovery of larger genes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Common suggestive intragenic GWAS signals suggest that RBFOX paralogs and other neurodevelopmental genes are potential UDT risk candidates, and potential TGCT susceptibility modifiers. Enrichment of predicted RBFOX targets among differentially expressed transcripts in the fetal gubernaculum additionally suggests a role for this RBP family in regulation of testicular descent. As RBFOX proteins regulate alternative splicing of Calca to generate calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein linked to development and function of the gubernaculum, additional studies that address the role of these proteins in UDT are warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (R01HD060769); National Center for Research Resources (P20RR20173), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (P20GM103464), Nemours Biomedical Research, the Testicular Cancer Consortium (U01CA164947), the Intramural Research Program of the NCI, a support services contract HHSN26120130003C with IMS, Inc., the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn, National Cancer Institute (CA114478), the Institute of Cancer Research, UK and the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium (WTCCC) 2. None of the authors reports a conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Dione R Gray
- Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Alan K Robbins
- Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Erin L Crowgey
- Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Stephen J Chanock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mark H Greene
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Nathanson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Zhaoming Wang
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Computational Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marcella Devoto
- Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Harrison SM, Bush NC, Wang Y, Mucher ZR, Lorenzo AJ, Grimsby GM, Schlomer BJ, Büllesbach EE, Baker LA. Insulin-Like Peptide 3 (INSL3) Serum Concentration During Human Male Fetal Life. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:596. [PMID: 31611843 PMCID: PMC6737488 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), a protein hormone produced by Leydig cells, may play a crucial role in testicular descent as male INSL3 knockout mice have bilateral cryptorchidism. Previous studies have measured human fetal INSL3 levels in amniotic fluid only. Objective: To measure INSL3 serum levels and mRNA in fetal umbilical cord blood and fetal testes, respectively. Design: INSL3 concentrations were assayed on 50 μl of serum from male human fetal umbilical cord blood by a non-commercial highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. For secondary confirmation, quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure INSL3 relative mRNA expression in 7 age-matched human fetal testes. Setting: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Patients or other Participants: Twelve human male umbilical cord blood samples and 7 human male testes were obtained from fetuses 14-21 weeks gestation. Male sex was verified by leukocyte genomic DNA SRY PCR. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Human male fetal INSL3 cord blood serum concentrations and testicular relative mRNA expression. Results: INSL3 serum concentrations during human male gestational weeks 15-20 were 2-4 times higher than published prepubertal male levels and were 5-100 times higher than previous reports of INSL3 concentrations obtained from amniotic fluid. Testicular fetal INSL3 mRNA relative expression was low from weeks 14-16, rose significantly weeks 17 and 18, and returned to low levels at week 21. Conclusions: These findings further support the role of INSL3 in human testicular descent and could prove relevant in uncovering the pathophysiology of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Harrison
- Clinical R&D Sequencing Platform, Broad Institute, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zachary R. Mucher
- Department of Urology, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Armando J. Lorenzo
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bruce J. Schlomer
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Erika E. Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Linda A. Baker
- John W. Duckett MD Laboratory in Pediatric Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Linda A. Baker
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Urh K, Kolenc Ž, Hrovat M, Svet L, Dovč P, Kunej T. Molecular Mechanisms of Syndromic Cryptorchidism: Data Synthesis of 50 Studies and Visualization of Gene-Disease Network. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:425. [PMID: 30093884 PMCID: PMC6070605 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptorchidism is one of the most frequent congenital birth defects in male children and is present in 2-4% of full-term male births. It has several possible health effects including reduced fertility, increased risk for testicular neoplasia, testicular torsion, and psychological consequences. Cryptorchidism is often diagnosed as comorbid; copresent with other diseases. It is also present in clinical picture of several syndromes. However, this field has not been systematically studied. The aim of the present study was to catalog published cases of syndromes which include cryptorchidism in the clinical picture and associated genomic information. Methods: The literature was extracted from Public/Publisher MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, using the keywords including: syndrome, cryptorchidism, undescended testes, loci, and gene. The obtained data was organized in a table according to the previously proposed standardized data format. The results of the study were visually represented using Gephi and karyotype view. Results: Fifty publications had sufficient data for analysis. Literature analysis resulted in 60 genomic loci, associated with 44 syndromes that have cryptorchidism in clinical picture. Genomic loci included 38 protein-coding genes and 22 structural variations containing microdeletions and microduplications. Loci, associated with syndromic cryptorchidism are located on 16 chromosomes. Visualization of retrieved data is presented in a gene-disease network. Conclusions: The study is ongoing and further studies will be needed to develop a complete catalog with the data from upcoming publications. Additional studies will also be needed for revealing of molecular mechanisms associated with syndromic cryptorchidism and revealing complete diseasome network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Rodríguez F, Vallejos C, Ponce D, Unanue N, Hernández MI, Célis S, Arcos K, Belmar F, López MT, Cassorla F. Study of Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants in Chilean patients with Cryptorchidism. Andrology 2018; 6:579-584. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Rodríguez
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - C. Vallejos
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - D. Ponce
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - N. Unanue
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - M. I. Hernández
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - S. Célis
- Pediatric Urology Department; Hospital Clínico San Borja - Arriarán; Santiago Chile
| | - K. Arcos
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - F. Belmar
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - M. T. López
- Pediatric Urology Department; Hospital Clínico San Borja - Arriarán; Santiago Chile
| | - F. Cassorla
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
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Urh K, Kunej T. Genome-wide screening for smallest regions of overlaps in cryptorchidism. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:85-99. [PMID: 29631949 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a urogenital abnormality associated with increased rates of testicular neoplasia and impaired spermatogenesis. The field is facing expansion of genomics data; however, it lacks protocols for biomarker prioritization. Identification of smallest regions of overlap (SRO) presents an approach for candidate gene identification but has not yet been systematically conducted in cryptorchidism. The aim of this study was to conduct a genome-wide screening for SRO (GW-SRO) associated with cryptorchidism development. We updated the Cryptorchidism Gene Database to version 3, remapped genomic coordinates of loci from older assemblies to the GRCh38 and performed genome-wide screening for overlapping regions associated with cryptorchidism risk. A total of 73 chromosomal loci (68 involved in chromosomal mutations and five copy number variations) described in 37 studies associated with cryptorchidism risk in humans were used for SRO identification. Analysis resulted in 18 SRO, based on deletions, duplications, inversions, derivations and copy number variations. Screening for SRO was challenging owing to heterogeneous reporting of genomic locations. To our knowledge, this is the first GW-SRO study for cryptorchidism and it presents the basis for further narrowing of critical regions for cryptorchidism and planning functional experiments. The developed protocol could also be applied to other multifactorial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Urh
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, Slovenia.
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Barthold JS, Ivell R. Perspective: A Neuro-Hormonal Systems Approach to Understanding the Complexity of Cryptorchidism Susceptibility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:401. [PMID: 30083133 PMCID: PMC6065160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsyndromic cryptorchidism is a common multifactorial, condition with long-term risks of subfertility and testicular cancer. Revealing the causes of cryptorchidism will likely improve prediction and prevention of adverse outcomes. Herein we provide our current perspective of cryptorchidism complexity in a synthesis of cumulative clinical and translational data generated by ourselves and others. From our recent comparison of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of cryptorchidism with or without testicular germ cell tumor, we identified RBFOX family genes as candidate susceptibility loci. Notably, RBFOX proteins regulate production of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide linked to testicular descent in animal models. We also re-analyzed existing fetal testis transcriptome data from a rat model of inherited cryptorchidism (the LE/orl strain) for enrichment of Leydig cell progenitor genes. The majority are coordinately downregulated, consistent with known reduced testicular testosterone levels in the LE/orl fetus, and similarly suppressed in the gubernaculum. Using qRT-PCR, we found dysregulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory transcripts ipsilateral to undescended testes. These data suggest that LE/orl cryptorchidism is associated with altered signaling in possibly related cell types in the testis and gubernaculum as well as DRG. Complementary rat and human studies thus lead us to propose a multi-level, integrated neuro-hormonal model of testicular descent. Variants in genes encoding RBFOX family proteins and/or their transcriptional targets combined with environmental exposures may disrupt this complex pathway to enhance cryptorchidism susceptibility. We believe that a systems approach is necessary to provide further insight into the causes and consequences of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Julia S. Barthold
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences and School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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11
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Rodríguez F, Vallejos C, Giraudo F, Unanue N, Hernández MI, Godoy P, Célis S, Martín-Arenas R, Palomares-Bralo M, Heath KE, López MT, Cassorla F. Copy number variants of Ras/MAPK pathway genes in patients with isolated cryptorchidism. Andrology 2017; 5:923-930. [PMID: 28914499 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital disorder in boys, but the cause for most cases remains unknown. Patients with Noonan Syndrome are characterized by a typical face, growth retardation, congenital heart defects, learning disabilities and cryptorchidism. Copy number variations of Ras/MAPK pathway genes are unusual in patients with several clinical features of Noonan Syndrome; however, they have not been studied in patients with only one feature of this condition, such as cryptorchidism. Our aim was to determine whether patients with isolated cryptorchidism exhibit Ras/MAPK pathway gene copy number variations (CNVs). Fifty-nine patients with isolated cryptorchidism and negative for mutations in genes associated with Noonan Syndrome were recruited. Determination of Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs was performed by Comparative Genome Hybridization array. A CNV was identified in two individuals, a ~175 kb microduplication at 3p25.2, partially including RAF1. A similar RAF1 microduplication has been observed in a patient with testicular aplasia. This suggests that some patients with isolated cryptorchidism may harbor Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rodríguez
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Vallejos
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F Giraudo
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - N Unanue
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M I Hernández
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - P Godoy
- Pediatric Service, Hospital Base San José, Osorno, Chile
| | - S Célis
- Pediatric Urology Department, Hospital Clínico San Borja - Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
| | - R Martín-Arenas
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, UAM and CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Palomares-Bralo
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, UAM and CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - K E Heath
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, UAM and CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - M T López
- Pediatric Urology Department, Hospital Clínico San Borja - Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
| | - F Cassorla
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Abstract
Undescended testis - known as cryptorchidism - is one of the most common congenital abnormalities observed in boys, and is one of the few known risk factors for testicular cancer. The key factors that contribute to the occurrence of cryptorchidism remain elusive. Testicular descent is thought to occur during two hormonally-controlled phases in fetal development - between 8-15 weeks (the first phase of decent) and 25-35 weeks gestation (the second phase of descent); the failure of a testis to descend permanently is probably caused by disruptions to one or both of these phases, but the causes and mechanisms of such disruptions are still unclear. A broad range of putative risk factors have been evaluated in relation to the development of cryptorchidism but their plausibility is still in question. Consistent evidence of an association with cryptorchidism exists for only a few factors, and in those cases in which evidence seems unequivocal the factor is likely to be a surrogate for the true causal exposure. The relative importance of each risk factor could vary considerably between mother-son pairs depending on an array of genetic, maternal, placental and fetal factors - all of which could vary between regions. Thus, the role of causative factors in aetiology of cryptorchidism requires further research.
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13
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Exomic and Epigenomic Analyses in a Pair of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Cryptorchidism. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:349-354. [PMID: 28606200 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism represents one of the most common human congenital anomalies. In most cases, its etiology remains unclear and seems to be multifactorial. In the present study, a pair of monozygotic twins discordant for cryptorchidism was identified. Twin zygosity was confirmed by microsatellite genotyping. Whole exome sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) of DNA extract from leucocytes were performed to, respectively, evaluate their exomes and epigenomes. No differences in exome sequencing data were found between the twins after validation. MeDIP-Seq analysis detected 5,410 differentially hypermethylated genes and 2,383 differentially hypomethylated genes. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these genes belonged to several biological processes and signaling pathways, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, which has been previously implicated in the etiology of cryptorchidism. The findings of the present study suggest that non-genetic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.
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14
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Goodyer CG, Poon S, Aleksa K, Hou L, Atehortua V, Carnevale A, Koren G, Jednak R, Emil S, Bagli D, Dave S, Hales BF, Chevrier J. A Case-Control Study of Maternal Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Exposure and Cryptorchidism in Canadian Populations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:057004. [PMID: 28557710 PMCID: PMC5726354 DOI: 10.1289/ehp522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in North American household products during the past four decades. These chemicals leach out in dust as products age, exposing individuals daily through inhalation and ingestion. Animal studies suggest that PBDEs disrupt sex hormones and adversely affect development of the reproductive system. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we examined whether there is a link between maternal hair PBDE concentrations and the risk of cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in male infants; testis descent is known to be dependent on androgens. METHODS Full-term male infants were recruited through clinics in Montreal, Toronto, and London, Canada. Boys with cryptorchidism at 3-18 months of age (n=137) were identified by pediatric urologists and surgeons; similar-aged controls (n=158) had no genitourinary abnormalities as assessed by pediatricians. Eight BDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, -209) were measured by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) in maternal hair samples collected at the time of recruitment. RESULTS The ∑PBDE geometric mean for maternal hair was 45.35 pg/mg for controls and 50.27 pg/mg for cases; the concentrations of three BDEs (BDE-99, -100, and -154) were significantly higher in cases than controls in unadjusted models. In adjusted models, every 10-fold increase in the concentration of maternal hair BDE-99 [OR=2.53 (95% CI: 1.29, 4.95) or BDE-100 [OR=2.45 (95% CI: 1.31, 4.56)] was associated with more than a doubling in the risk of cryptorchidism. BDE-154 [OR=1.88 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.28) was also significant. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that maternal exposure to BDE-99, -100, and -154 may be associated with abnormal migration of testes in the male fetus. This may be due to the anti-androgenic properties of the PBDEs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP522.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia G Goodyer
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shirley Poon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katarina Aleksa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan School of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Hou
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Veronica Atehortua
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amanda Carnevale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Roman Jednak
- Department of Pediatric Urology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherif Emil
- Department of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Darius Bagli
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Dave
- Division of Pediatric Urology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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15
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Lu P, Wang Y, Wang F, Huang J, Zeng Y, He D, Huang H, Cheng Z. Genetic analysis of HOXA11 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28261830 DOI: 10.1111/and.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly in male children. Its aetiology remains unknown in the majority of cases. Because HOXA11 plays a vital role in regulating testicular descent, genetic variants in HOXA11 genes may contribute to the risk of cryptorchidism. In this study, mutation analysis was performed on the HOXA11 gene in a cohort of 89 patients with cryptorchidism. Furthermore, an association analysis of the HOXA11 tag single nucleotide polymorphism rs6461992 was performed in 168 patients with unilateral cryptorchidism and 193 controls. No pathogenic mutations were found. A significant difference in genotype and allele distribution was detected between cases and controls (p = .029 and .022 respectively). These results suggest that mutations in the coding sequence of HOXA11 might not be a common cause of cryptorchidism, while common polymorphisms in the HOXA11 gene might contribute to the risk of developing unilateral cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Reproduction and Infertility, Suizhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei, China
| | - F Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - J Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - D He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - H Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z Cheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Wang Y, Li J, Kolon TF, Olivant Fisher A, Figueroa TE, BaniHani AH, Hagerty JA, Gonzalez R, Noh PH, Chiavacci RM, Harden KR, Abrams DJ, Stabley D, Kim CE, Sol-Church K, Hakonarson H, Devoto M, Barthold JS. Genomic copy number variation association study in Caucasian patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. BMC Urol 2016; 16:62. [PMID: 27769252 PMCID: PMC5073740 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-016-0180-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Copy number variation (CNV) is a potential contributing factor to many genetic diseases. Here we investigated the potential association of CNV with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, the most common male congenital genitourinary defect, in a Caucasian population. Methods Genome wide genotyping were performed in 559 cases and 1772 controls (Group 1) using Illumina HumanHap550 v1, HumanHap550 v3 or Human610-Quad platforms and in 353 cases and 1149 controls (Group 2) using the Illumina Human OmniExpress 12v1 or Human OmniExpress 12v1-1. Signal intensity data including log R ratio (LRR) and B allele frequency (BAF) for each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were used for CNV detection using PennCNV software. After sample quality control, gene- and CNV-based association tests were performed using cleaned data from Group 1 (493 cases and 1586 controls) and Group 2 (307 cases and 1102 controls) using ParseCNV software. Meta-analysis was performed using gene-based test results as input to identify significant genes, and CNVs in or around significant genes were identified in CNV-based association test results. Called CNVs passing quality control and signal intensity visualization examination were considered for validation using TaqMan CNV assays and QuantStudio® 3D Digital PCR System. Results The meta-analysis identified 373 genome wide significant (p < 5X10−4) genes/loci including 49 genes/loci with deletions and 324 with duplications. Among them, 17 genes with deletion and 1 gene with duplication were identified in CNV-based association results in both Group 1 and Group 2. Only 2 genes (NUCB2 and UPF2) containing deletions passed CNV quality control in both groups and signal intensity visualization examination, but laboratory validation failed to verify these deletions. Conclusions Our data do not support that structural variation is a major cause of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12894-016-0180-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas F Kolon
- Division of Urology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alicia Olivant Fisher
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - T Ernesto Figueroa
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ahmad H BaniHani
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Jennifer A Hagerty
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ricardo Gonzalez
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.,Present address: Auf der Bult Kinder- und Jugendkrankenhaus, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul H Noh
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.,Present address: Division of Pediatric Urology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rosetta M Chiavacci
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kisha R Harden
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Debra J Abrams
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Deborah Stabley
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Cecilia E Kim
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katia Sol-Church
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Division of Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcella Devoto
- Division of Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Julia Spencer Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA. .,Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
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Urh K, Kunej T. Molecular mechanisms of cryptorchidism development: update of the database, disease comorbidity, and initiative for standardization of reporting in scientific literature. Andrology 2016; 4:894-902. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Urh
- Department of Animal Science; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domzale Slovenia
| | - T. Kunej
- Department of Animal Science; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domzale Slovenia
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18
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Barthold JS, Pugarelli J, MacDonald ML, Ren J, Adetunji MO, Polson SW, Mateson A, Wang Y, Sol-Church K, McCahan SM, Akins RE, Devoto M, Robbins AK. Polygenic inheritance of cryptorchidism susceptibility in the LE/orl rat. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:18-34. [PMID: 26502805 PMCID: PMC4694052 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Susceptibility to inherited cryptorchidism in the LE/orl rat may be associated with genetic loci that influence developmental patterning of the gubernaculum by the fetal testis. STUDY FINDING Cryptorchidism in the LE/orl rat is associated with a unique combination of homozygous minor alleles at multiple loci, and the encoded proteins are co-localized with androgen receptor (AR) and Leydig cells in fetal gubernaculum and testis, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prior studies have shown aberrant perinatal gubernacular migration, muscle patterning defects and reduced fetal testicular testosterone in the LE/orl strain. In addition, altered expression of androgen-responsive, cytoskeletal and muscle-related transcripts in the LE/orl fetal gubernaculum suggest a role for defective AR signaling in cryptorchidism susceptibility. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS The long-term LE/orl colony and short-term colonies of outbred Crl:LE and Crl:SD, and inbred WKY/Ncrl rats were maintained for studies. Animals were intercrossed (LE/orl X WKY/Ncrl), and obligate heterozygotes were reciprocally backcrossed to LE/orl rats to generate 54 F2 males used for genotyping and/or linkage analysis. At least five fetuses per gestational time point from two or more litters were used for quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and freshly harvested embryonic (E) day 17 gubernaculum was used to generate conditionally immortalized cell lines. We completed genotyping and gene expression analyses using genome-wide microsatellite markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, PCR amplification, direct sequencing, restriction enzyme digest with fragment analysis, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and qRT-PCR. Linkage analysis was performed in Haploview with multiple testing correction, and qRT-PCR data were analyzed using ANOVA after log transformation. Imaging was performed using custom and commercial antibodies directed at candidate proteins in gubernaculum and testis tissues, and gubernaculum cell lines. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE LE/orl rats showed reduced fertility and fecundity, and higher risk of perinatal death as compared with Crl:LE rats, but there were no differences in breeding outcomes between normal and unilaterally cryptorchid males. Linkage analysis identified multiple peaks, and with selective breeding of outbred Crl:LE and Crl:SD strains for alleles within two of the most significant (P < 0.003) peaks on chromosomes 6 and 16, we were able to generate a non-LE/orl cryptorchid rat. Associated loci contain potentially functional minor alleles (0.25-0.36 in tested rat strains) including an exonic deletion in Syne2, a large intronic insertion in Ncoa4 (an AR coactivator) and potentially deleterious variants in Solh/Capn15, Ankrd28, and Hsd17b2. Existing WGS data indicate that homozygosity for these combined alleles does not occur in any other sequenced rat strain. We observed a modifying effect of the Syne2(del) allele on expression of other candidate genes, particularly Ncoa4, and for muscle and hormone-responsive transcripts. The selected candidate genes/proteins are highly expressed, androgen-responsive and/or co-localized with developing muscle and AR in fetal gubernaculum, and co-localized with Leydig cells in fetal testis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study identified multiple cryptorchidism-associated linkage peaks in the LE/orl rat, containing potentially causal alleles. These are strong candidate susceptibility loci, but further studies are needed to demonstrate functional relevance to the phenotype. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Association data from both human and rat models of spontaneous, nonsyndromic cryptorchidism support a polygenic etiology of the disease. Both the present study and a human genome-wide association study suggest that common variants with weak effects contribute to susceptibility, and may exist in genes encoding proteins that participate in AR signaling in the developing gubernaculum. These findings have potential implications for the gene-environment interaction in the etiology of cryptorchidism. LARGE SCALE DATA Sequences were deposited in the Rat Genome Database (RGD, http://rgd.mcw.edu/). STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by: R01HD060769 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 2P20GM103446 and P20GM103464 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), and Nemours Biomedical Research. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Spencer Barthold
- Pediatric Urology Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Joan Pugarelli
- Pediatric Urology Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Madolyn L MacDonald
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Jia Ren
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Modupeore O Adetunji
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Shawn W Polson
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Abigail Mateson
- Pediatric Urology Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Yanping Wang
- Pediatric Urology Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Katia Sol-Church
- Biomolecular Core Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Suzanne M McCahan
- Bioinformatics Core, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Robert E Akins
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Marcella Devoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Department of Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Department of Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alan K Robbins
- Pediatric Urology Research Laboratory, Nemours Biomedical Research/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
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